Bhubaneswar: A total of 775 senior citizens from six districts in Odisha embarked on a pilgrimage to Ayodhya and Varanasi today in the seventh phase of the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) (Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme).
The pilgrimage is being undertaken in collaboration with the State Tourism Department and Railways.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida launched the seventh phase of the scheme, stating that it aims to fulfill the religious aspirations of senior citizens. The pilgrims, accompanied by 25 administrative officers, began their journey from Bhubaneswar.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaibir Singh attended the event as the guest of honour, highlighting the cultural exchange program between Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. He expressed his optimism that the development of culture in both states will contribute to the realization of a developed India by 2047.
Minister of Law, Excise, and Prithviraj Harichandan praised the initiative, calling it an innovative opportunity for senior citizens to fulfill their dreams despite financial constraints.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Minister for Industries and Skill Development Sampada Chandra Swain and Mahakalapada MLA Durga Prasanna Nayak.
The Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme is part of the Odisha government’s efforts to provide opportunities for senior citizens to visit holy sites across India.
