The Nagaland University observed ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ on Wednesday, in the Conference Hall of the Department of Political Science, NU Lumami. The programme was graced by the Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, the Chief Guest, and Prof. H. John Sema, Department of Political Science, NU, as the resource person, informed the PRO of NU.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik stressed the importance of the day, August 14, pondering over the depth of struggle, pain, and agony of the forefathers during the freedom struggle. The Vice-Chancellor, drawing insights from various colonial exploits, challenged the house to transit the systematic western colonial intellectual project that continues to hijack the natural mental progression of those it had governed till to present times.
He emphasised the urgency of the emotional attachment of young people to revive and promote indigenous ethos and traditions which is also being outlined in NEP 2020. Prof. Patnaik passionately advocated the novel soft power of India referring to the ancient Indian epithet Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam reminding the gathering to be ingenious; reclaim what is emotionally close to them and to contribute to society.
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Prof. Sema remarked the partition of 1947 as one of the greatest recorded historical refugee crises. Underlying the events leading to the bifurcation of British India, he situated the Mountbatten Plan as the floodgate of 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.
Later, a short audio-visual play was screened, titled ‘Partition: A Tragedy.’ The programme was chaired by Ashish Kumar, Hindi Officer & Programme Chairperson. A host of officers and faculty of the university attended the programme along with the students of the Political Science Department, Nagaland University, Lumami, followed by a photo session.
