Gujarat leaders pay tribute to victims on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
Gandhinagar, Aug 14
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi on Friday paid tributes to those who lost their lives and suffered displacement during the Partition of India, marking Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.
In a post on social media platform X, CM Patel described the Partition as more than the drawing of geographical boundaries, saying it had been a dark chapter of immense pain, displacement and inhuman suffering for crores of citizens.
"On Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, I pay my humble tribute to all those who lost their lives in that horrific tragedy," CM Patel said.
He also paid tribute to those who endured the pain of leaving behind their motherland, relatives and homes, while displaying courage, hard work and patience in rebuilding the country.
Sanghavi, in a separate message, also remembered those affected by the Partition. "On Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, I respectfully pay tribute to the memory of millions of Indians who endured the pain of Partition and the suffering of displacement," he said.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed annually on August 14. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the observance in 2021, saying the day would commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of people affected by the Partition and serve as a reminder of the need to strengthen social harmony.
The Partition in 1947 led to one of the largest episodes of mass displacement in modern history, with millions of people moving across the newly created borders of India and Pakistan amid widespread violence and communal tensions.
Estimates of the number of people displaced and those killed vary considerably among historical sources.
The government has used the remembrance day to highlight the suffering of those who were forced to leave their homes and the resilience of survivors.
The commemoration comes a day before India marks its 80th Independence Day. This year, Gujarat is also participating in the nationwide 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign being held from August 9 to 17.
More than 1,200 Tiranga Yatras have been planned across the state, with the campaign targeting the display of the national flag at more than 70 lakh homes, according to Sanghavi.
At the national level, the Prime Minister also paid tribute on Friday to those affected by Partition and recalled the courage of victims and survivors.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the tribute, I wish we would focus more on healing and reconciliation with our neighbours rather than just commemorating the pain. True remembrance should also mean working towards peace and harmony in the region today.
My family was affected too—they lost everything in Sindh and had to start from scratch. This day is a reminder of the resilience of our people. Salute to those who rebuilt this nation from the ashes. Jai Hind! 🙏
It's important to remember, but I also hope we teach the younger generation the full history—not just the suffering but also the political decisions that led to it. We owe it to the millions who suffered to learn the complete truth.
Har Ghar Tiranga is a beautiful initiative to channel our national pride constructively. Remembering Partition's horrors while celebrating our freedom makes this Independence Day even more meaningful. Proud to be Indian! 🚩
As someone who studied the Partition in university, I find India's approach to remembering this tragedy both mature and necessary. It's a stark reminder of what happens when communities are divided. Respect to all who survived and rebuilt.
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