Uttarakhand Tourism introduces ‘Mere Bujurg, Mere Teerth’ initiative

ETW Staff – Mumbai

Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Harish Rawat has flagged off the first batch of pilgrims of the ‘Mere Bujurg, Mere Teerth’ initiative for the senior citizens undertaking the Badrinath Yatra. Under the initiative, the state government through Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), would provide free food, accommodation and travel for all the yatris aged 65 and above.

Rawat, chief minister, Uttarakhand, said, “We are delighted to provide a helping hand for the service of the elderly. We shall continue to take such initiatives in the future too. We ought to maintain the cultural tradition of India and respect for elders. These things are fading away from the society and it’s our responsibility to take care of the same. We named this Yatra Mere Bujurg because a human being never attains old age till he has the willingness to do things. Thus, we want to show that nobody is old and they can undertake a tough journey like the Chardham Yatra. By this yatra our elders will confer the message that the yatra is completely safe and anybody can do this without any fear. This Yatra will increase the internal tourism in the state. Under this more than 30,000 tourists will avail the benefit of this pilgrimage.”

This year 200 senior citizens of the state from every district will get the benefit of the free of cost Yatra on a first cum, first serve basis.