West Bengal Governor RN Ravi urges state universities to observe August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
Kolkata, August 9
West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has called upon all State and Private Universities in West Bengal, along with their affiliated colleges and institutions, to observe August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, bringing students, faculty members and parents together to remember the horrors of Partition and its profound impact on Bengal.
According to a release from Lok Bhavan, Bengal bore the worst horrors of Partition, with millions facing displacement, loss of precious lives and livelihoods, and profound social, cultural and economic disruption. The observance will help our younger generation understand one of the darkest chapters of our national history: the horrors of Partition, the immense suffering of those who lived through it, and the forces that led to it--and remain vigilant against forces that seek to divide us.
In 2021, the Government decided to observe August 14 every year as the day to commemorate the sacrifice of all those who lost their lives due to the partition of the nation and were displaced from their root.
The declaration of such a day would remind present and future generations of Indians of the pain and suffering faced by the people during the partition, according to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
India attained its freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947. Independence Day is a joyous and proud occasion for any nation; however, with the sweetness of freedom came also the trauma of partition. The birth of the newly independent Indian nation was accompanied by violent pangs of partition that left permanent scars on millions of Indians.
The partition caused one of the largest migrations in human history, affecting about 20 million people. Millions of families had to abandon their ancestral villages/towns/cities and were forced to find a new life as refugees.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a Bengali, this hits home. The trauma of Bengal's Partition is often overshadowed by the Punjab narrative. Divided families, abandoned homes, the refugee crisis in Kolkata—our city was shaped by this history. I'm glad schools and universities will now teach this generation about it.
It's important to remember the human cost of political decisions. I'm an American but have studied South Asian history extensively. The 1947 Partition remains one of the most tragic events of the 20th century. This remembrance day is a thoughtful way to honor those whose lives were forever changed.
Respect for remembering history, but why only states universities? What about involving schools and colleges more deeply? Also, I hope this isn't just a ceremonial thing. We need actual discussions and research around this. Still, a step in the right direction. 🙏
Growing up in West Bengal, I never knew the full extent of what happened in 1947 until I read about it in college. Our textbooks barely touched on it. This initiative is essential for the youth. We must never forget the lessons of Partition—it was a disaster caused by reckless politics.
As a history enthusiast from the UK, I appreciate this move. The British often gloss over the consequences of colonial policies. Partition wasn't just an Indian tragedy; it's a dark chapter in our shared colonial history too. Commemorating it correctly is a mark of a mature nation.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.