Shillong, August 14: North-Eastern Hill University today observed Partition Horror Remembrance Day with a series of events and lectures. The day started with the march and ended with series of talks by professors and Vice-Chancellor of University.
Senior most Professor of NEHU, Prof. D. K. Nayak, eloquently encapsulated the horrors of partition, stating, “The partition of India was a time of great upheaval and chaos. Millions of people were forced to flee their homes and belongings, and many were killed in the violence that accompanied the border crossing.
Women were specially vulnerable to violence and abuse. The partition also had a lasting impact on the social fabric of India and Pakistan. It created new borders and new identities, and exacerbated tensions between religious groups.
The scars of partition are still felt today, and they continue to challenge the peace and stability of the region. On this day, we remember the victims of partition and the suffering they endured.
They also remember the lessons of partition, and we recommit ourselves to building a more peaceful and tolerant future. We must never forget the horrors of partition, and we must work together to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.
Adding to the discourse, Prof. Prasenjit Biswas, Officer in-charge of the Office of International Affairs, highlighted the often-overlooked suffering in the eastern part of the country. He emphasized, The horrors of partition are mostly discussed regarding the western part of the country.
However, the eastern part of the country has also suffered a lot. Emotional losses were profound in this region, as communities like the Khasis, Jaintias, Garos, and Tripuris found themselves separated from their land, while many Bengalees have relatives across the border in India.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. P. S. Shukla, underlined the enduring impact of partition, saying, The aftermath of partition ushered in a new era with its own set of challenges. Millions of refugees, uprooted from their homes, had to start anew in unfamiliar territories.
The social and economic upheaval was staggering, as people struggled to find their place in a changed world. As borders solidified, the scars of partition continued to influence diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan, shaping foreign policies and regional dynamics for decades to come.
He continued,It is essential that we remember these painful experiences, not to perpetuate hatred or divisiveness, but to foster understanding and empathy. As we observe Partition Horror Remembrance Day, let us stand together to ensure that history’s lessons are not forgotten. We must strive to build bridges of cooperation and harmony, transcending borders, religions, and ethnicities.”
Prof. Shukla emphasized the role of education in preventing such tragedies in the future, stating, Education plays a crucial role in this endeavor. By teaching our younger generations about the consequences of partition, we empower them to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
Knowledge of our shared history encourages open dialogue, dispels myths, and promotes tolerance. Through education, we equip ourselves with the tools to address the underlying factors that can lead to conflict and division.
The legacy of partition continues to resonate deeply, not only in India and Pakistan but across the world. As we pay homage to the victims and survivors of this tragic event, let us commit ourselves to building a future where unity prevails over division, where understanding triumphs over hatred, and where the lessons of history guide us towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.
