Bhopal : Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed that we all share in the sorrow felt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the horrors of the country's partition. He described the partition as one of the most tragic and unfortunate events of the 20th century, a reality so painful that many survivors prefer not to speak of it. However, Dr. Yadav emphasized that for a nation to progress and secure its future, it must learn from the wounds and mistakes of its past; otherwise, its future remains at risk.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the program organized at Sarojini Naidu Government Girls College, Bhopal on the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. He visited the exhibition focusing on Partition and paid tributes by observing a 2-minute silence. A short film focusing on the horrors of Partition and a film depicting Prime Minister Shri Modi’s thinking on this horror were also screened. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Vishwas Sarang, Minister of State for Culture Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Mayor Smt. Malti Rai and MLA Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani were present in the program.
Indians suffered losses due to deceit and manipulation
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav noted that there are many relevant examples in this context. He pointed to the struggles of Israel, Iraq, and Iran for their identity and nationality as sources of inspiration. Dr. Yadav highlighted that while Indians are known for their noble sentiments and inclusive nature, they often suffer due to the deceitful actions of others. He referenced historical figures and events, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, the Ghulam dynasty, Mohammad Ghazni, and Mohammad Bin Qasim, to illustrate how deceit led to numerous victories and prolonged periods of subjugation for the country. Additionally, he mentioned how religious conversions were accelerated through various deceptions. The British, who initially came for trade, employed the ‘Divide and Rule’ strategy to secure their position in India after the 1857 Revolution, leading to the 1906 Muslim League formula. This policy granted voting and electoral rights exclusively to Muslims in Muslim-majority constituencies.
Political parties could not understand the conspiracy of the British
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav remarked that despite the British divisive policies, the strength of Indian society was evident when, in 1906, the Muslim League's candidates failed to win elections. The Indian electorate recognized the British conspiracy and rejected the League's candidates in 1906, 1911, 1916, and 1923, with continued losses until 1936. However, the Indian political parties of that time failed to grasp the full extent of the British strategy and instead supported the Khalifa movement in Turkey based on religious grounds. This misstep allowed separatist sentiments to take root, ultimately leading to the Muslim League's sweeping victory in the 1940 elections and the rise of divisive forces.
The country endured the horrors of partition after losing sight of our cultural unity.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav noted that leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose opposed the divisive conspiracy but were not given the opportunity to lead. Patriots such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who initiated Ganesh Utsav, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Bhagat Singh, who helped establish Banaras Hindu University, were sidelined.
The political party committed to preventing the country's division failed to uphold its pledge, leading to the swift creation of the principle of partition, which was approved by Lord Mountbatten. This resulted in the nation enduring the horrors of partition, including widespread violence and genocide. Nationalist Muslims were disrespected, and the country's disregard for its cultural unity led to tragic outcomes, including brutal train massacres, widespread abuse of women, and the division of Punjab and Sindh, with the latter's name still reflected in the national anthem.
During partition, families gave up everything to protect religion and culture
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav highlighted that the horrors of partition serve as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of our past decisions. Many families were forced to abandon their homes, wealth, land, and property overnight to safeguard their patriotism and cultural heritage, a sacrifice that is truly unimaginable. Such devotion to preserving religion and culture is unique to India. Known worldwide for its goodness, truth, and rich cultural legacy, India continues to honor figures like Raskhan and Rahim, who are integral to our curriculum. The influence of these values is evident, as Lord Ganesha's image remains on Indonesian currency, and Garuda Airlines is named after Lord Vishnu’s mythical vehicle.
Arrangement for granting citizenship was made on the initiative of Prime Minister Shri Modi
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Prime Minister Shri Modi has profoundly grasped the sufferings of the past and the errors of the previous leaders. Learning from these experiences, he is offering strong leadership to preserve national unity and guide the country towards future progress. Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, present-day Pakistan, and Bangladesh, which were parts of united India before 1857, saw significant upheaval. Despite assurances of safety to those who remained in these regions before 1947, these promises were not fulfilled. In response, Prime Minister Modi has enacted legislation to grant Indian citizenship to those affected individuals.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that we should always remember the pain of partition. He called upon everyone to make every possible effort to take India forward with their efforts, abilities, capabilities, and intelligence and prayed to God that India should never again have to face the horror of partition.
College students express views on the horrors of partition
Shri Sachal Talreja, Shri Istram Sadana and Shri Vinod Rajani from families who had faced the horrors of Partition were honored in the program. College students Shri Tanmay Wadia and Kumari Alpana Choubey expressed their views on the horrors of partition. Higher education department officials, lecturers, and college students were present in the program.