On Wednesday, August 14th, India observed ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’, a day dedicated to remembering the tragic consequences of the 1947 partition that led to the creation of Pakistan. This day marks the anniversary of the division of India under British colonial rule, an event that resulted in immense suffering and displacement for millions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his solemn remembrance of the countless people who were impacted and greatly suffered due to the horrors of Partition. He paid tribute to their courage and resilience, highlighting how many of those affected rebuilt their lives and achieved success. He also emphasized the importance of unity and brotherhood in India, stating that remembering the past serves as a reminder to protect these values.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed these sentiments in his own post on X, stating that remembering the history of the partition is essential for building a strong and prosperous future. He emphasized the inhumane suffering, loss of life, and displacement caused by the partition, calling it a ‘most hideous episode of our history’. He also stressed that observing this day is fundamental to nation-building under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Since 2021, the Modi government has designated August 14th as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the partition. When announcing this observance, PM Modi emphasized that the day serves as a tribute to the struggles and sacrifices of those affected. He noted that the pain of partition remains unforgettable, highlighting the immense displacement and loss of life caused by the violence and hatred of that period.
India is set to celebrate its Independence Day on Thursday, August 15th. The observation of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the challenges overcome in the journey towards independence and nation-building.