“Meri Maati, Mera Desh”: Honoring Freedom Struggle Martyrs with School and Community Participation
- Series of Patriotic Programs Set to Commemorate Unsung Heroes of India’s Independence
- Soil Collection Initiative to Develop Amrit Vatika Garden in Delhi*
TFP Bureau, Raipur; Sep 24, 2023: “Meri Maati, Mera Desh,” a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes and martyrs of India’s freedom struggle, is set to unfold across schools in the state, instilling a deep sense of patriotism among students while honoring the sacrifices made during India’s march to independence. As part of this initiative, a Kalash Yatra will embark on a mission to gather soil from every village, development block, and district, destined for Delhi to contribute to the Amrit Vatika Garden.
The “Meri Maati, Mera Desh” program unfolds in two phases, with schools and communities joining hands to celebrate India’s rich history and heritage in the first phase. This phase encompasses various activities aimed at kindling patriotism, including the establishment of memorials honoring local heroes who played pivotal roles in the freedom struggle. The community will actively engage in programs such as singing the national anthem, flag hoisting ceremonies, and special morning assemblies in all schools—be they government, private, or grant-receiving. Students will actively participate in flag-raising ceremonies, using flags acquired from local post offices. The celebration will extend to sports and cultural events like relay races, local sports competitions, dramas, role-plays, and more, fostering a sense of reverence for India’s freedom struggle. Students will also showcase their talents through competitions such as essay writing, art, poster-making, sculpture, rangoli, and patriotic songs and poems. Distinguished guests, including school principals and community leaders, will be invited to inspire students, instilling a profound sense of national pride.
In the second phase of the program, under the guidance of the Collector, a coordinated effort will be undertaken to collect soil from every village and ward by September 30th, aided by municipal offices at the development block level. All collected soil from villages and wards will be consolidated by October 13th and transported as urns (kalash) to a designated state-level location. This soil will then find its way to Delhi before October 27th as a poignant contribution to this initiative.
As part of “Meri Maati, Mera Desh,” citizens are invited to visit the portal merimaatimeradesh.gov.in, where they can pledge their commitment to the program. On this portal, participants can upload photos depicting their involvement in various activities, from working and planting saplings to holding a handful of soil, and more. These participants will receive certificates bearing the program’s name, “Meri Maati, Mera Desh,” which can be readily downloaded. Through this initiative, a collective commitment is made to realize India’s dream of self-reliance and development by the year 2047.
