Shillong (Meghalaya), Aug 9 : The State Rural Employment Society (SRES) Community & Rural Development Department in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District today organized a program marking the State level launch of the “Meri Maati Mera Desh Campaign” at Nongthymmai Lumthangding under Khatarshnong – Laitkroh C&RD Block, East Khasi Hills District.
The program was attended by A T Mondal, Community & Rural Development Department Minister as the Chief Guest and Gavin M Mylliem, MLA Sohra Constituency as the Guest of Honour.
In his address, A T Mondal highlighted the elements regarding the campaign and expressed his pleasure at being part of a nation-wide campaign. He paid tribute to the freedom fighters and the martyrs of the state and 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.
It may be mentioned that 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 from the 9th which will culminate on the 30th August this year. As part of this campaign, immortal 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 5 main components: 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 by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries to the 5 best performing C&RD Blocks on convergence under PMAY-G which included Mawryngkneng C&RD Block, Mawsynram C&RD Block, Kharkhutta C&RD Block, Mawkyrwat C&RD Block and Mawkynrew C&RD Block. Soil that was collected from 4 VECs under Laitkroh C&RD Block will be sent to the national capital.
D P Wahlang, Chief Secretary, F R Kharkongor, Principal Secretary, Community & Rural Development Department, S C Sadhu, Commissioner & Secretary, Community & Rural Development Department, R M Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District among others were also present during the program.
