New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the pivotal role of India’s youth in propelling the nation’s development during a special ceremony held on Delhi’s Kartavya Path. This event marked the culmination of the two-year-long celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years of Indian Independence. Drawing parallels with the historic Dandi March led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, Modi praised the remarkable participation of the Indian populace in the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which he believes has set the stage for a more developed India.
The Meri Maati Mera Desh (my country, my soil) Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign, reached its conclusion during the ceremony. This initiative encouraged hundreds of thousands of people to collect soil from various regions of the country, share their selfies, and make pledges for national development. In his address, Modi presented a roadmap for a more developed India, emphasizing the crucial role of the nation’s youth.
Modi highlighted the power of collective action and organization among the youth, exemplified by the Meri Maati Mera Desh Abhiyan. He also inaugurated the Mera Yuva Bharat portal, underscoring its significance in the nation-building process.
The Prime Minister underscored the profound impact of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on the younger generation. He pointed out that the present generation has not experienced the hardships of colonial rule and noted that he was the first Prime Minister born in independent India. The Mahotsav served as a reminder that there was not a single moment during foreign rule without movements for freedom, touching every section and region of the country.
Modi expressed his view that the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has added previously missing pages to the annals of Indian history for future generations. He commended the success of initiatives like the Har Ghar Tiranga program and the creation of a district-wise database of freedom fighters.
As part of the Meri Mati Mera Desh campaign, volunteers from thousands of blocks collected soil and rice from numerous villages. The campaign achieved numerous milestones, including the construction of shilaphalakams in various states and union territories, uploading of millions of pledge selfies, organization of “veeron ka vandan” programs, and the planting of indigenous saplings. The collected soil will be used to build the Amrit Vatika near the National War Memorial.