Auhona Roy Chowdhury, Pune
As a momentous initiative aimed at commemorating India’s 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ campaign during the 103rd edition of Mann Ki Baat on July 30. Running from August 9 to August 15, this nationwide campaign is a heartfelt tribute to the brave martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for their motherland.
At the heart of the campaign is the tagline, “Mitti ko naman, veeron ka vandan,” which encapsulates a profound respect for Indian soil and the courageous warriors who have valiantly defended it. A core objective of this year’s initiative is the promotion of ‘Jan Bhagidari’. It will involve people’s participation in an array of diverse programs and events that will be conducted across various levels—villages, Panchayats, Blocks, Urban Local Bodies, States, and the National level—fostering unity and collective endeavor.
A pivotal aspect of this campaign is the ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra’, where 7,500 Kalash, each carrying soil and saplings from different parts of the country, will journey to Delhi. Upon reaching the capital, the soil and saplings will be merged to create the ‘Amrit Vatika’ near the National War Memorial. This garden commemorating the freedom fighters will serve as a profound symbol of unity and integrity: Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’. The initiative will witness the participation of over 75,000 young volunteers from across the country.
The campaign encompasses a range of initiatives, notably the establishment of Shilaphalakams across the country dedicated to honoring the valor of freedom fighters and security forces nationwide. These commemorative plaques will display the Prime Minister’s heartfelt message alongside the names of the martyrs, immortalizing their sacrifices.
Besides this, there are programs like ‘Vasudha Vandan’ and ‘Panch Pran Pledge’, each serving as a poignant tribute to the indomitable sacrifices of our revered heroes. As part of “Vasudha Vandhan,” each gram panchayat or village would plant 75 seedlings of native species in an effort to revitalize Mother Earth and create memorial gardens across the country.
To encourage widespread participation, a website named https://merimaatimeradesh.gov.in has been launched. People can upload selfies while holding soil or an earthen lamp, symbolizing the Panch Pran Pledge. This pledge aims to make India a developed nation, eliminate the mindset of subjugation, take pride in our heritage, promote unity, fulfill citizen duties, and show respect for those safeguarding the country. Upon taking the pledge, participants can download a digital certificate of participation from the website.
Modi emphasized that just as the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ unified the nation last year, this time the tradition of hoisting the Tricolor at every household must continue. The celebration will infuse an atmosphere of positivity, patriotism, and gratitude towards the nation’s heroes, inspiring the youth to steer India toward becoming a global leader by 2047.