29 October,2023 12:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mangal Prabhat Lodha. File Pic
Meri Maati Mera Desh: With the culmination of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign at hand, BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Sunday flagged off a special train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Maharashtra's Mumbai to Delhi for the 'Amrit Kalash Yatra', according to the ANI.
Under the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign, the special train carrying thousands of 'Kalah' (earthen pots) left for the national capital on Sunday, as per the ANI.
According to the ANI, the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign was celebrated in two phases. The first phase included Shilaphalakams for freedom fighters and security forces, initiatives like the Panch Pran Pledge, Vasudha Vandan, and Veeron ka Vandan, honouring the sacrifices of bravehearts.
In its first phase, the campaign became a massive success, with over 2.33 lakh Shilaphalakams built in 36 States and UTs, nearly 4 crore Panch Pran pledge selfies uploaded, and over 2 lakh Veeron ka Vandan programs nationwide. Additionally, more than 2.36 crore indigenous saplings have been planted, and 2.63 lakh Amrit Vatikas created under the Vasudha Vandan theme.
In the second phase of Meri Maati Mera Desh, Amrit Kalash Yatras were planned to touch every household in the country. Soil and rice grains were collected from over 6 lakh villages in rural areas and from wards in urban areas across India. Collected soil from each village was mixed at the block level and then brought to the state capital, and with a ceremonial send-off, sent to the national capital with thousands of Amrit Kalash Yatris, the ANI reported.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address an event of the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign in the national capital on October 31, the Ministry of Culture had said on Friday.
The event at Vijay Chowk will mark the culmination of the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign's Amrit Kalash Yatra in which Amrit Kalash Yatris from 7000 blocks of 766 districts will be present.
It will also mark the wrap of the two-year-long campaign of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which began on March 12, 2021, to celebrate 75 years of India's independence.
(with ANI inputs)
