DIMAPUR — The send-off programme for Amrit Kalash Yatra under ‘Mera Maati Meri Desh’ was held at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on October 25 in the presence of the advisor of NRE and NSDMA, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, as the special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Nyuthe stated that he was privileged to be a part of the send-off programme for the volunteers, who would be carrying the Amrit Kalash or pots containing the state’s soil to New Delhi for the national-level event. He stated that Amrit Kalash Yatra, under the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign is the culminating event of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which commenced on March 12, 2021, to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence, a DIPR report stated.
Nyuthe emphasised that Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav focused on recognising the efforts of those who made the country’s freedom possible and Meri Maati Mera Desh marks the finale programme. It envisaged paying tributes to all those ‘Veers and Viranganas or brave hearts’ who have made supreme sacrifice for the country.
He stated that the culmination programme would be held in New Delhi on October 30.
Nagaland Home Commissioner, Abhijit Sinha, in his introductory speech, highlighted the Amrit Kalash Yatra under the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign, which is the culminating event of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. He stated that ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign started in August 2023 in two phases.
According to him, memorial plaques or Shilaphalakam were erected, especially in villages, where the names of the brave hearts were inscribed in the first phase. The ‘Panch Pran’ pledge was also taken by the citizens by holding soil while taking the pledge.
Sinha also stated that saplings of indigenous trees were also planted as part of the programme. He added that it was conducted in 1,003 villages, 1,249 Amrit Vatika were created, and more than 93,000 saplings were planted.
In the second phase, Amrit Kalash Yatra was observed where soil was collected from villages, which were sent to the blocks. From there, it was sent to Kohima and 74 selected volunteers would take the collected soil to New Delhi.
He also informed that on October 30, the collected soil from all over the country would be put in one garden or Amrit Vatika, which would mark the culmination of the programme.
Sinha expressed hope that the people would remember and pay tribute to the freedom fighters and further strengthen the bond of unity and mutual respect for each other.
The director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, in his concluding remarks, appreciated the youth volunteers for carrying out the task and being the ambassadors of the state. He further called upon them to be the face of Nagaland and showcase to the rest of the country that Nagaland is an example to be followed.
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