In a historic endeavor to honor and commemorate the 75th year of India’s independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) in March 2021. What began as a government initiative has transformed into a people’s movement, uniting the nation through a comprehensive whole-of-society approach.
The core objective of AKAM is to spotlight the stories of unsung heroes and document local histories intertwined with the freedom struggle. As of November 2023, more than 12 thousand such stories have been collated, creating a rich tapestry of India’s journey to independence. This number continues to grow daily, illustrating the ongoing commitment to preserving and showcasing the diverse narratives of the struggle for freedom.
The crowning jewel of the two-year-long Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is the “Meri Maati Mera Desh” campaign. This campaign, themed “Maati Ko Naman Veeron ka Vandan” (Saluting the Soil, Honoring the Brave), stands as a unified celebration of India’s soil and valor. The campaign has witnessed exceptional Jan bhagidari (people’s participation), with more than 7000 blocks from 766 districts actively engaging in various activities.
Notable achievements of the “Meri Maati Mera Desh” campaign include the establishment of over 2 lakh Shilaphalakams, symbolic representations of commitment to the nation. More than 3 crore people participated in the Panch Pran Pledge, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to the nation’s values. The campaign led to the creation of over 2 lakhs Amrit Vatikas and the planting of over 2 crore tree saplings across the country, emphasizing environmental sustainability.
A significant aspect of the campaign involved ceremonies and commemorations for 2,18,856 freedom fighters, paying homage to their sacrifices. The campaign resonated with citizens, as over 4 crore people uploaded their selfies under the “Meri Maati Mera Desh” initiative, showcasing their pride and connection to the soil.
The pinnacle of the campaign was the Amrit Kalash Yatra on 30th October 2023, where all states and union territories united in spirit under the theme of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ by contributing mitti (soil) from their respective Kalash (pots) to form one giant Amrit Kalash. The Prime Minister graced the closing ceremony on 31st October 2023 at Kartavya Path, marking the culmination of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial, symbolizing the lasting impact of the celebrations. Addressing thousands of Amrit Kalash Yatris from across the country, the Prime Minister also launched the “Mera Yuva Bharat” (MY Bharat) platform, providing a dedicated space for the youth of the nation.
