The nationwide “Meri Mati Mera Desh” campaign was launched at Nongthymmai Lumthangding under Khatarshnong – Laitkroh C&RD Block yesterday to pay tribute to the ‘Veers’ who laid down their lives for the country.
The State Rural Employment Society (SRES) Community & Rural Development Department in collaboration with the office of the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner organized a program to mark the launch which was attended by C&RD Minister Abu Taher Mondal and Sohra MLA Gavin M Mylliem as guests.
In his address, Mondal highlighted the elements of the campaign and paid tribute to the freedom fighters and the martyrs of the state. He stressed on the need to preserve the natural environment by not just planting trees but to nurture them well in order to witness positive impact in the present as well as in the years to come, he also urged upon the citizens of the state to work in unison in order to take the state and the nation as a whole towards greater heights.
The campaign is a culminating event to the 75th year of India’s Independence “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”. The programme will be held across the state and the country and will culminate on August 30.
As part of the campaign, martyrs will be celebrated by paying tribute and homage to their supreme sacrifices and also soil will be carried to the national capital from across the country in 7500 urns to create ‘Amrit Vatika’ near the National War Memorial.
The campaign is based on five main components, that is hoisting of National Flag and singing of the National Anthem; dedication of memorial; Vasudha Vandhan (planting of 75 indigenous saplings); Veron ka Vandhan (felicitation of the family members of the martyrs) and Panch Pran Pledge – Make India developed and self reliant by 2047, Remove any trace of colonial mindset, Celebrate our heritage, Strengthen unity and respect those who protect the country and Perform the duties of a citizen.
During the programme, awards were also presented to five best performing C&RD Blocks on convergence under PMAY-G which included Mawryngkneng, Mawsynram, Kharkhutta, Mawkyrwat and Mawkynrew C&RD blocks.
Soil that was collected from four VECs under Laitkroh block will be sent to the national capital.
Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang, C&RD Principal Secretary FR Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary SC Sadhu, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah among others were also present during the program.
