As part of ‘Meri Maati, Mera Desh’, Railways plans special trains

Source: The post is based on the article “As part of ‘Meri Maati, Mera Desh’, Railways plans special trains” published in “The Hindu” on 21st October 2023

What is the News?

Indian Railways will run special trains on October 29 to carry volunteers with soil (mitti) from different parts of the country to New Delhi.

This is part of the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ (My soil, my country) campaign.

What is the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ (My soil, my country) campaign?

Launched by: Ministry of Culture

Aim: To pay tribute to the Veers and Veeranganas [bravehearts] who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country.

Under the campaign, about 20,000 volunteers, each carrying soil in an urn (kalash), will gather in Delhi for events related to the year-long Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

– Volunteers will collect soil from households as a mark of respect for those who sacrificed their lives for the country.If soil isn’t available, a grain of rice can be contributed.

– The collected soil will be used in the creation of the ‘Amrit Vatika,’ a special garden in Delhi, and an ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ memorial.

What is the contribution of the Ministry of Railways in this?

The Ministry of Railways would operate special ‘Amrit Kalash Yatri’ trains to facilitate the movement of the volunteers.

These trains would have halts at major stations for meet and greet with local Members of Parliament, celebrities and officials.