The send-off program for Amrit Kalash Yatra under Meri Maati Mera Desh was held on Wednesday at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Advisor, New & Renewable Energy and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe graced the occasion as the Special Guest, DIPR said.

Nyuthe, in his address, stated that he was privileged to be a part of the send-off program for the volunteers who will be carrying the Amrit Kalash or pots containing the Nagaland’s soil to New Delhi for the National Level Event. He said Amrit Kalash Yatra, under the campaign, is the culminating event of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which commenced on 12th March 2021, to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence.

DIPR stated that Nyuthe emphasised that Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav focussed on recognizing the efforts of those who made the country’s freedom possible and Meri Maati Mera Desh marks the finale programme. It envisages paying tributes to all those veers and viranganas or bravehearts who have made supreme sacrifice for the country. He also shared on the events conducted under the campaign and also on the culminating program to be held at New Delhi on 30th October 2023.

Home Commissioner, Abhijit Sinha, IAS in his introductory speech highlighted on the Amrit Kalash Yatra, under the Meri Maati Mera Desh Campaign, which is the culminating event of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which commenced in March 2021. He said that campaign started in August 2023 and had two phases. In the first phase, Memorial plaques or Shilaphalakam were erected, especially in villages, where the names of the bravehearts are inscribed. The ‘Panch Pran’ Pledge was also taken by the citizens by holding soil while taking the pledge.

Sinha stated that saplings of indigenous trees were also planted as part of the programme. He added that it was conducted in 1,003 villages and 1,249 Amrit Vatika were created and more than 93,000 saplings were planted. In the second phase, Amrit Kalash Yatra was observed where soil was collected from villages which were sent to Blocks. From there, it was sent to Kohima and 74 selected volunteers will be taking the collected soil to New Delhi. He also informed that on 30th October, the collected soil from all over the country will be put in one garden or Amrit Vatika where the programme will culminate.

Through the Amrit Kalash Yatra, he hoped that people will remember and pay tribute to the freedom fighters and further strengthen the bond of unity and mutual respect for each other.

Director, Youth Resources & Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose in his concluding remarks appreciated the youth volunteers who will be carrying out the task and be the ambassadors of the State. He also called upon the volunteers to be the face of Nagaland and showcase to the rest of the country that Nagaland is an example to be followed.