Delhi Tour: Culminating Event of ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ Initiative
Soil is a life supporting element without which it is impossible to sustain the lives over the land. The soil is associated with geographical, geological, climatic, environmental, & regional attributes of the land. In this sense, it is integral to the social, cultural, linguistic, and emotional milieu of the region. As physical properties of soil are so imbibed to its physical environment; it plays a crucial role in the development of human civilization for the part and parcel of land it belongs to. Hence, it is no wonder that every human being is so much attached to its regional soil and fascinated about the culture milieu it comes with. It says that we should not forget where we come from? Who are we? What is our origin or base? One must remain associated with one's native place in such a way that the smell of local soil should resonate in every aspect of our individuality.
Taking the cognisance of this fact and highlighting the glory of soil in shaping and nurturing the composite culture in India, Honourable Prime of India Mr. Narendra Modi comes up with an innovative idea which provides the opportunity for every Indian to express his feelings and gratitude towards the motherland by envisioning the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign on 9 August 2023 as the culminating event of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
It is tribute to all known and unknown (forgotten) veers and veeranganas of history who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country. It is envisioned as an unified celebration of India's soil, valour, commemorating the nation's journey of freedom and progress. This program has instilled a sense of national pride and inspired the future generations to protect India's rich heritage.
The poet expressed it lyrically in following words:
शहीदों की चिताओं पर जुड़ेंगे हर बरस मेले।
वतन पर मरनेवालों का यही बाक़ी निशाँ होगा॥
__ Jagdamba Prasad Mishra
This campaign comprises many events and ceremonies conducted across the country at gram panchayat, block, urban local bodies, state, and national levels between 1 Sept. to 31 Oct. 2023. Amrit Kalash Yatra is one of the initiatives undertaken which is marked as the culmination of the campaign. Youth NSS volunteers from the Universities across the various states collected the mitti or soil of their native places by bringing selfies of people with it. They brought that mitti with them to the national capital for the inauguration ceremony of Amrit Vatika.
NSS unit (A026) of Marathwada Mitra Mandal's College of Commerce, Deccan participated in this noble cause with their two volunteers and NSS program Officer by taking a journey from Pune to New Delhi. The volunteers brought with them mitti of their land in Amrita Kailash.The journey started with the grand farewell organized in presence of State Minister Mr. Chandrakant Patil and General Shekatkar sir at Pune Station on 29 Oct. in morning. The entire event has been led and guided under the wise supervision of Mr. Rajesh Pande, NSS Advisor for the State of Maharashtra, Dr. Sadanand Bhosale sir, NSS Director, SPPU, and Principal Dr. Sanjay Chakane. They are effectively supported by the management team under district co-ordinators and NSS POs of respective colleges. It was a long and arduous journey as it took almost 40 hours to reach New Delhi. Indian railways provided a special train for the purpose which took a long route via. Nagpur to Delhi. On the way, the volunteers coming from various Universities in Maharashtra joined the journey at different stations.
In these 40 hours, it happened to me that this long journey turned to short thanks to all the energetic volunteers and POs which made this experience very special and convenient for me. It is my first year as NSS PO and this journey provided me with a treasure of experience about how to manage and administer a grand event like this. Which types of difficulties we might face in the case of traveling with 1000+ students? What are the pros and cons of different situations? How to manage urgencies? I have learned many things from this journey.
On the way, I found various places which are connected to the history of ancient and medieval India. List of places are enlisted as follows; Forts Ankai-Tankai, Bhimbetka Caves( oldest recorded art work by humans in mesolithic age, 1 lakh years before), Sanchi, Narmadapuraam, Vidisha, Chanderi, Dashavatara Temple Deogarh (oldest hindu temple in existence), Jhansi, Gwalior fort, Agra, Mathura, Sambhalpur, etc. It made my memories refresh about what I read while preparing for the civil services exam. It was an ascetic feeling.
We reached Delhi at midnight and after getting off the train, we went to JLN stadium for a night stay. The place was quite crowded with the volunteers brought there across the country. The
The sleeping arrangement was not well managed; it was difficult there to use the toilets. No bathrooms were provided. Throughout the journey, we faced the problem of bad tasting food and my stomach was almost empty when we went to JLN stadium. It was expected that at least, we might have some good food here. But it didn't happen at all. However, it was soothing that we got a chance to visit various places in Delhi as the main program was scheduled in the evening. We roamed in Delhi with colleague POs and a few volunteers. We visited many places; ate and drank some good food. We went to Rajpath and paid our tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. We also gave a visit to Teen Murti House at Safdarjung Road to pay our homage to Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary. While roaming in Delhi, we met many Maharashtrians who inquired about us and they got very fond by meeting the people of their land. It was a real experience that we felt how people were strongly attached to their soil emotionally.
In the evening, we attended the grand ceremony on Kartavya Path in presence of PM Narendra Modi and other Central Ministers; it was an energetic experience. The volunteers shouted slogans in praise of Maharashtra. The Prime Minister inaugurated the Amrit Vatika where 8000+ trees from various parts of India will be planted representing every block in India. The Prime Minister also paid his obeisance before the soil collected from various blocks in the country. He gave an inspirational speech during the occasion.
Finally, we went back to JLN stadium, packed our luggage, and turned towards New Delhi station to catch our return train again at midnight. We reached Pune station on 2 Nov. at 4 PM. All volunteers have safely returned to their homes.
