Honouring The Sacrifices: India's 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' Programme To Build Memorials Across The Country

A memorial will be constructed in every village or panchayat throughout the country to honour those who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle or defence personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

This initiative is part of the 75-year celebration of Independence.

These memorials, known as 'Shilaphalakam' in Malayalam, meaning plaques, will be built in each village and will be inaugurated between 9 and 15 August.

The 75-week-long Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav will reach its culmination on 15 August this year.

The Union Culture Ministry, which oversees all projects under the Amrit Mahotsav program, has prepared a note regarding this.

The Ministry's note explains that the Shilaphalakams will be built near Amrit Sarovar or other suitable waterbodies in villages where brave freedom fighters, defence personnel, personnel of Central Armed Police Forces, and State Police have laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The government has provided specific design and measurement guidelines for the memorials.

The 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' program emphasizes expressing heartfelt gratitude to all the brave hearts (Veer) who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

This sentiment is a fundamental aspect of the programme.

Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2022, aims to rejuvenate 75 waterbodies in each district of the country as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration.

If no waterbody is available, the Shilaphalakam may be constructed in the local panchayat building, local school, or another prominent location.

The Ministry plans to hold a ceremony at each proposed memorial site in the villages, where people will take a pledge to affirm their commitment to India. This pledge includes removing any trace of a colonial mindset and dedicating oneself to the defense and progress of the nation.

Participants in the programme will be requested to take a selfie while making a pledge with soil in their hands and upload it on a dedicated website.

The aim is to plant seventy-five saplings of indigenous plant species and create an Amrit Vatika on the site.

Volunteers have been assigned the task of collecting earth, known as "mitti," from various panchayats or villages for the final event. This earth will then be brought to the block level.

From each block, an urn containing the collected earth will be transported to New Delhi.

The grand finale will take place on the Kartavya Path, where soil from all parts of the country will be utilised to create a unique garden called Amrit Vatika.

This garden will feature plantations of indigenous species.

A memorial dedicated to the individuals who contributed to India's independence, unity, and integrity will be established.

The Prime Minister, along with ministers, officials, diplomats, and the families of freedom fighters, is expected to attend the event.

The memorial plaque will be created using the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to make use of local materials and resources.

The design will incorporate the AKAM logo, the Prime Minister's quote for Vision 2047, the names of local heroes, the name of the relevant panchayat, and the inauguration date.

On 12 March 2021, the government officially launched AKAM, with the Ministry of Culture as the coordinating ministry. This initiative, which marks a 75-week countdown to the 75th anniversary of Independence, will conclude on 15 August of this year.

A memorial will be constructed in every village or panchayat across the nation as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle or while serving in the defense forces.

The completion of the 75-week-long Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on 15 August of this year will also coincide with this event.