Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh) — Highlighting the state’s commitment to welfare initiatives for senior citizens, Haryana Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma announced that the government will soon organize free pilgrimage tours to the historic Somnath Temple in Gujarat. The announcement was made on Saturday at the Charkhi Dadri railway station, where the minister flagged off a special train carrying pilgrims to Sri Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra.
The flag-off ceremony coincided with a state-wide launch by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who simultaneously flagged off a primary contingent of pilgrims toward Nanded Sahib from Sirsa. Operating in coordination with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, the Mukhya Mantri Tirth Yatra Yojana provides entirely free travel, transit meals, and comfortable accommodation for senior citizens across the state. Minister Sharma emphasized that the welfare policy ensures financial constraints do not obstruct the spiritual aspirations of elderly residents, framing the state’s role as an extended family member looking after its elders.
Reflecting on the historical and cultural significance of the ongoing tour, Minister Sharma noted that Sri Nanded Sahib stands as one of the five sacred Takhts of Sikhism. He reminded the gathering that the holy site marks the sacred land where Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, bestowed eternal Gurushorship upon the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The high-profile event at Charkhi Dadri was attended by several senior administrative and police officials, including Deputy Commissioner Dr. Munish Nagpal, Superintendent of Police Logesh Kumar P., and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Dr. Virender Singh
