• India sets Guinness World Record for 10 lakh 'Soil Selfies' under 'Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign'

    National
    India sets Guinness World Record for 10 lakh 'Soil Selfies' under 'Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign'
    Previously, China had the Guinness World Record for taking the most selfies in 2016, with about one lakh.

    Digital Desk: India achieved a significant milestone as the country bagged the Guinness World Record for the most online selfies taken as part of the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign by uploading selfies on social media.

    Previously, China had the Guinness World Record for taking the most selfies in 2016, with about one lakh. However, Savitaribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), in Maharashtra, has recently broken this record with 10,42,538 selfies taken with soil.

    Along with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the Guinness Book of World Records Certificate granting event at Mumbai University on Wednesday as part of the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that everyone should be proud of this moment and that the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' initiative is all about paying tribute to those who gave their lives for the protection of the country.

    "SPPU has set a world record, and we are proud of this moment." We revere our land, and we refer to this country as Mother. This Maa is Mitti (earth), and the 'Meri Matti Mera Desh' campaign is all about honouring those who have given their lives in service to the country," he stated.

    "We had 25 lakhs selfies but 10,42 538 selfies got approved and we created the world record by defeating China, so it is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Maharashtra who broke this record, we need to break more records," said the deputy chief minister.



    Along with congratulating everyone involved, CM Shinde noted that the initiative showed patriotism.

    "I extend my congratulations to everyone involved in this initiative. This campaign also demonstrates your patriotism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to blame for our nation's reputation being respected throughout the globe, as Maharashtra has consistently guided the country—something we have seen often as well," Chief Minister Shinde stated.

    "The campaign began as a way to show patriotism, and Maharashtra fully supported its participation. To deliver this 'Kalash of Soil' to Delhi, we have special train arrangements in place," he continued.

    The purpose of the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' (MMMD) campaign is to honour the courageous Army soldiers who gave their lives in defence of the country. Rice and holy soil were gathered from homes all throughout the country and meticulously arranged in Amrit Kalash containers as part of this project.

    The Amrit Kalash Yatra, which is part of the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign, involves gathering rice grains and mitti from more than 6 lakh rural and urban wards. The mitti from each village is mixed at the block level before being sent to the state capital.

    The national capital received the mitti from the state level along with thousands of Amrit Kalash Yatris. On October 31, the closing ceremony was held on Delhi's Kartavya Path.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that young people can work together to achieve goals for the betterment of the nation by combining their efforts during the Amrit Kalash Yatra, which concluded on October 31 as part of the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign.

    "On the other side, even if we are wrapping up an event, today marks the start of the new resolution...The 'Mera Bharat Yuva' organisation will be crucial to the nation's progress in the twenty-first century. 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' exemplifies how young people working together can accomplish any goal, PM Modi said.

    Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav's ending ceremony was also commemorated at the programme.

    The Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign is a collection of several events and rituals that are held at the panchayat, village, block, urban, local body, state, and federal levels across the nation.

    The establishment of Shilaphalakam (Memorial) as a way to honour all the brave souls who have given their all, the taking of the "Panch Pran" pledge by the people there, the planting of indigenous species seedlings and the creation of "Amrit Vatika" (Vasudha Vandhan), as well as felicitation ceremonies honouring the freedom fighters and the families of those who have lost their lives (Veeron ka Vandan), were among the events.

    With over 2.3 lakh Shilaphalakams built in 36 states and Union territories, almost 4 crore Panch Pran pledge selfies uploaded, 2 lakh plus 'Veeron ka Vandan' programs spread across the nation, more than 2.36 crore indigenous saplings planted, and 2.63 lakh Amrit Vatikas made with the Vasudha Vandan theme, the campaign became an enormous success.