August 14 to be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day in memory of the struggles and sacrifices of people. He further said that the pain of partition can never be forgotten.

In a tweet, Modi said that millions were displaced and many lost their lives due to mindless hate and violence caused by the partition.

The prime minister said: “May the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day keep reminding us of the need to remove the poison of social divisions, disharmony and further strengthen the spirit of oneness, social harmony and human empowerment”.

The partition of India led to the creation of two new nation-states – India and Pakistan. The latter was carved out of those areas that were dominated by the Muslim population. This division that happened on the basis of religion led to one of the largest displacement and refugee crises in the Indian subcontinent. It was followed by riots, lootings, killings among other crimes.

Independence day is also a reminder of the struggles made by the people towards challenging colonialism and become a sovereign nation-state.

This year, the Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort in Delhi will be featured in a 360-degree format. The government said that this feature can be accessed without using a VR gadget.

The platform will also host many other features that will including a special IDC radio, gallery, interactive filters, e-books on deeds of gallantry, 50 years of 1971 victory, and blogs on the freedom movement, wars and war memorials.

The theme for this year’s Independence Day is ‘Nation First, Always First.’

Reportedly, PM Modi will be inviting the Indian contingent who represented the country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the Red Fort as part of the celebration.