Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian flagged off the first flight of Haj pilgrims from Kochi for Haj 2025 today. Addressing the pilgrims at the embarkation point, the Minister extended his heartfelt best wishes for a smooth, safe, and spiritually enriching journey.

Shri Kurian assured the pilgrims that the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is fully committed to ensuring their comfort and well-being during the pilgrimage. “All necessary arrangements, including medical support and logistical assistance, have been put in place in coordination with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah and Saudi authorities to facilitate a hassle-free pilgrimage experience,” he said.

Interacting with the pilgrims, the Minister highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Government to make the Haj pilgrimage more inclusive and efficient. He noted that significant reforms introduced this year, including the digitization of the application process, enhanced transparency in selection, and improved facilities at embarkation points, have made the Haj process more accessible to citizens across the country.

The departing pilgrims expressed their deep appreciation to the Central Government for the reforms. With enhanced infrastructure, digital innovations, and other reforms, Haj 2025 is expected to mark another milestone in the sacred journey of the pilgrims.

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SS/ISA

(Release ID: 2129191)