Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday remembered the victims of the 1947 Partition of India, paying tribute to those who lost their lives, were forced to leave their homes and faced immense suffering during one of the darkest periods in the country’s history.
Modi made the remarks on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed every year on August 14, a day before India celebrates Independence Day.
PM Modi remembers families affected by Partition
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said Partition remains one of the most painful chapters in India’s history. He recalled how the division separated families, displaced millions of people and resulted in widespread suffering.
“Today we mark Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. We recall the courage of all those who were impacted by Partition. It was a moment in history that tore apart several lives… families were uprooted, loved ones were lost, and immense suffering was endured,” Modi wrote.
The Prime Minister also remembered those who survived the tragedy and rebuilt their lives despite facing severe hardships.
He said their experiences reflected the strength and resilience of people who went through the crisis.
“Their life journeys remind us of the strength of the human spirit. May this day deepen our resolve to preserve harmony and brotherhood in our nation and collectively work towards building a Viksit Bharat,” he added.
Jaishankar also pays tribute to Partition victims
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also remembered those affected by the Partition.
Jaishankar highlighted both the human suffering caused by the division and its long-term impact on the region.
“On Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, recognise the enormous human suffering and far-reaching geopolitical consequences of Partition. Salute the courage and resilience of those who rebuilt their lives. But we must also remember the painful lessons from this period of our history,” he wrote on X.
Why is August 14 observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day?
August 14 is observed in India as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to remember people who lost their lives or were displaced during the Partition of British India in 1947.
India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. However, independence came alongside the division of British India into India and Pakistan.
The Partition triggered a massive movement of people across the newly created borders. Millions were forced to leave their homes, while widespread violence caused enormous loss of life.
The tragedy affected families across the subcontinent and left a lasting impact on generations.
A day before Independence Day
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed just one day before India’s Independence Day.
The occasion is intended to remember the suffering associated with Partition while highlighting the courage of people who survived the upheaval and started their lives again.
Prime Minister Modi’s message also called for greater harmony and brotherhood while remembering the painful experiences of those affected by the 1947 division.
