Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today received the ‘Amrit Kalash’ from all blocks and municipal bodies of Kashmir division under ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign and flagged off the ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra’ for onward journey to New Delhi via Jammu, an official press release informed.
It said from 11-30th September 2023, ‘Mitti’ (soil) and rice were collected from households across all villages and urban wards, marked with over 1.5 kakh special celebratory events organized across J&K.
On the occasion, the LG dedicated 3952 ‘Amrit Vatikas’ and 4605 ‘Shilaphalakams’ across the UT in the memory of great personalities who had made invaluable contributions and laid down their lives for the progress and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir, the press release said.
“Meri Maati Mera Desh is an occasion to remember the sacrificial struggle of freedom fighters and bravehearts. The sacred flame of their selfless sacrifice and contribution of our charismatic forefathers in development will illuminate our journey of Amrit Kaal,” the LG said in his address.
“It is not an event but a symbol of the hopes and aspirations of the common man of J&K UT. It is also a clarion call of the rise of a new J&K that is marching ahead with renewed vigour and strength,” he said.
The LG administered the ‘Panch Pran’ pledge to the people and called for united efforts for realizing the vision of developed India.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us a new path through ‘Panch Pran’. Goal of developed India, to remove any trace of colonial mindset, take pride in our roots, unity and sense of duty among citizens, these five Pran will guide us in Amrit Kaal,” he said.
“’Meri Maati Mera Desh’ is also a symbol of new resolve, an opportunity for collective reflection and new resolution for team J&K,” the LG said.
“We will have to dedicate every moment of our lives to nation building and I am confident that the campaign will create new strength and new confidence in the development journey of J&K UT,” he said.
The LG also planted a sapling of Picea smithiana (Himalayan Spruce) to mark the occasion.
Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor, SMC; Aftab Malik, Chairman, DDC Srinagar; Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to LG; Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary Tourism; DDC chairpersons, members of PRIs, ULBs, senior officers from civil administration, police and security forces were present.
