Preserve memories of partition tragedy, include it in national curriculum: Khattar

Gurugram: Union housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday called for the horrors of the Partition to be preserved in history and included in the national curriculum, stressing that this would ensure younger generations remain aware of the tragedy and its long-term consequences

Gurugram: Union housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday called for the horrors of the Partition to be preserved in history and included in the national curriculum, stressing that this would ensure younger generations remain aware of the tragedy and its long-term consequences.

Addressing the state-level “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day” in Gurugram, Khattar said documenting the partition experiences was essential to strengthening national unity and patriotism among young people. (Naveen Sharma)

Addressing the state-level “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day” in Gurugram, Khattar said documenting the partition experiences was essential to strengthening national unity and patriotism among young people.

He also paid floral tribute to Partition victims at the “Wall of Remembrance” and visited an exhibition showcasing the history and memories of the partition.

BJP national president and Rajya Sabha member Nitin Nabin attended the event as the chief guest.

Recalling the scale of the displacement and loss of life, the union minister said more than seven million people lost their lives in the violence of partition and around 15 to 20 million families were displaced. He said the tragedy remained deeply painful and disturbing when viewed in the context of the enormous human suffering involved.

Describing August 14 as a day of mixed emotions, he said the country remembers both the achievement of Independence and the painful division that accompanied it.

“Two lines that pierced the heart of the country were drawn on the map,” he said, referring to the division of Punjab and Bengal and the uncertainty faced by millions who did not know where the new international boundary lay.

“Many families chose to come to India despite difficult circumstances, reflecting their attachment to the country’s culture. Those displaced, subsequently rebuilt their lives through enterprise, self-employment and participation in industry, contributing to the country’s economic development,” he added.

Union minister of state Rao Inderjit Singh, Haryana industries and commerce minister Rao Narbir Singh, Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Bhatia, BJP Haryana president Dr Archana Gupta, MPs and MLAs, state ministers, senior party leaders, religious leaders and others were also present at the event.

A documentary on the Partition was screened at the event. Rao Inderjit Singh also addressed the gathering.