States and Union Territories also hold observance across the country
Programmes remembered the victims of Partition and honoured the resilience of those affected
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on 14 August 2026 with a series of commemorative programmes held across Delhi, Amritsar and Kolkata, remembering the immense human suffering, displacement and loss associated with the Partition of India. The observances sought to preserve the memories of those who endured the trauma of Partition, honour their courage and resilience, and remind future generations of the importance of unity, social harmony and human dignity.
In New Delhi, the Ministry of Culture organised the main observance at Central Park, Connaught Place, which was graced by Shri Vivek Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in the august presence of Dr. Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA); Shri Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Chairperson & Member, NDMC; Shri K. Mahesh, Secretary, Art, Culture & Languages Department, Government of NCT of Delhi; and Prof. Ravi Prakash Tekchandani, Department of Indian Languages & Literary Studies, University of Delhi. The programme featured a solemn remembrance ceremony and a Partition Horrors Exhibition, showcasing archival material, photographs, maps and personal narratives that brought alive the human stories and experiences of Partition.
On the morning of 14th August 2026, the exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Ashish Sood, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Power, Urban Development, Education, Higher Education, Training & Technical Education, Government of NCT of Delhi, and was opened to citizens and students, with school children visiting the exhibition between 11 AM and 3 PM. The initiative provided young visitors an opportunity to engage with the history of Partition and understand the experiences of those who endured displacement, separation and loss.
The programme also featured the official screening/release of a short documentary highlighting the history, cultural heritage and contribution of displaced and Partition-affected communities. A compilation of poems titled “देहरी भई विदेश” (कविता संग्रह), compiled by Dr. Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, and Prof. Ravi Prakash Tekchandani, Department of Indian Languages & Literary Studies, University of Delhi, was also introduced and formally released during the programme. The compilation brings together poetic reflections on the memories, experiences and human dimensions of Partition. The programme further featured an address by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, followed by the singing of the National Song “Vande Mataram”.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day was observed at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, yesterday, commemorating the millions of lives affected by the Partition of India and remembering the immense suffering, displacement and sacrifices endured by people during one of the most tragic chapters in the history of the nation.
The programme was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; and Shri Tarun Chugh, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha.
As part of the observance, a Silent March was organised, with hundreds of students, and local citizens participating. The march served as a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives, homes and livelihoods during the Partition, while underscoring the importance of remembering history and preserving the stories of those who lived through it.
The programme also featured a theatrical presentation of the acclaimed play “Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya O Jamyai Nai”, based on the Partition and its human impact. The play was performed by the Harpal Tiwana Centre for Performing Arts, bringing alive the pain, resilience and shared humanity of people caught amid the upheaval of Partition.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasised the importance of remembering the horrors of Partition and preserving the memories and experiences of those who suffered during the period. He highlighted that remembrance is not merely about recalling the past, but also about drawing lessons from history and strengthening the values of unity, harmony and peace.
A special exhibition on the Partition was also organised as part of the observance. The exhibition showcased photographs, archival material, documents and narratives reflecting the experiences and hardships of people during Partition. It witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of school students and university students, who engaged with the exhibits and gained a deeper understanding of this significant chapter in India’s history.
The participation of hundreds of students and citizens reflected a strong sense of collective remembrance and reaffirmed the importance of engaging the younger generation with the historical experiences of Partition.
The observance at GNDU was a solemn reminder of the human cost of Partition and a tribute to the courage and resilience of those who endured its profound hardships. It also reinforced the message that remembering history is essential to building a more united, peaceful and inclusive future.
