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India marks 75 years of independence with the “Meri Maati Mera Desh” campaign, launched as a segment of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. The celebration brings together the diversity and unity of India, using soil collected from diverse regions to create a garden called “Amrit Vatika”. As the Indian government continues to commemorate the landmark year, let’s delve into the different facets of this grand scheme.
The “Meri Maati Mera Desh” Campaign
As part of the 75th Independence anniversary celebration, the Indian government has embarked on the “Meri Maati Mera Desh” campaign. In this initiative, soil from various corners of India is being brought together to cultivate the Amrit Vatika Garden along the Kartavya Path in Delhi. This symbolic act represents India’s unity in diversity.
Coming under the broader umbrella of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, the event is celebrated at multiple levels across the country. It stretches from grassroot, involving panchayats and villages, to state and national levels. Integral to this campaign is the Shilaphalakam, a memorial plaque that honors heroes who gave their lives for India’s freedom.
The campaign also urges citizens to pledge their allegiance to the nation and encourages the plantation of 75 saplings in every gram panchayat or village under the initiative “Vasudha Vandhan”. Furthermore, the “Veeron Ka Vandan” focuses on felicitating freedom fighters and their families.
Addressing India’s Unorganized Sector Workers
Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment recently highlighted various initiatives in the Lok Sabha to tackle issues faced by India’s unorganized sector workers. According to the Economic Survey conducted in 2019-20, these workers number approximately 43.99 crores.
In response to the Covid-19 crisis, the government introduced the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ package, a fiscal stimulus exceeding Rs. 27 lakh crores. This was designed to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on workers and the economy. Among the initiatives was ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY)’, created to incentivize job creation and restoration, which has benefited up to 60.3 lakh individuals.
Novel Method for Fluorine Acquisition: Fluoromix
Scientists from the University of Oxford have developed a revolutionary method to secure fluorine atoms that is notably safer and less energy-intensive. Traditionally, fluorine is derived from fluorspar, a calcium salt. However, this traditional method involves high-temperature treatment with sulfuric acid to release hydrogen fluoride, a toxic and corrosive element.
Enter Fluoromix. This invention takes inspiration from natural calcium phosphate biomineralisation processes found in human teeth and bones. Fluoromix is made by milling fluorspar with potassium phosphate. The result isn’t just less toxic – it has also been proven highly effective, generating 50 different fluorochemicals with up to 98% efficiency.
Revisiting Silver Cockscomb: From Weed to Superfood?
Silver cockscomb, or lagos spinach, may just be a common weed to most. But for Karnataka’s Soliga tribe, it’s a nutritious green vegetable incorporated into traditional delicacies like massanne and ullsoppu sambar. Scientific research aligns with this tribal wisdom. Studies indicate that silver cockscomb possesses antibacterial properties and high vitamin E, calcium, and iron content. It also has low levels of harmful substances such as oxalic acid and phytic acid. Communities across the globe, from South and Southeast Asia to Latin America and even parts of the US and Australia, use this humble plant for medicinal purposes, as a wild vegetable, or fodder. Could silver cockscomb be the next superfood? Only time and more research will tell.
