<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">In Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta today flagged off Amrit Kalash Yatra under "Meri Mati Mera Desh" (Mitti Ko Naman Veeron Ko Vandan) to New Delhi at Conventional Centre Jammu. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the J&K contingent comprises of nearly 400 volunteers from each block and ULB of the Union Territory. The Chief Secretary complimented all stakeholders for the successful culmination of this year-long program. The teams shall be led by officers from culture and District level nodal officers for the smooth movement of this yatra to the National Capital. </span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">The program was started with the lighting of traditional lamp by the Chief guest and other dignitaries. The Chief Secretary also administered a Pledge on PanchPran (Pratigya) with the participants. The Chief Secretary and other dignitaries also kept some Mitti in the Kalash (pot) under 'muthibharmitti' during the program and called it a symbolic step to show solidarity with other countrymen of our great nation. </p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">The Chief Secretary said that 83 lakh people from Jammu and Kashmir participated in Meri Maati Mera Desh which is the highest participation on the basis of the population ratio of the States/UTs of the country. He called this achievement remarkable and appreciated all those who made this a reality. He also appreciated the concerned departments for making this a grand success in the UT and said a large number of events were conducted at panchayat and block levels. During the program, Mitti (soil) was collected from every household and was mixed to celebrate the rich cultural, linguistic, and social diversity of the country. Earlier, the Chief secretary also kickstarted a plantation drive as part of 'Vasudha Vandhan' by planting a tree in the campus.</span></p>