As the culminating event of the ‘Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign was carried out, and “Amrith Kalash Yatra” was the last among the many initiatives of this grand finale campaign. The NSS Units of Canara College, by collecting soil from in and around Mangaluru, participated in this unprecedented Amrutha Kalash Jatha on October 18, 2023 at 9.00am near the District Collector’s Office, Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru.
“Meri Mati, Mera Desh” Campaign was cited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a unique idea to celebrate the 77th Independence Day. This campaign was envisaged as a celebration of India’s sacred soil, and a tribute to the brave sons and daughters of India who laid down their lives in the service of the motherland.
This campaign included a variety of initiatives not only at the national and state levels but also at the village and block levels, namely, Dedication of Shilaphalakam(Memorial), Panch Pran(Pledge), Vasudha Vandan(Tribute to our Homeland), Veeron Ka Vandan(Salute to the Martyrs), Rashtragan and Amrit Kalash Yatra.
Under the second phase of Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign, ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra’ was organized across the country. It was launched on 1st September, 2023 and culminated on 30th October, 2023. Youth Volunteers and other people from all corners of the country collected Mitti (soil) in 7,500 Urns from Panchayats/Villages/ historical sites and Urban Bodies, and brought it to the Block Level and Larger Municipalities, respectively. Subsequently, Mitti Kalash carrying the soil was transported to the National Capital. This journey also carried with it 75 saplings of indigenous species from different parts of the country. The soil and saplings thus arrived were fused, and “Amrit Vatika” was created near the National War Memorial thereby replenishing Mother Earth. This ‘Amrit Vatika’ has now become the grand symbol of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’.
For the Amrutha Kalash Jatha which commenced from the District Collector’s Office, Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru, 54 NSS Volunteers of Canara College actively participated in the rally and collected soil from some nearby prominent areas. The NSS Programme Officers Mrs. Seema Prabhu S. and Mrs. M. Keerthana Bhat, coordinated the activity under the guidance of NSS Coordinator of Mangalore University Dr. Nagarthana K. A.
The campaign echoed the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of its citizens.It enhanced interaction and promoted mutual understanding between people of different States/UTs through the concept of State/UT pairing.It strengthened the connection of the citizens to the various roots and history of the nation’s rich culture and heritage.This activity strived to contribute to national development and inculcate a value system among its volunteers.
Report by,
Mrs.Seema Prabhu
Mrs.M.Keerthana Bhat
