: Mumbai, August 9, 2023

The ‘Meri Maati, Mera Desh’ campaign was launched in the state of Maharashtra by CM Eknath Shinde, in the presence of Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, at the historic August  Kranti Maidan in Mumbai today.  On the occasion, Maharashtra CM, Deputy CMs and other dignitaries offered floral wreaths to the memorial pillar in the grounds. This was followed by the unveiling of a 'Shilaphalakam' (Memorial Plaque) having the names of this region’s freedom fighters and martyrs engraved.  The dignitaries and citizens present at the historic ground on the occasion also took Panch Prana oath with clay in their hands. Saplings were planted under the Vasudha Vandan initiative in August Kranti Maidan by dignitaries. Along with this, various development works of ancient architecture in August Kranti Maidan were also inaugurated today.

Speaking on the occasion, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, it is because of the sacrifice of patriots, revolutionaries and social reformers, who laid down their lives for India's freedom, that 'Swadesh', 'Swadharma' and 'Swabhimaan' have awakened in the minds of every citizen of the country today. “It is because of their sacrifice that the sun of freedom has risen today”. He urged every citizen to awaken the mantra of 'Meri Maati, Mera Desh' and appealed to all the citizens in Maharashtra to participate in this campaign. He said, because of the sacrifice of patriots, we are celebrating this ‘Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', which is culminating with a nationwide campaign called 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' today. Revolutionaries, social reformers, workers, farmers and tribal brothers also contributed in their own way in the country’s freedom struggle, he added. Therefore, their acts of loyalty to the country should be known by the country’s youth and the next generation. For that, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started this initiative, stated Maharashtra CM. Through this campaign, initiative will be taken to inculcate patriotism in the hearts of every citizen of the country, he further stated.

Maharashta CM Eknath Shinde informed that Amrit Vatika will be created in Delhi by bringing soil from all corners of the country in 7500 kalash. He stated that Maharashtra was the number one state in implementation of 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign last year, when 10,64,410 programmes were completed under the initiative 'India @75'. In the same way, the state should also lead in the 'Meri Maati, Mera Desh' campaign, he urged. Shri Shinde said that this campaign will be widely implemented throughout the state, from gram panchayat to city level.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that while preserving our culture and traditions, we have to inculcate the concept of an ideal and developed India in the next generation. Hence, Panch Prana oath should be administered to all citizens as it speaks of the duties of an ideal citizen too. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, efforts should be made to keep the flame of patriotism burning forever, and then only history of the sacrifice of heroes will reach the next generation.

Dignitaries present on the occasion included Government of Maharashtra’s Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Protection Shri. Chhagan Bhujbal; Minister of Forests, Cultural Affairs and Fisheries Shri. Sudhir Mungantiwar; Minister of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District Shri. Mangal Prabhat Lodha; MLA Shri. Ashish Shelar; MLA Shri. Sada Saravankar; MLA Smt. Yamini Jadhav; MLA Smt. Manisha Kayande; Chief Secretary of the State Shri. Manoj Saunik; Commissioner and Administrator of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Shri. Iqbal Singh Chahal among others.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will implement various activities in this month as part of the campaign. Panch Prana (Oath), Vasudha Vandan will be held from 9^th to 14^th August in 24 wards under the jurisdiction of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Also, 75 local tree saplings will be planted in the city, eastern suburbs and western suburbs to create Amrit Vatikas. Apart from this, ‘Veeron Ko Vandan’ activities will be organized at ward level. National flag hoisting programs will be organized from 9th to 14^th August at all schools, offices etc. For ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra’, the soil brought from each ward will be collected in a Kalash and that kalash will be handed over to the District Collector. The Kalash will be sent by the Collector for the main ceremony to be held in Delhi between 27th to 30th August. Also, during the period from 13th to 15th August, National Flag will be hoisted from house to house under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative.

 

 

 

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