JAIPUR, Jun 5 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday flagged off a special train to Gujarat’s Somnath under the state’s pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens.
During the event at Durgapura railway station here, Sharma interacted with pilgrims onboard and extended his wishes for a safe journey.
The pilgrims’ train will cover visits to the sacred Somnath Jyotirlinga as well as Dwarka and Nageshwar.
Speaking at the event, Sharma said that his government is committed to fulfilling religious aspirations of the elderly and promoting spiritual tourism.
He said the scheme has so far enabled more than one lakh senior citizens to visit various pilgrimage sites across the country.
Describing the Indian culture as enduring and unique, the chief minister said, “Respecting parents and elders has always been central to Indian culture. Rajasthan government is making efforts to ensure that no senior citizen is deprived of undertaking pilgrimage.”
Stating that Somnath temple symbolises the country’s spiritual heritage and resilience, he referred to the Central government’s “Somnath Swabhiman Parv”, an initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark 75 years of the temple’s reconstruction.
Sharma said pilgrimage is not only an expression of faith but also a means to attain inner peace and positive energy.
He pointed out that major religious sites across the country, including Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal Lok and Kedarnath, have seen significant development in recent years.
On these lines, the Rajasthan government has undertaken development works at major religious centres such as Pushkar, Khatu Shyamji, Nathdwara and Keshoraypatan, Sharma said.
He also outlined measures taken for the welfare of senior citizens, including dedicated wards in hospitals and pension schemes.
Devasthan Minister Joraram Kumawat, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham, MP Manju Sharma and senior officials were present at the event.
Kumawat said the number of beneficiaries under the pilgrimage scheme has been increased and AC train facilities have been introduced. (PTI )
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