Srinagar : To instill a sense of national pride and to inspire future generations to protect India’s heritage by connecting with the land and honouring the national heroes, the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ (My Soil, My Country) campaign commenced at the University of Kashmir (KU) Wednesday to commemorate 75 years of independence. The event under the umbrella of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ includes plantation drives, sculpture making, clay-modelling, pottery workshops, pledge ceremonies and a speech competition.
At the inaugural function, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Nilofer Khan highlighted the importance of organising the program while spearheading a sapling plantation drive in the varsity’s plant nursery.
Terming the drive a ‘moment of great pride’, she said, “We have assembled here to honour our cherished heritage. We have many such programmes lined up where we will sensitise and encourage the youth to participate in the celebrations.”
“This will remind us of the sacrifices our heroes made to lead India to independence and this is our tribute to honour them,” she said.
On the occasion, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Farooq Ahmad Masoodi, Dean Research, Prof Irshad Ahmad Nawchoo; Registrar, Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir; Dean Students Welfare, Prof Aneesa Shafi; Controller of Examinations, Dr. Majid Zaman Baba; Special Secretary to VC, Dr Tanveer Ahmad; Coordinator NSS, Dr Musavir Ahmad; Director Landscape Development Division, Dr. Anzar Ahmad Khuroo; Chief Proctor, Dr Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan; Media Advisor, Dr. Slaima Jan besides deans, directors, heads of schools/centres/departments, students and volunteers waved the national flag with the ‘Mitti’ anthem playing in the background.
Meanwhile, the KU’s Institute Music and Fine Arts (IMFA) organised a pottery and sculpture workshop showcasing India’s cultural heritage through different art forms including clay models, sculptures and pottery.
Live-sculpturing of Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Chandrashekhar Azad were displayed by the students of IMFA to inspire and educate the future generations about the valour and supreme sacrifices of the freedom fighters.
Students from the Kashmir University Model School (KUMS) displayed their clay-models depicting India’s collective heritage and ethos.
Acknowledging the artistic prowess of student artists from IMFA and KUMS, the vice-chancellor praised the models, sculptures and pottery vividly portraying the independence era.
The varsity’s Department of Students Welfare, Department of Social Work, NSS Wing, Landscape Development Division, Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA), Proctorial Wing and the Public Relations Centre are organising diverse activities in the coming days as well.
Similar celebrations are being carried out in all the satellite campuses of the university.
‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ (my soil my country), with the tagline ‘Mitti ko naman, veeron ka vandan’, is a people-led ‘Jan bhagidari’ (public participation) initiative that envisions a unified celebration of India’s soil and valour, commemorating India’s journey of freedom and progress.
