Malkangiri, Dec, 22: Under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme, 75 senior citizens from Malkangiri district set out today toward Rayagada as part of their journey to the pilgrimage sites of Rameswaram and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
Following the instructions of District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay, the journey was formally flagged off by Additional District Collector (Revenue) Bedabar Pradhan from the local Sports Complex. The event was attended by District Information and Public Relations Officer Pramila Majhi, RTO Inspector Deepak Sahu, Sub-Divisional Social Security Officer Rajiv Pujari, and Block Social Security Officer Shubhashini Mallick.
The District Collector conveyed his best wishes to all pilgrims for a safe and pleasant journey. He stated that visiting sacred pilgrimage sites has long been a cherished tradition in human life, and through this scheme, the long-cherished dream of 75 senior citizens of the district to visit the holy sites of Rameswaram and Madurai has been fulfilled.
The district administration has conducted health check-ups for all pilgrims and has made all necessary ancillary arrangements. Comprehensive facilities including medical support, guides, food, and drinking water have been arranged.
From Malkangiri district, sports coach Babita Mahanti and revenue official Saroj from Khairaput Tahasil have been deputed as escort officers for the journey. Among the 75 pilgrims, 40 are men and 35 are women.
Today, all pilgrims will reach Rayagada, where they will rest overnight. Tomorrow, they will depart from Rayagada Railway Station toward the pilgrimage destinations. Officials from the State Tourism Department are accompanying the group on the train to ensure their comfort and convenience.
This scheme particularly benefits economically weaker senior citizens, providing them with an opportunity to undertake pilgrimage journeys. Several individuals, including Harekrushna Kirtania, Ranjan Mahanti, Santosh Biswas, Laxmi Jala, Lachhami Muduli, and Shukra Kirsani, extended their cooperation in organizing the program.