Why Did ABVP Defy the Ban to Observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day?
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Synopsis
On August 14, ABVP defied state government restrictions to commemorate Partition Horrors Remembrance Day across Kerala campuses, shedding light on the traumatic history of Partition. The event, aimed at raising awareness, faced opposition from various factions, reflecting the ongoing political tensions surrounding this significant historical event.
Key Takeaways
- ABVP observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day across Kerala campuses.
- Event faced opposition from state government and Left-affiliated groups.
- Focus on the traumatic history of Partition and its impact on millions.
- Kerala Governor's instructions were disregarded by the government.
- Importance of historical awareness among students emphasized.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 14 (NationPress) The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) marked the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on Thursday across various college campuses in Kerala, despite a directive from the CPI-M-led state government that prohibited such observance.
This day commemorates the anniversary of the 1947 division between India and Pakistan, which led to immense displacement, violence, and suffering.
ABVP stated that the initiative sought to highlight the “traumatic and obscured” narratives of Partition for students and to create awareness about what they termed the “vested interests” surrounding the event.
According to ABVP, the restrictions imposed by the state government contradicted the instructions from Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (who is also the Chancellor) regarding the holding of commemorative events.
The organization also claimed that its members faced opposition from Left-affiliated student groups, interference from left-leaning teachers’ associations, and resistance from both the state government and the Congress-led UDF.
ABVP Kerala State Secretary E.U. Eswaraprasad described the partition as “one of the most horrendous and frightening incidents” in the nation’s history, asserting that it was “orchestrated for the vested interests of some political leaders.”
He accused the Congress and Left parties of obscuring the genuine history of Partition to facilitate “appeasement politics.”
“The fragmentation of Akhand Bharat resulted in the persecution of millions and caused profound trauma. Despite the Kerala government’s authoritarian directives, we successfully conducted events across campuses to share the authentic stories of Partition,” Eswaraprasad stated.
ABVP National Secretary Shravan B. Raj remarked that the division of the country was “not merely a partition of land” but inflicted “deep wounds in the hearts of our people.”
He alleged that “power-hungry leaders” were responsible for steering the nation into one of its darkest periods.
“Despite the opposition from both the ruling party and the UDF, the student community in Kerala engaged with great enthusiasm, eager to delve into the precarious history of Partition,” Raj added.
The Partition Horror Remembrance Day is observed nationwide on August 14 to honor the victims and acknowledge the human cost of the subcontinent’s division, as well as to increase awareness regarding its historical significance.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize that the observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day by the ABVP reflects a critical aspect of our history that deserves attention. While the state government's opposition raises questions about academic freedom and historical discourse, it is vital for students to engage with this past to foster a deeper understanding of our national identity.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Partition Horrors Remembrance Day?
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed on August 14 to remember the victims and the human cost of the division between India and Pakistan in 1947.
Why did ABVP defy the government ban?
ABVP aimed to raise awareness about the traumatic history of Partition and highlight what they viewed as vested interests behind the event.
What challenges did ABVP face during the observance?
ABVP members encountered hostility from Left-affiliated student groups, interference from teachers’ associations, and opposition from the state government and Congress-led UDF.
Who is E.U. Eswaraprasad?
E.U. Eswaraprasad is the ABVP Kerala State Secretary who described the Partition as one of the most horrendous incidents in India’s history.
What does this event signify for students?
The event signifies an opportunity for students to engage with a crucial aspect of Indian history, fostering awareness and understanding of the impact of Partition.
