Siliguri, 14th August: August 14th, is being observed as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ nationwide, commemorating a tragic chapter in history. To reflect upon the pain and resilience of those who endured the partition, an exhibition was convened at the Siliguri Junction Railway Station. Among the attendees were, Dulali Poddar and Aparna Biswas, accompanied by Santosh Kumar Dutta, the Assistant Personal Officer (APO) from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station.
Significantly, in 2021, the central government declared its intent to observe the historical ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’, honoring the victims and acknowledging the sufferings during the 1947 partition of India. In line with this declaration, the exhibition featured an array of images illustrating the harrowing days of that period. Survivors of the partition, Dulali Poddar and Aparna Biswas, recounted the horrors they lived through.
India attained its independence on August 15, 1947, marked by the division into India and Pakistan, a pivotal moment that led to mass displacement. The partition era was marred by religious discrimination, women’s oppression, and widespread looting of wealth. Fueled by the fear of persecution, people fled their homeland, often crossing the border on foot under the cover of night.
Unfortunately, this historical narrative remains unfamiliar to many, prompting the central government’s initiative to designate August 14 as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’. The goal is to illuminate this period’s history for all to understand. Accordingly, several significant railway stations have been selected to host exhibitions. Among the chosen venues, six stations of the Katihar division have been designated, including the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Siliguri Junction stations. This effort aims to shed light on a significant yet often overlooked segment of history.