The Meri Maati Mera Desh Campaign devised by the Government of India as the culmination of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav-Celebration of India’s 75 years of independence.
The Campaign, which was started on 9th August 2023 in Mizoram with a State Level Launching Programme, was carried out in the State with the Department of Sports & Youth Services as Nodal Officer and Dr. Lalrozama, Secretary, S&YS Department as State Nodal Officer and David L Pachuau as Addl. State Nodal Officer. Various Departments such as Home Department, EF&CC Department, GAD(SAW), UD&PA Deptt, AMC, Rural Development Deptt, Art & Cultural Department, I&PR Department, DC, Aizawl, SP, Aizawl took essential parts in the success of the campaign. Notably, Deputy Commissioners, Block Development Officers and NYK Volunteers played a big role in the MMMD Campaign in Mizoram.
The MMMD Campaign has five integral components, viz. Erection of Shilaphalakam, Vasudha Vandhan, Veeron ka Vandhan, Ceremonial Programs and Mitti Kalash Yatras. All Districts as Urban Bodies and all RD blocks as Rural Bodies undertook these activities. Freedom Fighters, personnels of Defence, CAPF, State Police (retired or deceased) who have done outstanding duty to the country were identified and 247 ceremonies were held to felicitate them in different parts of the State. Also, around 30660 people participated in 405 such ceremonies organised by Urban and Rural level bodies of the State.
A State Level MMMD Ceremonial Program was held on 25th August, 2023 in the MINECO Secretariat Building-I frontyard, where all the components of the MMMD Campaign, such as Erection of Shilaphalakam, Vasudha Vandan – Plantation of saplings, Administration of Paanch Pran Pledge, Hoisting of National Flag and Singing of National Anthem and Felicitation of Veers and their families were observed.
To ensure successful conduct of Mitti Kalash Yatra for creation of ‘Amrit Vatika’ at National Capital during the Grand Finale Program at New Delhi, Collection of Mitti (soil) from all villages and urban bodies was collected during 1st to 30th September, 2023. The ‘mitti’ collected from various places were submitted to Blocks Hqrs and Dist Hqrs and then to the State Capital during 1st to 23rd October, 2023. A State Level Cultural Program was held on 25th October, 2023 at S&YS Conference Hall, MINECO with a ceremonial sending-off of the collected mitti kalash.
For onward submission of the collected ‘mitti’ to the national capital, representatives from all 11 Districts (urban bodies) and 28 RD Blocks (rural bodies) proceeded to New Delhi with the kalash(s) on 27th October, 2023.
They participated in the Grand Finale organised by the Govt. of India during 30th & 31st October, 2023 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, where the mitti collected from all over India was deposited into one big kalash, out of which a national Amrita Vatika will be created.
The Mizoram delegation led by David L. Pachuau, Joint Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department & Addl. Nodal Officer, Meri Maati Mera Desh Campaign, comprised of representatives from 11 Districts and 28 RD Blocks as well as 14 Nehru Yuva Kendra volunteers.