Partition Survivors at DU Recall Harrowing Experiences at Commemorative Event
Partition Survivors at DU recently gathered to recount their harrowing experiences during the Partition of 1947. Hosted by Delhi University’s Centre for Independence and Partition Studies (CIPS), the event, held in New Delhi, was a poignant reminder of one of the darkest chapters in the subcontinent’s history. This commemorative event, aptly titled “Partition Horror Remembrance Day,” provided a platform for five survivors to share their personal stories of pain, resilience, and survival. In addition to the testimonies, the event featured a short film that compiled interviews with the participants, offering a visual narrative of the experiences that shaped their lives.
The Emotional Recollections of Partition Survivors
Among the speakers was Atma Singh Grover, now 92 years old, Partition Survivors at DU, who vividly recalled his traumatic journey from Lahore to India. Born on February 20, 1932, Grover was just a teenager when the Partition forced him and his family to flee their home. His instructions were as straightforward as they were heart-wrenching: “Find a vacant house. Settle in. Make it your own.” This command encapsulated the sense of dislocation and urgency that marked the experiences of countless refugees who were suddenly uprooted from their lives and thrust into a new, uncertain reality.
Grover, Partition Survivors at DU, recounted the terrifying moments when, at the age of 16, he was chased by individuals intent on killing him. “I had to run into the fields to save myself,” he recalled, his voice thick with emotion. His escape was a narrow one, and his story is emblematic of the countless lives that were disrupted, often permanently, by the violence and chaos of the Partition.
A Witness to Horror: Kapil Kapoor’s Story
Another speaker at the event was Kapil Kapoor, an 83-year-old scholar and former pro-vice-chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University. Kapoor, Partition Survivors at DU, who was only seven years old during the Partition, shared his vivid memories of witnessing trains filled with corpses crossing the border. “It was a terrifying experience,” he stated, underscoring the brutality that characterized this period. Kapoor’s account added a layer of historical perspective to the personal narratives shared by the other survivors, highlighting the collective trauma experienced by those who lived through this tumultuous time.
The Role of CIPS in Preserving Partition Memories
The Centre for Independence and Partition Studies (CIPS), which organized the event, was established in 2023 with the mission of exploring, collecting, and preserving the experiences of Partition survivors. CIPS aims to create an archive that will serve as a repository of oral histories, interviews, and literature related to the Partition. This archive will not only preserve the memories of those who experienced the Partition firsthand but will also provide valuable resources for future generations to understand this pivotal moment in history.
Ravinder Kumar, Partition Survivors at DU, the director of CIPS, explained the urgency of the centre’s work, given the advanced age of many of the survivors. “We started about four months ago. We have interviewed seven people so far, and we aim to interview at least 100,” he said. The interviews conducted by CIPS are a race against time, as the survivors who can provide firsthand accounts are now in the twilight years of their lives. Kumar emphasized the importance of capturing these stories before they are lost to history, noting that the centre is working under a very strict timeline.
The Importance of Commemorative Events
Events like the one organized by CIPS are crucial in ensuring that the memories of the Partition are not forgotten. They provide a platform for survivors to share their stories, which not only helps in the healing process for those who lived through these traumatic events but also educates the younger generation about the realities of the Partition through Partition Survivors at DU. The short film featured at the event served as a powerful tool for storytelling, allowing the audience to connect with the survivors’ experiences on a deeper, more emotional level.
Moreover, such events play a vital role in fostering a sense of collective memory and identity. They remind us of the shared history that binds the people of the subcontinent and the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past. The stories of resilience and survival shared by the Partition survivors are not just personal narratives; they are part of a larger historical context that continues to shape the socio-political landscape of South Asia.
Looking Ahead: The Future of CIPS
As CIPS continues its work, the centre plans to expand its archive and make it accessible to the public. This will include not only the interviews and oral histories but also a catalog of literature and other resources related to the Partition through Partition Survivors at DU. The goal is to create a comprehensive repository that can serve as an educational tool for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the Partition from a human perspective.
In conclusion, the event organized by DU’s Centre for Independence and Partition Studies was a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of the Partition. Through the personal stories of survivors like Atma Singh Grover and Kapil Kapoor, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. The work being done by CIPS is crucial in preserving these memories and ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. As the centre continues its efforts to document and archive the experiences of Partition survivors, it is helping to keep their stories alive for future generations.
