DC Poonch Yasin M. Choudhary discusses activities of ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign

Poonch : In a significant step towards fostering unity and pride among all sections of society, Deputy Commissioner Yasin M. Choudhary chaired a meeting to discuss the rollout of the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign in Poonch district.
The campaign aims to celebrate India’s rich heritage and patriotic spirit, with a special focus on paying tribute to the martyrs during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the hallmark event on Independence Day 2023.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign and instructed the placement of memorial plaques at Amrit Sarovars, Panchayat Ghars, parks, and other public places to honor the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the nation.
To ensure effective monitoring and implementation of the campaign, Assistant Commissioner Development and the concerned Block Development Officers (BDOs) have been appointed as nodal officers at the district and block levels respectively.
The Assistant Commissioner Development presented an overview of the different themes under the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign, outlining the events to be held in the district. It was announced that programs will be organized at each Panchayat and Block from August 9 to August 15, focusing on the theme “Meri Maati Mera Desh.” All stakeholders have been urged to make necessary preparations well in advance for the successful conduct of these events.
Furthermore, specific locations such as Amrit Sarovars, Panchayat Bhavans and other public places have been identified for the installation of memorial plaques. A comprehensive list of martyrs, categorized by Panchayat, is being prepared for this purpose.
In a unique initiative, the Assistant Commissioner Development has been tasked with identifying youth volunteers for the Maati-Yatra. These Maati-Yatras will be organized from Panchayats to blocks, and the collected earthen urns will be forwarded to New Delhi by the youth volunteers from each block for the construction of the National Memorial at Kartavya Path.
To promote environmental consciousness, a plan has been put in place to plant at least 75 saplings in each Panchayats and wards of the municipality of the district.The District Forest Officer (Territorial), Suresh Manda , Chief Horticulture Officer, Sanjeev Kumar and BDOs snd tehsildars have been entrusted with ensuring the protected planting of these saplings in Panchayats, educational institutions, and other suitable locations.
Alongside the commemorative activities, the campaign will also include the felicitation of families of the martyrs and retired sainik/ serving jawans. Additionally, Painting, Essay Writing, Drawing, Photography, and Videography competitions will be organized in all educational institutes, providing a platform for students to express their creativity and pay homage to the brave hearts and national heroes.
As a part of Meri Mati Mera Desh’ Greh Pravesh”will done under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme , dedicated awareness program on the “Nasha Mukat Abhiyan” (Drug-Free Campaign) will be conducted campaign, Debates, symposiums, and painting competitions on Sawchtta Pakhwada will be also be organized.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Poonch, Sandesh Kumar Sharma, Assistant Commissioner Development Poonch, Abid Hussain Shah, District Panchayat Officer, Chanderkant, District Information Officer, Ayaz Bhat, Chief Education Officer, Bishamber Dass, BDOs, and other concerned officers through virtual mode.
The ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign in Poonch district is set to inspire a deep sense of patriotism and appreciation for India’s heritage, while honoring the sacrifices of the martyrs who laid down their lives for the Nation.