Kolkata: Bengal will observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on Aug 13 and 14 to commemorate the suffering, displacement and resilience of the millions affected by Partition of India in 1947.The state govt’s information and cultural affairs department has directed district magistrates to organise commemorative events, including exhibitions, documentary screenings and candle marches. The decision follows a July 23 communication from the Union ministry of culture to the effect.On Monday, governor RN Ravi urged state and private universities and their affiliated colleges to mark the day. “Bengal bore the worst horrors of Partition, with millions facing displacement, loss of precious lives and livelihoods, and profound social, cultural and economic disruption,” he said.Candle marches will be organised at all district headquarters on the evening of Aug 14 to commemorate Partition. Exhibitions documenting the humanitarian impact of Partition, through archival photos and documents, will also be organised. Schools will be encouraged to organise visits to these exhibitions. Documentaries provided by the Union culture ministry will be screened.The Bengal govt will allocate Rs 30,000 to each district to organise events. Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is nationally observed on Aug 14. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the annual commemoration in 2021 to remember those who lost their lives and livelihoods to Partition. Bengal — which saw mass displacement and migration following Partition — will extend this year’s observance over two days.W
