Jammu | : Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar Thursday inaugurated an exhibition on “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day” at Abhinav Theatre, depicting the immense human tragedy of India’s 1947 Partition.
Deepika Sharma, Secretary, Department of Culture; Sonali Arun Gupta, Additional Secretary, JKAACL; Dr. Javaid Rahi, Divisional Head, JKAACL Jammu and Dr. Nitin Sharma, Faculty, Department of Law, University of Jammu were present.
The inauguration was followed by a commemorative programme on the Partition horrors attended by artists, writers and intellectuals. The event was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages under the aegis of the Department of Culture, Jammu and Kashmir.
A documentary on the tragedies of Partition was screened at K.L. Saigal Hall, recalling the plight, trauma and suffering endured by people during the period.
In his address, the Divisional Commissioner said the tragedy of Partition continues to haunt the nation. He noted that in Jammu and Kashmir, the POJK displaced persons and West Pakistani refugees were among the worst affected communities, many of whom still face the consequences of Partition.
He assured that the Government is making all efforts to alleviate their hardships. On preserving cultural heritage, he informed that a museum is being established at Nagrota, Jammu to showcase the rich traditions of POJK displaced communities.
In the keynote address, Dr. Nitin Sharma discussed the challenges faced by displaced and migrant communities, highlighting their struggles, resilience and contributions despite deep losses.
The exhibition featured 45 slides covering themes such as the violence in Bengal intensified by H.S. Suhrawardy, accused of inciting the 1946 Calcutta riots and Noakhali massacres; Mahatma Gandhi’s peace marches in Bengal and the role of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee in ensuring West Bengal remained part of India, among other historical narratives.
In her welcome address, Sonali Arun Gupta said the objective of the exhibition is to highlight one of the greatest human tragedies in history, which displaced nearly 20 million people and claimed the lives of 12-15 lakh innocents, particularly in Punjab and Bengal. She reiterated that the aim of the programme was to recall this painful chapter and its enduring lessons.
Dr. Javaid Rahi presented the vote of thanks on behalf of the Secretary, JKAACL, acknowledging the contributions of all dignitaries, participants and attendees in making the event a meaningful tribute to the victims and survivors of Partition.
