CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the occasion of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University organized a lecture program. The keynote speaker was Harshvardhan Tomar, Director of the Regional Centre, Bhopal. In his lecture, he spoke about the conditions before India’s Partition and its impact afterward.
He stated that until the 11th century, India was known as the “Golden Bird,” but thereafter, the country faced nearly a thousand years of invasions. In the 16th century, the British, French, and Dutch arrived with the aim of establishing Christian rule in India.
Dr. Tomar mentioned that after the 1857 revolt, the British adopted the “divide and rule” policy. In this context, the Aligarh Muslim University was established in 1860 and the Indian National Congress in 1885, where at its first session the slogan “Long live Queen Victoria” was raised. He also referred to a speech by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
He further said that after Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915, appeasement of Muslims increased. Dr. Tomar noted that in 200 years, India was divided into seven parts. After Partition, refugees in India faced immense suffering. Showing the map of Akhand Bharat (Undivided India) and historical images, he illustrated the horrors of Partition. He emphasized that today is a day to take a pledge to rebuild Akhand Bharat and appealed that India should never accept the existence of Pakistan.
Chairing the program, Sushil Manderia, Registrar of the University, said the purpose of observing Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is to make everyone aware of the role behind Partition. He stressed that the decision of Partition was not made by Indians. Citing examples, he explained how refugees from Pakistan suffered greatly during Partition and urged that such a day should be observed every year.
The program was conducted by Prof. Ratan Suryavanshi, Director of the Student Support Department, who highlighted that around 15 million people were displaced and 1–1.5 million lost their lives during Partition. He added that to impart full knowledge of Partition to today’s youth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2021, declared August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.
Expressing gratitude, L.P. Jharia, Director of the Academic Coordination Department, said that the period from the 1857 revolt to 1947 forms the history of India’s national movement. He urged everyone to support the welfare policies of the government and to always oppose divisive forces.
A large number of students, teachers, staff, and officials attended the program. On this occasion, My FM Radio also organized a tree plantation drive on the university campus. Earlier, in line with the government’s vision, a grand Tiranga Yatra (Tricolor March) was enthusiastically welcomed at the main entrance of the university by students, employees, and officials.
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