2 Lakh students shall be taken to heritage sites for better exposure: Alok Kumar

Being patriotic towards Nation is everyone’s responsibility

Thousands took Paanch Pran Pledge in presence of Alok Kumar

JAMMU, August 11: As part of the of series of events being celebrated in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir w.e.f 9^th August 2023 to pay homage to the motherland and salute to the valour and sacrifices of Martyrs and honour the heroes under the different programmes of Meri Maati Mera Desh, launched by the  Prime Minister, a mega event was organised today by Samagra Shiksha, J&K under the ambit of School Education Department, at Hr. Secondary School Sunjwan, Jammu.

Principal Secretary Education. Alok Kumar was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Project Director Samagra Shiksha, Deep Raj, Director School Education Jammu, Ashok K. Sharma, Director Finance, SED Iftikhar Hussain, Special Secretary Kanta Devi, Anu Behl, JD Planning, Parshotam Kumar, DD Planning Bilal Rashid, Field Advisor Jagdeep K. Padha, CEO Jammu Suraj Rathore, along with the State Coordinators, Principals, Local public representatives, Teachers, Students of the various Institutions attended the Programme.

The programme started with the lighting of Lamp, followed by the Sarswati Vandana and group of Cultural events by Students of various Schools. Deputy Director Bilal Rashid presented welcome address.

Alok Kumar in his address said that, being patriotic towards the nation is everyone’s responsibility, for we as a society, as a group, form the nation. There is no nation without people and vice-versa. He said that, ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign is to honour the country’s martyred Bravehearts, who put their life at stake for the safety and security of general masses. The campaign is envisaged from 9th August 2023 as a culminating event of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and it is a tribute to the Veers and Veeranganas who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country, he said.

Principal Secretary said that, Meri Maati Mera Desh” also envisions a unified celebration of India’s soil and valour, commemorating the nation’s journey of freedom and progress. By connecting with the land and honouring our heroes, this program will instill a sense of national pride and inspire future generations to protect India’s cherished heritage, he maintained.

Alok Kumar reiterated that, School Education Department is the largest department and the message of PM should reach to every nook and corner of the UT through Students & teachers. He also informed that, under this campaign, activities and ceremonies are being conducted with the involvement of locals at Panchayat/Village, Block, Municipal level.

He informed that, in the memory of these luminaries, special inscriptions will also be installed in various Schools and many schools have been renamed, to honour the martyrs. ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra’ shall also be organised across the UT and as part of part of the ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra’, soil in 7,500 kalshs will be carried from different parts of the country to Kartayavya Path in Delhi, he added.

Principal Secretary further said that,Youth forms a major part of the nation and being patriotic towards it is their major responsibility. While the youth today enjoy their freedom in heritage, they must know the amount of sacrifices the freedom fighters did, so that we, as a country, can enjoy this peaceful life. He also informed that, 188000 Students shall be taken to the heritage sites for better exposure, 1880 Students shall be sent out side the UT on exposure visit. Excursion trip shall also be organised for more than 1.5 Lakh Students to make students aware about our rich heritage and instil moral values in them. 

Earlier, Project Director Samagra Shiksha while talking to the gathering, said that, Samagra Shiksha is always committed to holistic development of the students and has taken several strides in Jammu and Kashmir for providing better learning avenues to the students in form of civil infrastructure, ICT labs, Sports equipment, Library books and uniform. Approximately 1352 smart classrooms, 376 Astro Physics Labs and 800 ICT Labs shall be set up in next 4 months along with open gym in different Senior Secondary schools under the supervision of Principal Secretary School Education.

Later, Paanch Pran Pledge was taken by more than a gathering of 1000 people, to keep the spirit high for the nation. Selfies with Diya and Maati were also clicked, with the Tiranga in hands and Planation drive was also launched lead byPrincipal Secretarywhere more than 100 saplings were planted.