Amid the continuing hardships of displacement, 250 senior citizens residing in various relief camps across Manipur experienced a day of faith, devotion and spiritual comfort through a one-day pilgrimage organised on Sunday by the devotees of Ima Kondong Lairembi Thougal Lup, Moreh, with sponsorship from the Social Welfare Department, Manipur.
The pilgrimage was flagged off from Shri Govindaji Temple by Sheikh Abdul Hakim, Director of the Social Welfare Department, and L. Dhaneshwor Singh, Deputy Director of the department, in the presence of members of Ima Kondong Lairembi Thougal Lup.
During the pilgrimage, the elderly participants visited several prominent religious and spiritual sites across the state, including Kangla, Marjing Temple, Thangjing Temple, Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple, Kakching Uyok Ching, Kheba Ching, ISKCON Temple, Gopinath Temple and Sangai Ethnical Park, among others.
The initiative was aimed at providing elderly people living in relief camps an opportunity to visit important religious sites, offer prayers and participate in spiritual activities. Beyond religious observance, the journey also provided them with a welcome break from the difficult circumstances of camp life, allowing them to interact with one another and experience moments of togetherness and companionship.
For many senior citizens who continue to live away from their homes amid the ongoing displacement crisis, the pilgrimage offered more than just a spiritual journey. It brought moments of peace, emotional comfort and a renewed sense of belonging.
The programme highlighted the importance of addressing not only the basic needs of displaced people but also their emotional, social and spiritual well-being, particularly that of elderly citizens who remain among the vulnerable sections of the displaced population.
