Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) Embarks on its 10th Journey: A Spiritual Sojourn for Senior Citizens

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the 10th trip of the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) from Balasore Railway Station today. The pilgrimage train, approved during the 2023-24 period, will carry 970 pilgrims along with 30 Escort Officers from the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Jajpur on a spiritual journey to Agra-Mathura.

In its 8th year since inception in 2016-17, the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana was launched by the State Government to fulfill the lifelong dreams of senior citizens and provide them with the opportunity for one Tirtha Yatra (Pilgrimage) to meet their spiritual aspirations. The scheme, in collaboration with IRCTC, has organized 29 such trips benefiting over 28,651 senior citizens, including Escort Officers, in the age group of 60 to 75 years.

As the 30th trip commences, a total of 29,651 pilgrims have availed themselves of this scheme. The flagging-off ceremony in Bhubaneswar saw the presence of dignitaries including Aswini Kumar Patra, Minister of Tourism, OLLC; Sudhanshu Sekhar Parida, Remuna MLA; Swarup Kumar Das, Balasore MLA; Dr. Lenin Mohanty, Chairman, OTDC; Durga Prasad Samantaray, Advisor, BNTYY; Balamukunda Bhuyan, Additional Secretary, Tourism Department, and other officials.

The BNTYY initiative continues to play a crucial role in providing senior citizens with the opportunity for spiritual fulfillment, contributing to their overall well-being and happiness.