Pune: The Mukhyamantri Tirtha Darshan Yojana, a new initiative by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, promises free pilgrimages for senior citizens over 60 from all communities in Maharashtra.
As the government promotes this scheme, a startling discovery has been made. The family of a man missing for three years was shocked to see his photo featured in one of the scheme's advertisements.
The advertisement, aimed at highlighting the benefits of the Tirtha Darshan Yojana, unexpectedly featured Dnyaneshwar Vishnu Tambe, who has been missing from his home in Varude village, Shirur taluka, Pune district, for three years. His family, who had not filed a police report but had been searching for him, expressed their surprise and hope.
Dnyaneshwar Tambe often stayed away from home for extended periods, visiting relatives. Three years ago, he left and never returned, leaving his family in uncertainty. The sight of his photo in the government's advertisement brought both joy and confusion to his loved ones.
His son has appealed to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, requesting the government to help locate his father, just as they intend to help senior citizens visit religious sites.
This discovery has sparked widespread discussions. The family's plea adds a poignant note to the scheme's promotion, highlighting the personal stories intertwined with public initiatives.
"Dnyaneshwar Tambe often stayed away from home for months at a time. However, he has not returned home for the past three years. We did not file a police complaint, but we were thrilled to see his photo in the advertisement.
Dnyaneshwar Tambe used to visit relatives and stay away for months. He left three years ago, and we hoped he would return, but he did not. We inquired about him with our relatives, but no one had seen him," his family said.
Seeing my father's photo in the advertisement for the scheme announced by the Chief Minister left me in shock. I expect the government to help find my father and reunite us, the son of Dnyaneshwar Tambe stated.