Agartala, August 14, 2025: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Thursday underscored the need for younger generations to understand the painful legacy of India’s Partition, describing it as a “scar on the body of an independent nation” that continues to evoke deep reflection.
Speaking at the state-level observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day at Rabindra Hall, Maharaja Bir Bikram College, Dr. Saha said the tragedy uprooted millions of Indians, turning them into refugees in their own land, and left indelible wounds on the nation’s socio-cultural fabric.
“The cries of those who lost their homes, families, and livelihoods during Partition echoed through the skies of India,” the Chief Minister said, recalling how communities were torn apart by violence and displacement in 1947. “The then-ruling powers, guided by the divisive two-nation theory, chose to partition the country for their own interests, disregarding the unity and harmony of our people.”
The event, organised by the Higher Education Department, was attended by ministers, senior government officials, academicians, students, and members of civil society. It featured speeches, historical narratives, and cultural presentations aimed at sensitising the youth to the human cost of Partition.
Dr. Saha emphasised that remembering such chapters of history is essential not to foster animosity, but to reinforce the values of unity, integrity, and communal harmony. He urged students and young citizens to study the events surrounding Partition in depth so as to guard against divisive ideologies in the future.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed annually on August 14, was instituted to honour the memory of those who suffered and perished during the mass migrations and communal violence that followed the division of British India into India and Pakistan.
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In Tripura, which shares historical and cultural ties with communities directly affected by Partition, the day is marked by public discussions, educational programmes, and exhibitions showcasing archival materials and testimonies of survivors.
Dr. Saha also highlighted the importance of preserving survivor stories and oral histories, stating that such accounts serve as powerful reminders of the human consequences of political decisions. “We must ensure that future generations inherit a nation bound by compassion and respect, not divided by hatred and fear,” he said.
The programme concluded with a pledge to uphold the values of peace, fraternity, and national unity, followed by a cultural tribute that depicted the resilience of people who rebuilt their lives in the aftermath of Partition.
