Partition Horrors Must Teach Us to Build Better Future: Shekhawat

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th August. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), under the Ministry of Culture, hosted the ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on August 14. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat served as the chief guest for the event.

In his address, Shekhawat reflected on the pain and causes of the Partition of India, emphasizing the importance of remembering this historical tragedy to impart lessons to future generations.

He stressed that the remembrance is not politically motivated but aims to foster a better understanding of the impact and build a more informed future. Shekhawat criticized the historical neglect of the Partition’s suffering and displacement, highlighting the necessity of history as a guide for progress.

Distinguished guests included Minister of State for Earth Sciences and Personnel, Public Grievances Dr. Jitendra Singh; Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region Dr. Sukanta Majumdar; Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasad; Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya; Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra; Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna; and MP Shankar Lalwani.

During the event, Shekhawat released a teaser for the documentary film ‘A New Postbox: Tales from the Partition,’ directed by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, which will be aired on Doordarshan and Sansad TV.

Additionally, the book ‘Vibhajan Ki Kahaniyan’ (Stories of Partition), edited by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi and Prof. Ravi Prakash Tekchandani, was also launched.

The Partition of India, which began on August 15, 1947, remains one of the greatest human tragedies, with millions killed and many displaced. In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared August 14 as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ to honor the victims and keep the nation vigilant.

The event, coordinated by Prof. K. Anil Kumar, Head of the Janapada Sampada Division at IGNCA, saw participation from survivors’ families, Delhi University students, and a diverse audience.