Nagaland University organized Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, at noon in the conference hall of the Department of Political Science, NU Lumami. The program was graced by the Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, as the Chief Guest, and Prof H John Sema from the Department of Political Science, NU, as the resource person.
Prof Sema described the partition of 1947 as one of the greatest recorded historical refugee crises. Highlighting the events leading to the bifurcation of British India, Prof Sema identified the Mountbatten Plan as the floodgate for the tragedies that unfolded with the creation of the Dominion of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. The impact of partition on Northeast India was also reflected upon.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik emphasized the importance of 14 August, reflecting on the deep struggle, pain, and agony endured by forefathers during the freedom struggle. Drawing insights from various colonial exploits, the Vice-Chancellor challenged the assembly to transition from the systematic Western colonial intellectual project that continues to hinder the natural mental progression of those it governed, even to the present day. He emphasized the urgency for young people to revive and promote indigenous ethos and traditions, as outlined in NEP 2020. Prof Patnaik passionately advocated for India’s novel soft power, referencing the ancient Indian epithet Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, and reminded the gathering to be ingenious, reclaim what is emotionally close to them, and contribute to society.
Later, a short audio-visual play titled “Partition: A Tragedy” was screened. The program was chaired by Ashish Kumar, Hindi Officer & Program Chairperson. A host of officers and faculty from the university attended the program, along with students of the Political Science Department, Nagaland University, Lumami. The event concluded with a photo session.