Imphal, 31st August, 2023 (DIPR):The state-level celebration of Meri Maati Mera Desh was held today at the Palace Auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society, with Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh gracing the function as chief guest.
The celebration was attended by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Shri Thongam Biswajit, Works Minister Shri GovindasKonthoujam, Health Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Public Health Engineering Minister Shri LeishangthemSusindro, Social Welfare Minister Shri Heikham Dingo, Education Minister Shri Thounaojam Basanta Kumar, Transport Minister Shri KhashimVashum, Chairman, Manipur Electronics Development Corporation Shri SapamKunjakeswor and senior Government officials among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh extended his best wishes on the celebration of Meri Maati MeraDesh, adding that the campaign was started from 9th August across the country to pay tribute to those great leaders who have made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland. The campaign has been organised as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which is being celebrated for 75 weeks, starting from 12th March, 2021 in connection with the 75 years of Indian Independence, he added.
He continued that over 2 lakhs programmes had been organized across the country under this campaign. In this campaign, history, culture and other development activities are being showcased, he added.
The Chief Minister elaborated that the campaign comprised five important activities and ceremonies conducted across the country at Panchayat/Village, Block, Urban Local Body, State and National levels, including Shilaphalakam, ‘Panch Pran’ Pledge, Vasudha Vandhan (planting 75 saplings of indigenous species and develop the ‘Amrit Vatika’), Veeron Ka Vandan (honouring the freedom fighters and the families of deceased freedom fighters) and Rashtragaan (Hoisting of the National Flag and singing of National Anthem).
Shri N. Biren further stressed that as a part of the campaign, soil from different parts of the country had been brought to Kartavya Path located at New Delhi and then Amrit Vatika had been developed by planting different Indigenous trees. Expressing the importance of taking Panch Pran pledge, he elaborated on the Panch Pran which includes to make India developed and self-reliant by 2047, to remove any trace of colonial mindset, to celebrate our heritage, to strengthen unity and respect those who protect the country and to perform the duties of a citizen.
Regarding the campaign in Manipur, he informed that 20,146 people took Panch Pran pledge and 364 Shilaphalakams had been erected by bringing soil from all the 16 districts of the State. 698 Amrit Vatikas had been developed with 41,273 tree saplings being planted. Apart from this, 505 ceremonies were held on Veeron Ka Vandan and hoisting of the National Flag and singing of the National Anthem, he continued.
The Chief Minister also expressed proud feelings on the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 at the lunar south pole, becoming the first country to do so. He further expressed satisfaction, stating that Dr Raghu Ningthoujam, a native of Manipur was part of the mission as Project Manager.
Speaking on the current unrest in the State, Shri N. Biren stated the State is going through a crucial path. At this juncture, if we take the right step, we can save the rights of the indigenous people, adding that the interest of future generations will be affected, if we are moved by vested interest, he added. He further stressed the need to think many times before taking a step so that negative consequences do not follow in future.
The Chief Minister further appealed to the people to have trust in the Government, adding that the latter would not do anything against the interest of the people.
Concluding his speech, he stressed the need for all people of the State to stand united at all time, irrespective of communities or political affiliation and work together to make a better future for Manipur. Let us all respect our history, culture and traditions and also take pledge, as a citizen of India, to make India a self-reliant country, he appealed.