PM Modi inaugurates Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial on Sardar Patel's birth anniversary; launches 'Mera Yuva Bharat' platform for youth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial in New Delhi on October 31, 2023, marking the culmination of the Amrit Kalash Yatra of the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign. The event also coincided with the closing ceremony of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a year-long celebration of India's 75th year of independence.

During the Kartavya Path program, PM Modi unveiled 'Mera Yuva Bharat' – the MY Bharat platform aimed at engaging the youth of the country in nation-building efforts. He also presented Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Awards to the top-performing States, Union Territories, Ministries, and Departments.

The top three performing States and Union Territories were Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, and Haryana, while the top-performing ministries included the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Railways, and the Ministry of Education.

PM Modi emphasized that the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi Yatra and concluded on October 31, 2023, the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Drawing parallels to the Dandi March Yatra, which symbolized India's struggle for independence, PM Modi noted that Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav witnessed unprecedented participation, rekindling the spirit of freedom.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' Abhiyan and how it reflects the collective strength of Indian youth in organizing and achieving national goals. He also explained the choice of soil as a central element for the culmination of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, emphasizing its historical and spiritual significance.

PM Modi concluded his remarks by highlighting the positive impact of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on India's young generation and urged all citizens to contribute to the development and progress of the nation.

He said the two-year celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav are coming to a conclusion with the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ Abhiyan.

He noted the foundation stone laying of the Smarak will remind future generations of today’s historic organization. He said “as we bid goodbye to a grand celebration, we are initiating a new resolution with MY Bharat. The MY Bharat organization is going to play a big role in nation-building in the 21st century,” he said.

Pointing to the collective strength of Indian youth, the Prime Minister said “Meri Mati Mera Desh Abhiyan is a live example of how the youth of India can organize and achieve every goal.”

PM Modi highlighted the countless youth participation from every nook and corner of the country and said that 8500 Amrit Kalash have reached the Kartavya Path from all over the country and crores have Indians have taken Panch Pran pledge and have uploaded selfies on the campaign website.

Explaining why soil was used as an element for the culmination of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Prime Minister cited the words of a poet and said that it is the soil of the land where civilizations have flourished, humans have progressed and it holds the imprint of eons.

“India’s soil has consciousness. It has a life form that has prevented the downfall of civilization,” Modi said, noting how a multitude of civilizations have collapsed while India still stands strong.

“The soil of India creates an affinity for the soul towards spirituality,” he said as he highlighted the numerous sagas of India’s valor and touched upon the contributions of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Highlighting how every citizen is deeply rooted to the soil of the motherland, the Prime Minister said, “What is life if it is not repaying the debts of the soil of India.” He underlined that soil from the thousands of ‘Amrit Kalash’ that have arrived in Delhi will remind everyone of the sentiment of Kartavya or duty and inspire each one to accomplish the resolve of a Viksit Bharat. He urged everyone to contribute towards nation-building.

The Prime Minister said that the most positive impact of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), running for about 1000 days. has been on the young generation of India.

The event was attended by Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, and Union Minister for Culture G Kishan Reddy.