Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 13 December 2023
In a bid to aid devotees participating in the annual Ayyappa Swami Puja at Sabarimala, Kerala, Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of the BJP and Former State President of BJP-ANI, has addressed a crucial matter to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
The festival, inaugurated on November 17, 2023, and set to conclude on January 14, 2024, brings into focus the pressing need for affordable and accessible transportation for devotees from Port Blair to Chennai.
Expressing deep concern for the financial constraints faced by middle- and lower-class devotees, Mr. Jolly proposed earmarking a shipping sailing schedule for either the Sindhu or Nalanda Vessel specifically for this purpose around January 5, 2024. This initiative aims to counter the steep airfare rates during this festive period and offer devotees a more financially viable option.
It is estimated that annually, between 300 to 400 devotees from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands embark on the pilgrimage to Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The suggested vessels would provide a cost-effective and convenient mode of transportation, easing the financial burden on devotees while allowing them to fulfill their religious obligations.
In light of these circumstances, Mr. Jolly earnestly implored the Chief Secretary to consider arranging a voyage schedule for either the Nalanda or Sindhu vessel, emphasizing the larger interest of Sabarimala devotees.
This initiative, if implemented, could significantly alleviate the financial strain on devotees, ensuring that their pilgrimage remains an accessible and fulfilling experience without the weight of exorbitant travel expenses.