Launching ‘Meri Maati, Mera Desh’ campaign at the historic August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai Wednesday, Maharashtra chief minister Ekanath Shinde evoked sacrifices made by freedom fighters for Independence of the nation and appealed to all citizens to participate in the nationwide campaign.  

Shinde said that it is because of the sacrifice of patriots, revolutionaries, and social reformers, who laid down their lives for India's freedom, that 'Swadesh', 'Swadharma' and 'Swabhimaan' have awakened in the minds of every citizen of the country today and we are celebrating ‘Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' launched last year, which is concluding with a nationwide campaign called 'Meri Maati Mera Desh'.

“Revolutionaries, social reformers, workers, farmers and tribal brothers also contributed in their own way in the country’s freedom struggle, their acts of loyalty to the country should be known by the country’s youth and the next generation. This will also inculcate patriotism in the hearts of every citizen. It is for this reason that prime minister Narendra Modi has started this initiative,” the CM said.

Shinde said Maharashtra was the number one state in implementation of 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign last year, when 10,64,410 programmes were completed under the initiative 'India @75'. In the same way, the state should also lead in the 'Meri Maati, Mera Desh' campaign that will be widely implemented from gram panchayat to city level across the state.

Present on the occasion, deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar along with other dignitaries offered floral wreaths to the memorial pillar in the grounds. This was followed by the unveiling of a 'Shilaphalakam' (memorial plaque) engraved with the names of the region’s freedom fighters and martyrs, planting of saplings under the Vasudha Vandan initiative and development works of ancient architecture.

Fadnavis said that to inculcate the concept of an ideal and developed India for the next generation, ‘Panch Prana’ (five oaths) should be administered to all citizens. Ajit Pawar said efforts should be made to keep the flame of patriotism burning forever, and then only history of the sacrifice of heroes will reach the next generation.

BMC commissioner and administrator Iqbal S. Chahal said during it was from this ground that the Quit India movement started. “On completion of 80 years of the historic struggle in this ground, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had decided to preserve the ancient heritage of this historical August Kranti Maidan. These works have now been completed and today inaugurated. The municipal corporation has planned to implement the ‘Majhi Mati Maja Desh’ campaign in the whole of Mumbai and will make it successful through people's participation, Chahal mentioned.

The ministers praised the commissioner for changing the face of August Kranti Maidan and praised BMC officers responsible for restoring and preserving  ancient stones removed during Raey Road Bridge redevelopment at the entrance of the ground.

As part of the campaign this month, BMC will hold Panch Prana and Vasudha Vandan during August 9–14 in 24 wards under its jurisdiction. 75 local tree saplings will be planted in the city, eastern suburbs and western suburbs to create Amrit Vatikas as well organise ‘Veeron Ko Vandan’ activities at ward level. In addition, the national flag hoisting programmes will be organized in all schools, offices etc. For ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra’, the soil brought from each ward will be collected in a Kalash and that kalash will be handed over to the district collector. The Kalash will be sent by the collector for the main ceremony to be held in Delhi between August 27 and 30. Also, during August 13-15, the national flag will be hoisted from house to house under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative.

Minister of food and civil supplies, consumer protection Chhagan Bhujbal, minister of forests, cultural affairs and fisheries Sudhir Mungantiwar, minister of skill development, entrepreneurship and innovation and guardian minister of mumbai suburban district Mangal Prabhat Lodha and MLA Ashish Shelar, among others, were also present.