Observation of Partition Horrors Rememberance Day

The Government of India observes Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on 14 August every year to honour the victims and survivors of Partition and to ensure that future generations remember the sacrifices made. As part of this observance, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre Puducherry, organized a commemorative programme on 13 August 2025. Students from Rashtriya Raksha University, Puducherry Campus, as a part of the University’s commitment to national security and community engagement ,actively participated in the programme that promotes cultural understanding, historical awareness, and civic responsibility

                                       

In 2021, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi declared 14 August as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to honor the memory of those who suffered during the Partition, educate future generations about the tragic consequences of division and to promote peace, empathy, and national unity. As per Directives of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi , every schools and universities in india should observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to pay respect and tribute to the victims and as olemn reminder of the sacrifices made and the importance of safeguarding peace.

The event commenced at the Franco-Tamil Villa Meeting Room, adjacent to the Art and Craft Village, Puducherry. The programme included personal recollections, a film screening, and an interactive session by guest speakers.

Dignitaries and Speakers:

The programme featured the following speakers:

• Shri Jayanta Kumar Ray – Secretary to the Govt. of Pondicherry, Health and Family Welfare (Chief Guest).
• Dr. V. Ananda Reddy – Director, Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research.
• Dr. Beloo Mehra – Director, Bharat Shakti.

There was a lecture session, where the invited speakers provided historical context, shared research insights, and discussed the broader implications of the Partition on India’s socio-political fabric. Speakers shared moving personal stories rooted in their family experiences during the Partition era. These narratives highlighted the resilience, courage, and sacrifices of those who lived through this historic period.

                                       

Followed by the lecture by guest speakers, a documentary film was screened, featuring remembrance of partition day. The film powerfully conveyed the emotional and physical toll of Partition, providing a visual representation of the scale of human suffering during the Partition. The screening left a profound impact, inspiring the students and participants to reflect on the importance of peace and social harmony.

Students demonstrated attentiveness, engaged in discussions, and reflected on the broader implications of Partition in shaping India’s socio-political fabric.

This external engagement activity provided students with an opportunity to connect with living memories and documented histories of one of the most significant events in India’s past. Participation in this event enabled students to gain a great understanding of the Partition, moving beyond textbook narratives to appreciate its complex historical realities. 

Hearing personal accounts from the speakers humanised these historical facts, fostering empathy and emotional connection to the experiences of those affected. The programme also reinforced the value of national integration and peace-building, enhancing civic awareness among the participants. Furthermore, it provided professional relevance by deepening their understanding of socio-historical contexts that are critical to the fields of criminology, security, and policy-making.

The observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on 13 August 2025 was a meaningful experience for the students of Rashtriya Raksha University. The combination of personal testimonies and visual documentation offered a multi-dimensional understanding of the Partition’s impact.

The programme successfully met its objective of preserving historical memory, fostering empathy, and reinforcing the importance of unity. For the students, it was not only an educational engagement but also a moment of deep reflection on the values that sustain a harmonious society.