Remembering the sacrifices of those in the past, Doraiswami said, it is “a debt that we owe those who came before us–a debt that we should discharge to those who come out.”…reports Asian Lite News
The Indian High Commission in the UK organised ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ at India House in London on Wednesday.
A day prior to India’s 78th Independence Day, which is celebrated on August 15 every year, the event at the Indian High Commission was organised to remember millions of families who suffered the brunt of partition in 1947.
Speaking on the occasion, India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, said, “Whatever was, what we sought for, was not what happened. But even in that, 77 years later, we can take comfort from the fact that we should at least have learnt the lesson of what happened, so that we at least take that lesson forward to subsequent generations.”
Remembering the sacrifices of those in the past, Doraiswami said, it is “a debt that we owe those who came before us–a debt that we should discharge to those who come out.”
Meanwhile, in India, the day was observed to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and were displaced during the country’s partition in 1947.
In an effort to remind current and future generations of the deep scars left by the Partition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in 2021 that August 14 would be observed annually as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’.
The observance aims to commemorate the sacrifices made by those who suffered during the Partition and to keep their memories alive.
The Union Ministry of Culture has asked stakeholders across various states to hold an exhibition featuring 52 slides with photographs that have been jointly curated by the Indian Council of Historical Research and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
The exhibition would be displayed at prominent locations such as railway stations, post offices, shopping malls, and government offices to ensure maximum outreach.
The ministry has advised that the events should be conducted with utmost sensitivity to ensure that no sentiments are hurt.
Issuing instructions, the ministry stated, “This day is organised to remember the tragedy and agony of the partition, so the sensitivity of this exhibition should be kept in mind. It should also be ensured that no section of society gets hurt by any act during the exhibition.”
According to the ministry, the exhibition has been carefully curated to avoid any disturbing images, with the aim of educating the public about the background of the partition, the stories of those displaced, and the role played by the British in dividing the country. It is intended to be a solemn and respectful remembrance of the suffering endured by millions during the Partition.
Meanwhile, several Indian missions across the world have also organised events to commemorate the day.
The Consulate General of India in Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Australia organised the ‘Partition Horror Remembrance Day’ exhibition. Consul General Dr S. Janakiraman and the chief guest, Colonel Sahni, inaugurated the exhibition.
India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. While Independence Day is a joyous and proud occasion, the trauma of the partition that accompanied the birth of the newly independent nation left permanent scars on millions of Indians.
The partition resulted in one of the largest migrations in human history, affecting around 20 million people. Countless families were forced to leave their ancestral homes and start anew as refugees.
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 75th Independence Day at the stroke of midnight on August 14-15, the pain and violence of the partition remain deeply etched in the collective memory of the country.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day serves as a solemn reminder of the suffering endured and the resilience shown by those who lived through one of the most turbulent periods in India’s history.