The “Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra” tour package, part of the “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative, was unveiled by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on Friday. It would visit some of the key locations significant to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar’s life.
The first Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra would begin in New Delhi in April 2023.
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Ministry of Railways are operating Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains on various theme-based circuits throughout India as part of the “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative.
As per IRCTC, the proposed seven nights and eight days Bharat Gaurav Tourist train tour starts from Delhi and the first halt is Dr. Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow) in Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of Baba Saheb (Bhim Janam Bhoomi). Then the train moves to Nagpur railway station where tourists proceed to visit Deekshabhoomi, a consecrated monument of Navayana Buddhism. The train departs from Nagpur for Sanchi. The sightseeing of Sanchi includes a visit to the eponymous stupa and other Buddhist sites. Sanchi is followed by Varanasi as the next destination along with a visit to Sarnath and Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Gaya is the next and final destination where the tourists will be taken to the holy site of Bodhgaya to visit the famous Mahabodhi Temple and other monasteries. Rajgir and Nalanda, the other important Buddhist sites would also be covered by road. The tour will finally terminate at New Delhi.
Tourists will have the option to board and de-board the train at Delhi, Mathura and Agra Cantt stations.
It is significant that the Indian Constitution was primarily written by Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, affectionately known as “Baba Saheb.” In addition, he was a renowned economist, historian, writer, political activist, jurist, author, orator, and scholar. Throughout his life, Ambedkar fought to end social ills like untouchability and defended the rights of the socially underprivileged classes.
The government of India’s initiative “Dekho Apna Desh” to promote special interest circuits in domestic travel is in line with the launch of the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train.