JU hosts Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

On the eve of Independence Day, the Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre, Jammu, in collaboration with the Department of History, University of Jammu, and the POJK Visthapit Sewa Samiti, hosted a solemn Partition Horrors Remembrance Day at the Seminar Hall of the Department of History.

The event began with a symbolic ceremony, marked by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. This significant ritual was performed by the chief guest, Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean Planning and Development,  University of Jammu. She was joined  by Prof. Suman Jamwal, Head, Department of History, and Ms.  Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts (IGNCA).

A poignant two-minute silence was also observed. This moment of reflection was dedicated to honoring and remembering the courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s freedom and those who suffered during the tumultuous aftermath of the Partition.

In her address as the chief guest, Prof. Meena Sharma delivered a deeply moving and impactful speech that resonated with all present. She began by paying tribute to the remarkable resilience of the survivors of Partition, celebrating their strength and fortitude in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her words were a heartfelt acknowledgment of the enduring human spirit that carried many through the darkest days of history. Prof. Sharma eloquently reminded the audience of the profound sacrifices that were made to secure India's independence. She painted a vivid picture of the immense cost at which freedom was achieved, emphasizing the suffering and struggles endured by countless individuals. 

Following this, the audience was deeply moved by the firsthand accounts shared by individuals who had lived through the horrors of Partition. Retired Subedar Lalmani Sharma shared his harrowing journey in the aftermath of Partition, recounting his arduous search for safety and witnessing atrocities in Poonch. Chandrakanta Ji, with her daughter Rajni Sehgal, narrated her traumatic displacement from Muzaffarabad, highlighting her family’s sudden departure and subsequent life in refugee camps, while conveying a message of hope and resilience.

Deepak Kapoor, President of the POJK Visthapit Sewa Samiti, discussed his organization’s efforts to support displaced communities and emphasized the need for political representation for POJK refugees. Dr. Shreeya Bakshi from the Central University of Himachal Pradesh highlighted the cultural impact of forced displacement and recited lines from Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s poem on reclaiming lost lands.

Dr. Ajay Kumar from the Centre for Kashmir Studies, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, moderated the panel discussion. He spoke about the painful effects of Partition, voiced concerns regarding the political representation of POJK refugees, and stressed the need for further research and initiatives to support these displaced communities.

The post-lunch session started with a stirring and impassioned address delivered by the Honorable Vice Chancellor of Cluster University, Jammu, Prof. Bechan Lal. With a commanding presence and fervent conviction, Prof. Lal captivated the audience with his powerful speech that resonated deeply with the core values of unity and diversity. Prof Lal's address was not merely a speech; it was a clarion call to action, underscoring the critical importance of these principles in sustaining the very fabric of our nation. He spoke with heartfelt urgency about the pressing need to confront and overcome the divisive forces that threaten to unravel the threads of India's unity. His words were imbued with a passionate plea for collective effort and solidarity; emphasizing that only through a united front can we preserve and strengthen the harmonious coexistence that defines our nation. His passionate appeal left a lasting impression, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and dedication among those present to uphold the values that are fundamental to our nation's strength and identity

Following his address, Prof Bechan Lal took part in a significant moment of the event by felicitating the representative of the POJK (Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir) community. This gesture underscored the ongoing commitment to acknowledging and addressing the concerns of displaced communities.

In a moment of celebration, Prof Lal also presented awards to the winners of the painting competition, which had been organized to engage students in reflecting on the themes of Partition and its aftermath. The competition, held concurrently with the event, witnessed enthusiastic participation from both school and college students. Each winner was awarded a certificate and a cash prize, with Prof Lal personally handing over these accolades, highlighting the achievements and creative expressions of the young participants.

  The photographic exhibition, organized by the Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts (IGNCA), was a poignant centerpiece of the event, illuminating the human cost of Partition through a striking collection of images. Each photograph served as a powerful window into the past, vividly capturing the profound and often heart-wrenching tragedies endured by countless individuals during this tumultuous period. The display invited viewers to connect with history on a deeply personal level, fostering a collective reflection on the sacrifices and struggles that have shaped the present.

The event reached its conclusion with a dynamic performance of Nukkad Natak by the members of Nav Durga Kala Manch. This street play brought a lively and engaging dimension to the proceedings, effectively capturing the audience’s attention and adding a cultural touch to the day’s commemoration.