August 14: Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on August 14, 2021, that, August 14 would now be observed as “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day”

About:

• The day would be observed every year to commemorate the “struggles and sacrifices” of millions of people who were displaced and lost their lives during Partition.
• On August 14, Pakistan emerged as a political entity after Partition and is observed as Independence Day of Pakistan.

Significance

This move by Prime Minister becomes significant in the backdrop of the situation in Afghanistan and the advance of the Taliban raising old spectres in the region.

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

This day is a national Memorial Day in India, that was announced to be observed on August 14. The day commemorates the victims and sufferings of people during the Partition of India. It remembers the sufferings of Indians during the partition. The day was announced with the aim of reminding Indians of the need of removing social divisions and disharmony. It seeks to further strengthen the spirit of oneness, social harmony and human empowerment