India Breaks Guinness World Record With Over 1 Million 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' Selfies

In a remarkable feat of patriotism, India has set a new Guinness World Record for the highest number of selfies taken under the Central government's 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign. Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) in Maharashtra played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone, collecting over 1,042,538 selfies featuring soil, breaking China's previous record of approximately 100,000 selfies in 2016.

The historic achievement was celebrated in a ceremony held at Mumbai University on November 9, attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Sharing their enthusiasm, Deputy CM Fadnavis tweeted, "Guinness World Records Certificate awarding ceremony for 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' (Online Selfie World Record)."

Deputy CM Fadnavis spoke proudly of the accomplishment, saying, "It's a proud moment for us, and SPPU has created this world record. We call this nation Mother, and this Maa is Mitti (soil), and the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign is all about respecting the people who have sacrificed their lives for the nation; we worship our soil," reported Hindustan Times. He revealed that even though there were 25 lakh selfies submitted, Guinness World Records approved only 10,42,538 selfies. He emphasized the need to continue breaking records in the spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Maharashtra.

Chief Minister Shinde extended his congratulations to everyone involved in this remarkable initiative. He lauded the campaign's patriotic spirit and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enhancing India's international presence. CM Shinde also revealed that special arrangements were made to transport the 'Amrit Kalash' to Delhi by train.

On the success of the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule tweeted, "I congratulate all the people of Maharashtra on this occasion. Also, I express my gratitude to all the people who uploaded selfies. This world record was possible only because of you all."

The 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a part of the Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav programme. It pays tribute to the martyrs of the country by collecting sacred soil from their native places across the nation and bringing it to Delhi in containers known as 'Amrit Kalash.'

The grand finale of the Amrit Kalash Yatra took place in Delhi on October 31, marking the culmination of an extensive campaign that saw soil collected from over 6 lakh villages across the country. This initiative has not only set a world record but also united the nation in a remarkable show of respect and patriotism.

The 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign resonates deeply with the sentiments of millions of Indians who take pride in their motherland and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. As the soil from every corner of India came together to break a world record, it stands as a symbol of unity, patriotism, and the enduring spirit of the country. India has indeed etched its name in the Guinness World Records once again, and the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign serves as a reminder of the unwavering love for the nation that binds its people together.