Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign in India to honor the country’s martyrs and foster national unity. During his address on the popular program ‘Mann ki Baat,’ PM Modi emphasized the significance of the country’s cultural diversity and how it acts as a unifying force.
The ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign will involve various programs organized across the country to commemorate the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the nation. As part of the initiative, special inscriptions honoring these heroes will be installed in numerous village panchayats nationwide. Additionally, an ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra’ will be organized, where soil from different corners of the country, along with saplings, will be carried to Delhi’s National War Memorial. These elements will be used to create the ‘Amrit Vatika,’ symbolizing the unity of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ (One India, Great India).
Moreover, PM Modi highlighted the importance of rain in facilitating both tree plantation and water conservation. He mentioned that more than 60,000 Amrit Sarovars (divine ponds) built during the ongoing ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (India@75 celebrations) are already radiating their glory. Furthermore, the construction of over 50,000 additional Amrit Sarovars is underway, contributing to the responsible efforts of Indian citizens towards water conservation.
The Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched on April 24, 2022, aims to harvest and conserve water for future generations. It follows a Whole of Government approach, integrating the efforts of multiple ministries such as Rural Development, Jal Shakti (Water Resources), Culture, Panchayati Raj, and Environment, Forest & Climate Change. Each district in the country is encouraged to construct or rejuvenate a minimum of 75 Amrit Sarovars, characterized by a pondage area of at least 1 acre and a water holding capacity of approximately 10,000 cubic meters. These divine ponds will also be surrounded by trees like Neem, Peepal, and Banyan, and serve as a source of livelihood through activities like irrigation, fisheries, and water tourism.
In addition to these initiatives, PM Modi emphasized the rich heritage of India and the need to present it responsibly to the world. He shared that 18 painters from different parts of the country are currently creating attractive picture story books based on the Puranas in Ujjain. These paintings, showcasing distinctive styles like Bundi, Nathdwara, Pahari, and Apabhramsh, will be displayed at Ujjain’s Triveni Museum. The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of Bhojpatras, ancient manuscripts made from the bark of the Bhoj tree. Today, the women of Uttarakhand are crafting beautiful artifacts and souvenirs from Bhojpatras, which are highly appreciated and sold at good prices to visiting pilgrims.
Furthermore, PM Modi urged the citizens of India to continue the tradition of hoisting the Tricolor (Indian national flag) at every house on Independence Day, similar to the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ (Each House, a Tricolor Campaign) held last year.
Overall, PM Modi’s ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign, along with the initiatives for water conservation, heritage preservation, and patriotic traditions, seeks to promote national unity and honor the sacrifices made by the country’s martyrs. By highlighting the importance of cultural diversity and environmental stewardship, the Prime Minister aims to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen the fabric of India as ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.’
