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PM participates in program marking culmination of Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign’s Amrit Kalash Yatra

Published By : Admin | October 31, 2023 | 17:27 IST
Lays foundation stone for Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial developed from soil collected from every part of country
Launches ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ - MY Bharat platform
Presents Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Awards to top 3 performing States or Union Territories - 1. Jammu and Kashmir, 2. Gujarat and 3. Haryana
Presents Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Awards to top 3 performing Ministries - 1. Ministry of External Affairs, 2. Ministry of Defence; and Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Education for joint 3rd position
“MY Bharat is going to play a big role in nation-building in 21st century”
“Meri Mati Mera Desh Abhiyan is a live example of how the youth of India can organize and achieve every goal”
“Many great civilizations have perished but there is a consciousness in the soil of India which has saved this nation from ancient times till today”
“The soil of India creates an affinity for the soul towards spirituality”
“Amrit Vatika will teach the coming generation about ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’”
“Amrit Mahotsav has, in a way, added the missing pages of history for future generations”
“During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the country completed the journey from Rajpath to Kartavya Path”
“MY Bharat is a proclamation of the youth power of India”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the programme marking the culmination of Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign’s Amrit Kalash Yatra at Kartavya Path in New Delhi today. The programme also marks the closing ceremony of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. During the program, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial and launched ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ - MY Bharat platform for youth of the country.

Shri Modi also presented the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Awards to the top 3 performing States or Union Territories as well as Ministries or Departments. The top 3 performing states or union territories are Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat and Haryana, while the top 3 performing ministries are Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Education for the joint third position.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that Kartavya Path is witnessing the Mahayagya on the occasion of Sardar Saheb’s birth anniversary. Recalling 12th March 2021 when the initiation of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi Yatra, the Prime Minister observed the conclusion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on 31st October 2023, the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Drawing an analogy to the Dandi March Yatra which saw the participation of every Indian, the Prime Minister drew attention to the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav creating a new record of people’s participation. “Dandi March reignited the flame of independence while Amrit Kaal is turning out to be the resolution of the 75-year-old journey of India’s development journey”, Shri Modi emphasized. He underlined that the 2 year long celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav are coming to a conclusion with the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ Abhiyan. He also noted the foundation stone laying of Smarak which will remind the future generations of today’s historic organization. He also congratulated the states, union territories and ministries that were recipients of the best-performing awards.

He pointed out that as we bid goodbye to a grand celebration, we are initiating a new resolution with MY Bharat. “MY Bharat organization is going to play a big role in nation-building in the 21st century”, PM Modi 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”, Shri 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 Amrit Vatika which will be established with saplings from all over the country will teach the coming generation about ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. The Prime Minister told the audience about the artwork Jan, Janani, Janambhoomi in the New Parliament Building which has been made by 75 women artists from the soil of all the states.

The Prime Minister said that the most positive impact of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) which ran for about 1000 days has been on the young generation of India. He said that today's generation has not experienced slavery and he is also the first Prime Minister born in free India. He said that AKAM has reminded the people that there was not a single moment during the foreign rule when there was no movement for freedom and no section or region was untouched by these movements.

The Prime Minister said, “Amrit Mahotsav has, in a way, added the missing pages of history for future generations.” He said the people of India made Amrit Mohotsav a people’s movement. He said the success of Har Ghar Tiranga is the success of every Indian. People came to know about the contribution of their families and villages in the freedom struggle. He said that a district-wise database of the freedom fighters has been created.

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s achievements during AKAM and mentioned India's rise to the top 5 economies in the world, the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3, the organization of G20 Summit, historic record of bagging more than 100 medals at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, inauguration of New Parliament building, passage of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, new records in exports, agricultural produce, expansion of the Vande Bharat train network, initiation of Amrit Bharat Station campaign, country’s first Regional Rapid train Namo Bharat, creation of more than 65,000 Amrit Sarovars, launch and expansion of made in India 5G, and launch of PM Gatishakit Masterplan to improve connectivity.

The Prime Minister emphasized, “During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the country completed the journey from Rajpath to Kartavya Path. We also removed many symbols of slavery.” He mentioned Netaji Subhash Bose’s statue at the India Gate, New insignia of the Navy, inspiring names for the islands of Andaman and Nicobar, the declaration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Veer Baal Diwas in the memory of Sahibzaade and the decision to commemorate Vibhajan Vibhishika Diwas on 14 August every year.

“The end of something always signifies the beginning of something new”, the Prime Minister said, explaining a Sankrit Shlok. He noted the launch of MY Bharat with the conclusion of Amrit Mahotsav and said, “MY Bharat is a proclamation of the youth power of India.” He underlined that it will become a great medium to bring every youth of the country on one platform and ensure greater participation towards nation-building. He informed about the launch of MY Bharat website and said that the various programs that are being run for the youth will be included on the platform. Prime Minister Modi urged the youth to connect with it as much as possible, fill India with new energy, and take the country forward.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said that India's independence is the fulfillment of the common resolutions of every citizen and urged to protect it with unity. Noting the resolve to make India a developed country by 2047, he said that this special day will be remembered by the nation upon the completion of 100 years of independence. “We will have to fulfill the resolve we took, the promises we made to the coming generation”, the Prime Minister said urging to intensify the efforts. “The contribution of every Indian is important to achieve the goal of being a developed country. Come, let us start a new journey of the Amrit Kaal of Viksit Bharat through Amrit Mahotsav”, he concluded.

Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur and Union Minister for Culture, Shri G Kishan Reddy were present on the occasion among others.

Background

Meri Maati Mera Desh

Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign is a tribute to the Veers and Veeranganas who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country. In the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, the campaign comprises many activities and ceremonies conducted across the country at Panchayat/Village, Block, Urban Local Body, State and National levels. The activities included building of Shilaphalakam (Memorial) to express heartfelt gratitude to all the bravehearts who have made the supreme sacrifice; ‘Panch Pran’ pledge taking by the people at Shilaphalakam; planting of saplings of indigenous species and developing ‘Amrit Vatika’ (Vasudha Vandhan) and felicitation ceremonies for honoring the freedom fighters and the families of deceased freedom fighters (Veeron ka Vandan), among others.

The campaign became a massive success, with over 2.3 lakh Shilaphalakams built in 36 States/UTs; nearly 4 crore Panch Pran pledge selfies uploaded; 2 Lakh plus ‘Veeron ka Vandan’ programs nationwide; more than 2.36 crore indigenous saplings have been planted; and 2.63 lakh Amrit Vatikas created under the Vasudha Vandan theme across the country.

‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign also includes the Amrit Kalash Yatra, which comprises a collection of mitti (soil) and rice grains from over 6 lakh villages in rural areas and from wards in urban areas, which is sent to block level (where mitti of all villages in the block is mixed) and then to the state capital. The mitti from the state level is sent to the National Capital, accompanied by thousands of Amrit Kalash Yatris.

Yesterday, the Amrit Kalash Yatra witnessed all the states and UTs represented by their respective blocks and Urban Local bodies putting mitti from their Kalash in one giant Amrit Kalash in the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. The Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial, whose foundation stone was laid by the Prime Minister, will be built from the soil collected from every part of the country.

Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign was envisaged as a culminating event of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav began on 12th March 2021 to celebrate 75 years of India's independence. It has since witnessed more than two lakh programmes organized throughout the country with enthusiastic public participation.

MY Bharat

‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ - MY Bharat is being established as an autonomous body to serve as a one-stop whole-of-government platform for the youth of the country. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision to provide equitable opportunities to every youth of the country, MY Bharat will leverage technology to provide an enabling mechanism across the entire spectrum of the Government so that they can realize their aspirations and contribute to the building of ‘Viksit Bharat’. The aim of MY Bharat is to inspire youth to become community change agents and nation builders and enable them to act as the ‘Yuva Setu’ between the Government and the citizens. In this sense, ‘MY Bharat’ will provide a major boost to ‘Youth Led development’ in the country.

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India – Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages
February 09, 2026

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President of the Republic of Seychelles Dr. Patrick Herminie is on a State Visit to India from 5 to 10 February 2026.

President Herminie’s State Visit coming around 100 days after his inauguration signals the shared commitment of India and Seychelles to strengthen, expand and deepen our longstanding and multifaceted bilateral partnership. The State Visit has added significance as it coincides with the 50th year of Independence of Seychelles, and the 50th year of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During their meeting on 9 February 2026, Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie had comprehensive and productive discussions covering the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Herminie for his success in the elections held in October 2025. The two leaders reaffirmed that India and Seychelles, as close maritime neighbours, enjoy a special and time-tested partnership built on ties of history and kinship, and nurtured by the shared values of democracy and pluralism. The leaders acknowledged that Seychelles-India ties are people-centric and reinforce security and stability in the Western Indian Ocean Region. The leaders also reaffirmed Seychelles' role as an important pillar in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Recalling the rich and historic people-to-people ties connecting India and Seychelles, both leaders emphasized the need for closer engagement on national development priorities to enhance security, prosperity and well-being of the peoples of Seychelles and India.

President Herminie underlined India’s role as a trusted partner for Seychelles and the region. He expressed gratitude to India for the longstanding assistance and cooperation extended to Seychelles in achieving its development agenda.

Underlining the respective strengths of both nations and recognising the importance of the relationship, the two leaders announced a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL).

Political Exchanges

The leaders acknowledged the importance of regular high-level political meetings, visits and consultations between Seychelles and India. Both sides agreed to intensify political and socio-economic engagements at leadership, Ministerial and Senior Official levels.

Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation and intensify Parliamentary Exchanges between the two countries, including the sharing of best practices on parliamentary proceedings and capacity building.

Development Partnership

President Herminie acknowledged India’s steadfast support for the development and security needs and aspirations of Seychelles through lines of credit, grants, capacity building and high-impact community development projects (HICDP). Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to remaining a pivotal and reliable partner in Seychelles’ national development agenda, with particular focus on sustainability, defence and maritime security, capacity building, resilience and inclusive growth.

Reaffirming their commitment to work closely to expand and intensify the people-centric development partnership between the two countries, India announced a ‘Special Economic Package’ of USD 175 million, which will include a blended financial assistance of USD 125 million in Rupee-denominated Line of Credit and USD 50 million in Grant assistance for development cooperation projects, capacity building for civilians and defence officials, maritime security, etc.

Recognising that India’s rapid digitalization is a force for good in the Global South, the two leaders agreed to work closely in the sphere of digital transformation. Noting the need for Seychelles to digitise governance for the benefit of its citizens, India agreed to undertake comprehensive efforts on the buildout of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including digital payments, in accordance with the needs and requirements of Seychelles.

Cooperation in the fields of Health and Essential Commodities

President Herminie expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the donation of 10 ambulances (Basic Life Support and Advance Life Support). These ambulances, fitted with the latest equipment will support emergency health services in Seychelles. This gesture underlines the people-centric approach of the India-Seychelles partnership.

The two leaders agreed that recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) by Seychelles would streamline procurement of quality assured essential medicines and facilitate access to affordable medicines through collaboration under India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative.

Both leaders agreed to:

• Implement training programmes and exchange visits in the area of mental health through institutional linkages.

• Support recruitment and deputation of medical specialists, nurses, paramedics and technicians from India to meet the needs of Seychelles.

• Strengthen bilateral cooperation in public health through exchange of visits and institutional linkages.

• Work together to support the construction of a new hospital in Seychelles.

Acknowledging that high cost of living remains a major concern for the Government of Seychelles, both leaders agreed to:

• Collaborate on long term augmentation of healthcare infrastructure of Seychelles, including measures to enhance affordability and reliable access to medicines and medical equipment.

• Work together to institutionalize a mechanism to procure quality and cost-effective food and essential commodities from India.

• President Herminie expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Modi for the donation of 1000 metric tons of grains to Seychelles. This donation of food will strengthen food security in Seychelles and bring down the cost of food for the people of Seychelles.

Capacity Building, Human Resource Development and Institutional Linkages

President Herminie conveyed deep appreciation for India’s continued support to enhance Seychelles’ institutional and administrative competencies. Both sides underscored the strong cooperation in capacity building, including through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, training programmes for civil servants, defence personnel, and health professionals. The leaders agreed to explore more training programmes and institutional linkages in policing, finance, agriculture, climate change, marine conservation, and other domains in line with the needs and requirements of Seychelles.

On education and vocational training, the leaders urged expansion of skill development initiatives, interactions between academic institutions and digital education platforms.

Both leaders agreed to:

• Implement the customised training programme for Seychellois civil servants in India through the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG).

• Strengthen capacity building, cooperation and exchanges in the areas of cybersecurity and financial intelligence.

• Facilitate the deputation of experts from India to Seychelles, and capacity building in the areas of technology, health, education, renewable energy, law, auditing, maritime security, finance, land and infrastructure development, tax administration, women empowerment, fisheries and other realms of mutual interest.

• Advance capacity building and institutional linkages between India and Seychelles in the area of marine sciences and conservation through Government and non-Government institutions.

• Cooperate and collaborate for promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

• Customise training programs according to the needs of Seychelles in collaboration with Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.

Renewables, Climate Action, and Sustainability

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in renewable energy and climate resilience, including through innovative clean energy solutions. President Herminie acknowledged India’s steadfast support in assisting Seychelles to achieve its renewable energy objectives. He noted that the solar power projects implemented under the aegis of the International Solar Alliance, with the support of the Government of India, have delivered tangible and community-level benefits, particularly in the agriculture and healthcare sectors of Seychelles.

In order to further deepen the cooperation in the areas of preparedness and mitigation of effects of climate change, both leaders agreed to support the implementation of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in Seychelles.

India agreed to extend technical assistance to Seychelles in managing its power grid, in support of the country’s transition to a green public transport system. Both sides also agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation and projects in energy conservation, sustainability, renewable energy and green mobility domains to cater to the needs of Seychelles.

Both leaders acknowledged that access to finance remains a key challenge for SIDS such as Seychelles. President Herminie expressed his hope that Seychelles can continue to rely on India’s strong and constructive voice in international platforms to support consideration of multidimensional vulnerability, including the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), as a complementary and important analytical tool, while taking into account equity, Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), and nationally determined needs in relevant engagements with Multilateral Development Banks, International Financial Institutions, and UN development partners.

Both leaders agreed that Seychelles would join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Trade, Investment, Connectivity and Tourism

President Herminie stressed the need for Indian companies and businesses to see Seychelles as a major investment hub and benefit from trade and business opportunities offered by Seychelles in the affordable housing, digital technology and AI, financial services, blue economy, tourism and fisheries sectors.

Both leaders acknowledged that direct flights increased the number of Indian tourists visiting Seychelles. They underlined that the increase in tourists visiting from India has strengthened the resilience of the tourism sector in Seychelles. Further, both sides agreed to work together to explore enhancing more flight connectivity between the two countries.

The leaders underscored the need for exploiting the full potential of bilateral trade for the shared objective of economic growth and prosperity of Seychelles and India.

Cooperation in Hydrography

Both leaders agreed to step up bilateral cooperation in the field of hydrography to support Seychelles’ efforts in accelerating its blue economy growth through the conduct of more joint hydrographic surveys. In this regard, Seychelles will establish a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit (SHU) with Indian assistance. To give direction and momentum to this area of bilateral cooperation, it was decided that the 3rd JCM on Hydrography will be held in Seychelles in early 2026.

Defence Cooperation and Maritime Security

Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie underlined that maritime security and defence constituted a key and time-tested pillar of the bilateral partnership. Prime Minister Modi noted that Seychelles is an important maritime partner in India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and reiterated India’s continued support and assistance to Seychelles in meeting its maritime security and defence needs.

Both leaders acknowledged that a strong Seychelles-India partnership in the maritime security and defence domain reinforces regional stability and security and advances the well-being and prosperity of the people of Seychelles and India.

The leaders further reaffirmed that Seychelles and India remain committed to ensuring a free, open, safe and secure Indian Ocean Region, underpinned by respect for international law, freedom of navigation and a rules-based maritime order. They reiterated their resolve to work closely to counteract maritime challenges such as piracy, smuggling of narcotics and human trafficking, illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, and other transnational crimes, including those with linkages to organized crime and terrorism financing, and to reinforce peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region through enhanced maritime domain awareness, information sharing, capacity building and coordinated operational management.

President Herminie conveyed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the steadfast support to Seychelles for joint maritime surveillance, hydrography surveys, bilateral exercises, information sharing and capacity building for the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the maritime security and defence sphere through customised training and provision of naval and air assets and transport vehicles.

Both leaders agreed to initiate the process to elevate institutional engagement in order to ensure greater effectiveness, enhanced coordination and higher-level engagement.

President Herminie appreciated India’s participation in Seychelles’ National Day celebrations through Indian Armed Forces contingents. Both sides agreed to continue this tradition for the 50th National Day celebrations.

President Herminie expressed gratitude to India for its continued support towards the refit of PS Zoroaster through grant assistance. He also acknowledged the recent donation of 10 utility vehicles and 5 sets of laser radial boats to Seychelles. This will cater to the logistical needs of the Seychelles Defence Forces.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

Acknowledging the role of regional mechanisms in furthering maritime security and addressing common challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, both leaders agreed to work closely to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the decision of Seychelles to become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). He also expressed his gratitude to President Herminie for the support given by Seychelles to India for various candidatures to regional and international bodies. President Herminie reaffirmed Seychelles’ support for India’s permanent membership at the UN Security Council.

People-to-People and Cultural Ties

Recognising the deep historical ties between India and Seychelles, Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie highlighted the contributions of Seychellois of Indian heritage to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Seychelles. Both leaders also acknowledged the contribution of Indian professionals to the economy and infrastructure of Seychelles. Both leaders agreed to institutionalise cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, education, and youth engagement.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the comprehensive discussions covering all aspects of bilateral relations. They concluded the meeting with the shared understanding that the Seychelles-India partnership remains a cornerstone for stability and development in the Indian Ocean Region. They expressed confidence that the decisions taken today will elevate and strengthen the bilateral partnership and deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations.

President Herminie thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm hospitality extended on his State Visit to India. He also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to undertake an official visit to Seychelles at a mutually convenient time.