NEW DELHI: Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, 14 August, serves as a reminder that history should not be forgotten but rather learned from.
Two quotes—one by a young boy barely in his teens and the other by a septuagenarian—encapsulate the deep and lasting impact of the Partition of India. Sri Aurobindo, reflecting on India’s newfound freedom, stated, “India is free but she has not achieved unity; only a fissured and broken freedom.” Decades later, Gulzar, a renowned lyricist who experienced the horrors of Partition as a child, echoed this sentiment, saying, “The wounds will take decades to heal and centuries to overcome the trauma of them.”
The Partition of India in 1947 remains one of the most traumatic and defining events in the subcontinent’s history. The creation of India and Pakistan came at an unimaginable human cost, leading to the largest mass migration ever recorded, leaving millions displaced and thousands dead. The scars of this irrational Partition continue to haunt the socio-political landscape of both countries.
It is satisfying to see that the current Indian government has taken bold steps toward commemorating and acknowledging the horrors of Partition. This marks a significant departure from previous administrations, which often chose to downplay the issue, fearing it might reopen old wounds. However, this new stance is built on a crucial understanding: confronting painful history rather than suppressing it is essential for true healing and progress. The notion that remembering Partition will only cause more harm is being challenged by a deeper comprehension that history, when properly addressed, offers an opportunity to learn, reconcile, and move forward. It is the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his vision to announce the observation of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day in 2021 that has brought this entire episode into the right context.
Globally, countries have shown that confronting historical traumas head-on allows societies to reconcile with their past and evolve. Attempting to cover up unpleasant truths with selective narratives, as was often done by past Indian governments, is ultimately counterproductive. The pain and consequences of Partition cannot be fully addressed until they are exposed to honest examination and discussion. By bringing these experiences into the open, India is taking an essential step toward honouring the memories of those who endured Partition and equipping future generations with the knowledge needed to prevent such tragedies.
This approach aligns with best practices worldwide in dealing with historical traumas. While remembering can be painful, it is a necessary part of the healing process. By creating spaces for dialogue, commemoration, and education about Partition, India is paving the way for a more nuanced understanding of its past and a more informed approach to its future. This willingness to confront difficult history head-on is a sign of a maturing democracy, one that is ready to learn from its past to build a more inclusive and harmonious future.
Partition witnessed one of the largest human migrations in history, with millions of Muslims migrating to Pakistan and millions of Hindus and Sikhs moving to India. The exact number of fatalities remains unknown, and estimates often reflect the political biases of those presenting them. Much of the blame for the horrors of Partition has been placed on Lord Mountbatten. However, can we absolve Nehru, Jinnah, or even Gandhi of responsibility? When Mountbatten was still formulating his plans, Gandhi warned him of two possible outcomes: either British rule would continue, or there would be a massacre. “What ought I do in that case?” Mountbatten asked. Gandhi’s response was chilling: “You must face the bloodbath and accept it.”
Could Gandhi and Nehru have averted the carnage? We cannot say for certain. But it is imperative that this tragedy be fully documented, understood, and studied by future generations. Critics argue that reopening old wounds serves no purpose, that the past is long gone and should remain buried. But as Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel once said, “To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.”
Post-Partition generations in India have, in effect, committed this second killing by forgetting or neglecting the memory of those who perished during Partition. For the first time since India’s Independence, however, Partition has been formally remembered, and the Prime Minister has paid tribute to those who suffered during that dreadful time, praising their resilience and fortitude. Partition Horrors Remembrance Day serves as a reminder that history should not be forgotten but rather learned from. It’s imperative that all parties speak up and explain the true significance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. This is also an incident that teaches us lessons of being united and harmonious. The historical disaster faced by the over-ambitious and anxious British regime, equally supported by the Muslim League, has gone down in history as the biggest blunder, causing irreparable damage to the solidarity of India.
The story of Partition and the making of Pakistan and India is incredibly thrilling, intriguing, and full of conspiracies. Successive governments failed to respond appropriately, which may explain why Partition has inspired such a vast body of fictional literature in India and Pakistan, yet so few historical narratives in film. The scarcity of documentation likely stems from a government fearful of being unmasked. However, remembering the horrors of Partition can contribute to healing and reconciliation for families and communities directly affected. It provides an opportunity for open dialogue and understanding.
India has begun to move away from accepting the diversity of its own thoughts, instead putting people in ideological boxes. This is partly due to the lingering hangover of Partition. If India wants to retain its cultural kaleidoscope, it must correct its historical inaccuracies. If India wants to heal from the wounds of Partition, the best medicine is to first accept the existence of the wound. As we commemorate Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, let us honour the memory of those who suffered and learn from the past to build a future rooted in understanding, reconciliation, and peace.
Dr Sachchidanand Joshi is Member Secretary, IGNCA.