‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign

As part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebration, the Union government has taken a significant step towards fostering patriotism and unity by initiating the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign. This campaign, which aims to create a beautiful garden called Amrit Vatika along the Kartavya Path in Delhi, holds key points that reflect its essence and purpose.

Soil from Every Corner: Uniting the Nation

The ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign stands unique in its approach to unite the diverse regions of India. In August, soil will be collected from various parts of the country. This symbolic act signifies the coming together of different cultures, traditions, and communities, all contributing their essence to the creation of the Amrit Vatika. The garden, thus, becomes a tangible representation of India’s unity in diversity.

A Campaign of Multi-Level Events

To ensure that the campaign reaches every nook and corner of the country, events have been organized at different levels. It starts with panchayat-level programs scheduled between August 9 and 15. This grassroots engagement will be followed by village, block, urban local body, state, and national-level programs. This multi-tiered approach ensures active participation and involvement of people from all walks of life.

The Five-Point Agenda

The ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign operates on a five-point agenda, each contributing to the essence of the initiative:

• Installation of the Memorial Plaque: A memorial plaque or shilaphalakam will be set up, adorned with the names of individuals who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. This includes freedom fighters, defense personnel, and police who laid down their lives for the country’s freedom and security.
• Solemn Pledge at the Memorial Site: People visiting the memorial site will take a solemn pledge, reaffirming their commitment and dedication to the service of the nation. This pledge serves as a constant reminder of the responsibilities each citizen holds towards their country.
• Execution through MGNREGA: The shilaphalakam will be executed using the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), incorporating local materials and resources. This ensures that the campaign not only celebrates unity but also fosters economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
• Vasudha Vandhan – Renewing “Mother Earth”: The campaign calls for every gram panchayat or village to participate in the noble act of planting 75 saplings of indigenous species, thereby creating an Amrit Vatika. This reaffirms the collective responsibility of environmental conservation and sustainability.
• Veeron Ka Vandan – Saluting the Heroes: The bravery and sacrifices made by freedom fighters, as well as retired defense and police personnel, and their families, will be acknowledged and felicitated. This gesture of respect and gratitude strengthens the bond between the people and their defenders.

A Proud Display of Patriotism

National Flag hoisting and the singing of the National Anthem will be integral parts of the events at all levels. These symbols of patriotism instill a sense of pride and unity, reminding everyone of the nation’s rich heritage and the sacrifices that have been made to uphold its values.

Mitti Kalash: Symbol of Collective Effort

Young volunteers, representing the spirit of the youth, will collect soil from every panchayat and village. This collected soil, known as ‘Mitti Kalash,’ will then be brought to the block, where it will be ceremoniously transported to Delhi. This act symbolizes the collective effort put forth by citizens across the country to build the Amrit Vatika.

Creating the Amrit Vatika

The Amrit Vatika will be a unique garden, developed using ‘Mitti Kalash’ from all parts of India. It will be adorned with indigenous species, representing the diverse flora and fauna found across the nation. This garden will become a living testimony to India’s unity and the spirit of ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh.’

An Eternal Memorial for Heroes

Within the Amrit Vatika, an ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ memorial will be erected. This monument will stand as a tribute to all the heroes who contributed to the freedom, unity, and integrity of the country. Their sacrifices and efforts will be forever engraved in the nation’s collective memory.

The Grand Finale in Delhi

The ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign will culminate in a grand finale in Delhi, from August 27 to 30. This event will be a celebration of India’s spirit and will serve as a beacon of hope and unity for generations to come.

States Organizing Dedicated Programs

From August 16 to 25, state governments will organize dedicated programs in line with the campaign’s objectives. This decentralized approach ensures that the campaign resonates with the unique cultural and historical fabric of each state.