The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) today observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day with a solemn tribute to the millions of lives irrevocably altered by the tragic events of the 1947 Partition. The event, presided over by Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary of IIAS, was held at the IIAS Seminar Hall and brought together esteemed fellows, scholars, and guests to reflect on the profound human cost of Partition and to draw lessons essential for fostering peace and unity.
The program commenced with an inaugural address by the event’s Moderator, Akhilesh Pathak, Public Relations Officer of IIAS, who welcomed the attendees and highlighted the significance of remembering the 1947 Partition not just as a political event but as a monumental human tragedy. Pathak underscored the need to honor the memories of those who suffered and to understand the emotional and psychological scars left behind, which continue to impact society today.
The first presentation of the event was delivered by Dr. Priyanka Vaidya, a Fellow at IIAS, who spoke on the theme “Trauma in Partition Narratives.” Dr. Vaidya provided a profound exploration of the emotional and psychological trauma embedded in Partition narratives and discussed how these stories shape collective memory and influence contemporary social dynamics.
Following Dr. Vaidya’s insightful speech, the audience was invited to witness a powerful visual representation of Partition through a recorded drama produced by the National School of Drama (NSD). This screening, shared by the Ministry, vividly captured the pain, resilience, and experiences of those who lived through the horrors of Partition. The drama served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of this historical event, drawing the audience into the emotional depth of that tumultuous time.
The event continued with a speech by Professor Vijay Prakash Singh, another Fellow at IIAS, who focused on the “Historical Background of Partition and the Defence as the Backbone of Rashtra.” Professor Singh provided a comprehensive analysis of the historical forces that shaped the nation during the Partition, emphasizing the critical role of defense in nation-building and the enduring impact of these events on modern India.
Adding an emotional dimension to the event, Dr. Tek Chand Koul, a Fellow at IIAS, performed a heartfelt musical piece related to Partition. His performance evoked the deep sorrow and loss experienced during Partition, demonstrating the power of music to express emotions that words often cannot convey. The audience was deeply moved by this performance, which connected them to the emotional resonance of the Partition period. Prof. OP Sharma, Fellow at IIAS also explained the pain of people who witnessed the tragic event of partition.
As the event drew to a close, Mehar Chand Negi led the entire gathering in observing a minute of silence to honor the memory of those who suffered and perished during the Partition. This moment of silence served as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering the past to build a more peaceful and united future.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mehar Chand Negi, who expressed his gratitude to all participants, speakers, and attendees for their contributions. He reiterated the Institute’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue on historical events that continue to shape our society.
The observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day at IIAS was a deeply reflective and emotional event, highlighting the need to learn from history to ensure a harmonious and resilient future.
