IIT Jammu Commemorates Partition Horror Remembrance Day 2023
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu, situated at its serene Jagti campus, reverently paid homage to the countless families who endured the harrowing aftermath of India’s Partition in 1947. An enlightening exhibition and a modest cultural gathering were orchestrated to honour this solemn occasion, a day dedicated to recalling the trials faced by numerous Indians during the partition.
The inauguration of the exhibition was graced by Prof Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) Katra, who attended as the esteemed chief guest. The exhibition itself comprised poignant visuals and enlightening facts, meticulously curated to cast light on “the anguish, suffering, and agony experienced by millions caught in the throes of Partition.”
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Prof Manoj Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu, conveyed a heartfelt message in which he revisited the enormity of the partition’s impact. He emphasised its role as a poignant reminder to mend societal divisions, foster harmony, and fortify the bonds of unity, social cohesion, and human empowerment.
In a comprehensive discourse, Dr Anil Kumar Tewari, a distinguished faculty from the SMVDU Katra, enlightened the gathering with a chronological exposition of the events encompassing the saga of India’s struggle for independence.
Dr Lalit Gupta, an acclaimed Historian, offered his insights during a succinct discourse titled “75 Years of Partition: who owns the narrative.” With analytical precision, Mr. Gupta delved into the reverberations of the partition, underscoring its profound implications on India’s social fabric.
Among the standout moments of the event was the soul-stirring musical tribute delivered by Mr Rakesh Jasotra, a renowned flute virtuoso, and his ensemble. Through the melancholic strains of his compositions, Mr. Jasotra masterfully evoked the classical echoes of ancient Hindu ragas, channelling the profound sorrow and grief entwined with the events of that era.
The event at IIT Jammu’s Jagti campus not only commemorated a sombre chapter in India’s history but also underscored the institution’s commitment to fostering remembrance, unity, and understanding among its community and beyond.