BY SEEMA & KARUN JAIN
When we first heard about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary initiative, the Pravasi Bharatiya Teerth Darshan Yojana, we felt a deep sense of excitement. As members of the global Indian diaspora, the opportunity to reconnect with our ancestral homeland through an immersive 16-day pilgrimage felt like a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and IRCTC, this initiative was a reflection of India’s commitment to its people, no matter how many generations have passed since their forefathers left its shores.
The tour was on the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, an exclusive, cutting-edge tourist train dedicated to serving the Indian Diaspora. This initiative is designed to help reconnect Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), aged between 45 and 65, with their ancestral roots. With space for up to 156 passengers, the Pravasi Bharatiya Express departed from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi on January 9, 2025. The train undertook a comprehensive three-week journey across India, visiting key cultural and religious sites. Key stops on this journey included Ayodhya, Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, Mahabalipuram, Rameshwaram, Madurai, Kochi, Goa, Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Ajmer, Pushkar, and Agra.
We were among the 150 participants from 27 countries, including Mauritius, Myanmar, the USA, Canada, Australia, Fiji, Guyana, Germany, France, Italy, South Africa, and the Caribbean nations. Many of our fellow travelers were visiting India for the first time, eager to experience the land that lived in their family stories and memories. The itinerary was meticulously planned, taking us across the length and breadth of the country, and allowing us to witness the spiritual and cultural diversity that defines India.
Thanks to IRCTC’s exceptional management, the entire journey was seamless. The logistics, transportation, and accommodations were handled with such efficiency that we never had to worry about a single detail. We traveled through India, visiting Hindu temples, Buddhist religious sites, Sikh Gurudwaras, Christian churches, and Islamic dargahs. We stood in awe of the modern-day Statue of Unity and marveled at the Taj Mahal’s timeless beauty. This journey was not just about sightseeing; it was about feeling the pulse of a nation that is as diverse as it is united in its spirituality and traditions.
Security and administrative services were well-prepared at every stop. Local authorities ensured that we were safe, comfortable, and warmly welcomed wherever we went. Despite being such a large group, we were kept together like a family. There were no lost belongings, no mishaps—only a sense of camaraderie and shared heritage that bound us all together.
A special mention must be made of Mr. Himanshu Bhatt, whose leadership and dedication turned this vision into reality. His calm demeanor, incredible organizational skills, and ability to make everyone feel special made all the difference. From the moment he greeted us at the airport to our final departure, he ensured that we felt not like visitors but like long-lost children returning home. “Mera Bharat Mahan” was no longer just a phrase—it was an emotion we both carried in our hearts.
This massive undertaking would not have been possible without the countless individuals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. The catering staff treated us to India’s rich culinary diversity, ensuring we experienced regional delicacies from across the country. The knowledgeable guides enriched our understanding of each pilgrimage and heritage site. Coordinators managed complex travel schedules with precision, while the housekeeping staff ensured we had clean and comfortable accommodations throughout. Every single person involved played a role in making this journey extraordinary.
From our seamless transfers to our comfortable stays, every aspect of the trip was flawlessly executed. The dedication and teamwork of the entire organizing team, led by Mr. Bhatt, left us with memories that will last a lifetime. This initiative stands as a shining example of India’s evolving identity—one that cherishes its roots, honors its diaspora, and celebrates its inclusive and vibrant cultural heritage.
A Delightfully Delicious Journey with the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana
BY NEERAJ KESWANI (another Pravasi Bhartiya on the tour)
From our karma Bhoomi to Delhi, we began this epic quest,
The government’s initiative—the very best!
Pravasi hearts eager, spirits so high,
Ready to rediscover Bharat ….
First stop, Ayodhya, Ram’s holy seat,
Where dharma and devotion eternally meet.
The temple stood tall, a sight to behold,
With stories of courage and hearts of gold.
Next, Varanasi, Kashi’s sacred land,
The Ganga Aarti, a spectacle so grand.
We chanted with faith, our spirits in sync,
Though one of us slipped at the ghats for a malaidaar drink……..
Then to Patna, a city of might,
Where history and progress mingle in light.
Shri Guru Govind Singh Ji’s birthplace and Lord Buddha’s enlightenment to the world,
Bihar’s warmth embraced us tight,
With Gaya next, for moksha’s flight.
Down to the south, to Chennai’s shores,
Cultural riches and temple doors.
At Mahabalipuram, the stones did sing,
Of Pallava kings and their artistic fling.
Rameshwaram brought divine repose,
With tales of Ram where the ocean flows.
Madurai’s Meenakshi, a goddess so grand,
Her jeweled beauty left us unmanned.
In Kochi, God’s Own Land, we did sail,
Through lush backwaters, under a moonlit veil.
The spices, the toddy, and coconut trees,
Left us relaxed, like a cool ocean breeze.
Then to Goa, beaches calling our name,
Temples, churches, and the beach party game.
From devotion to feni, we lived it all,
Our faith steady, our spirits enthrall.
At the Sardar Sarovar Belt, awe struck us deep,
Unity’s statue, a towering leap.
On to Pushkar, where camels trot,
A dip in the lake, we gave it a shot.
To Ajmer Sharif, where threads of prayer,
Bound every heart, dissolving despair.
Finally, Agra, the last of the trip,
With Taj Mahal’s love story on every lip.
We marveled at its beauty, so pristine,
Then gobbled Agra ka petha like eating machines…
Back to Delhi, our journey’s end,
Memories made, with laughter to blend.
Through Bharat’s heart, we danced and prayed,
What a journey, what a bond we made!
To IRCTC, gratitude we owe,
Chef Jeevan Thapa and team, you stole the show!
And Himanshu Bhatt and team, your planning so smart,
Managing this circus was a work of art!
To the organizing committee, thanks from us all,
For this lifetime trip, such a splendid haul.
With fellow pravasis, friendships we found,
Bound by Bharat’s love, profound and sound.
Oh Bharat Mata, our hearts remain true,
With gratitude and joy, we’ll always love you!
Until next time, with laughter and pride,
Jai Hind! Let’s keep this spirit alive!
