Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign
9th August - 31st October 2023
NSS Units, Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurugram conducted "Meri Maati Mera Desh" campaign which was started from 9th August, 2023 as a culminating event of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” till 31st October, 2023. It was a tribute to the Veers and Veeranganas who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country.
"Meri Maati Mera Desh" envisioned a unified celebration of India's soil and valor, commemorating the Nation's journey of freedom and progress. By connecting with the land and honoring the heroes, the program instilled a sense of national pride and inspired future generations to protect India's cherished heritage.
The campaign comprised many activities and ceremonies conducted across the country at Panchayat/Village, Block, Urban Local Body, State and National levels.
‘Panch Pran’ Pledge
At the memorial site, people took a solemn pledge covering Panch Pran of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, affirming their commitment to the country. During the ceremony, students were encouraged to either individually or collectively take a selfie while taking the pledge with soil or clay lamp (Mitti ka Diya) in the hand.
Students pledged to:
- Make India developed and self-reliant by 2047.
- Remove any trace of colonial mindset.
- Celebrate our heritage.
- Strengthen unity and respect those who protect the country.
- Perform the duties of a citizen.
Vasudha Vandhan
Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dr. Anupam Dalal and Prof. Pooja Sharma (NSS Program Officers, DCE) and NSS volunteers replenished Mother Earth by planting saplings of indigenous species and developed the ‘Amrit Vatika’ of the adopted villages Khentawas and Patli.
Rashtragaan
Hoisting of the National Flag and singing of Rashtragaan was undertaken on 15th August by the retired defense personnels accompanied by Prof. (Dr.) Isha Malhotra (Principal, DCE) and faculty members. The 76th Independence Day celebration at Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurugram was a significant event organized by the NSS Units of the college. 120 students along with esteemed guests and the teaching and non-teaching members participated in the celebration activities. The event aimed to commemorate India's Independence, honour the sacrifices of ex-defence personnel, and acknowledge the role of various individuals in shaping the nation. The celebration included several activities and speeches that highlighted the values of freedom, patriotism, and social responsibility.
Veeron Ka Vandan
As a mark of respect and gratitude, six ex-defense personnel were invited as special guests on 15th August. Felicitation ceremony was held for honoring the retired personnel from Defense, CAPF and State. They were presented with tokens of honour, acknowledging their service to the country.
Amrit Kalash Yatra
NSS volunteers and faculty members of DCE collected Mitti and brought to the college. Subsequently, Mitti Kalash having the soil from the Panchayats/Villages/Urban areas, was carried to the National Capital. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the concluding program of 'Amrit Kalash Yatra' organized across the country under the 'Meri Mati-Mera Desh' campaign on Kartavya Path. Reflecting the spirit of 'Ek Bharat - Shrestha Bharat', soil from different parts of the country was brought to Delhi by representatives of states and union territories. During this, he offered soil brought from different parts of the country in a giant nectar pot and also applied tilak on it.
National Unity Day
Prof. BMK Prasad (Director, DCE) along with Dr. Anupam Dalal (NSS PO, DCE), NSS Volunteers, and Dr. Vaishali Dixit (faculty member, DCE) participated in the National Unity Day celebrations on 31st October, 2023 at Rajpath.
The National Unity Day celebration at Rajpath was organized by the Government of India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a key role in uniting India after Independence. The celebration was attended by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and other dignitaries. Prime Minister addressed the gathering at Rajpath and spoke about the importance of unity and diversity in India. He urged the people of India to work together to build a strong and united nation.
The volunteers from DCE, Gurugram participated in the flag-hoisting ceremony and witnessed the cultural performances and the unity run. The volunteers were inspired by the Prime Minister's speech and pledged to work towards promoting unity and diversity in India.
It was a unique opportunity for the students and faculty to learn about the importance of unity and diversity in India and to be inspired by the Prime Minister's words. The experience will stay with them for a lifetime. The students and faculty also expressed their gratitude to the Government of India for organizing the National Unity Day celebrations at Rajpath.
Overall, the campaign illustrated the strength of the collective spirit in advancing the nation.