Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the Partition of India and said the pain and suffering associated with the event could never be forgotten.
On the eve of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed on August 14, Dhami described the Partition as one of the darkest chapters in history and recalled the immense loss of life, displacement and suffering experienced by millions of people.
CM recalls the human cost of Partition
Dhami said the country witnessed the joy of Independence on August 15, 1947, but the occasion was accompanied by the deep pain of Partition. He said the division of the country resulted in widespread displacement and caused immense suffering to families across the region.
The chief minister said millions of people lost their lives or were forced to leave their homes during the period surrounding Partition. Families were separated, communities were displaced and countless people had to rebuild their lives in unfamiliar surroundings.
He said the scale of the tragedy made Partition one of the most painful episodes in India's modern history.
Remembrance Day observed since 2021
{{/usCountry}}He said the scale of the tragedy made Partition one of the most painful episodes in India's modern history.
Remembrance Day observed since 2021
{{/usCountry}}Dhami recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in 2021 that August 14 would be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.
According to the chief minister, the day was instituted to remember the people who lost their lives, suffered displacement and endured the consequences of Partition. He said commemorating the day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices and hardships faced by those affected by the division.
Dhami said remembering the events of Partition is important for ensuring that the experiences of those who suffered are not lost from public memory.
Focus on preserving historical memory
The chief minister said Partition caused severe damage to social unity, harmony and human relationships. He said the violence and displacement associated with the division left a deep impact on generations of families.
He said it was the responsibility of citizens to remember those who contributed to India's freedom struggle as well as those who endured the hardships of Partition.
Dhami said paying tribute to those affected by the tragedy was also a way of expressing gratitude towards the people who made sacrifices for the country and acknowledging the suffering of families who were separated or displaced.
Message for future generations
Dhami said Partition Horrors Remembrance Day would continue to remind future generations about the consequences of division, violence and loss of social harmony.
He said awareness of history was necessary to understand the importance of unity, social harmony and human sensitivity. Remembering the past, he added, should encourage society to strengthen these values and work towards ensuring that such a tragedy is not repeated.
The chief minister urged people to remember the victims and those who endured displacement with sensitivity and respect, saying that the memories of the Partition should remain part of the country's collective historical consciousness.