Under the directives of the Ministry of Education, Government of India and the Dean of Students Welfare Office,  NIT Calicut, the Department of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HAS) hosted an event on 14 August 2024  to commemorate the Partition of India. The event aimed to reflect upon the historical significance of the  tumultuous period and its lasting impact on the subcontinent. As part of the commemoration, a special screening  of M. S. Sathyu’s critically acclaimed film Garm Hava (1973) was conducted by the P K Rosy Film Club of the  HAS department. 

The day commenced with a warm welcome to all attendees, including research scholars and faculty members.  The event began at 10:30 AM with the film screening in Room MS-106. The film, a powerful portrayal of the  trials faced by a family in Agra during the Partition, provided a cinematic exploration of the human cost of this  historical event. Through the medium of cinema, the event successfully engaged its audience in reflecting on the  partition’s enduring legacy. 

Following the film screening, a formal commemoration event was held in Room MS-106. The event, moderated  by Ms. Krishnapriya, commenced at 2:30 PM with a Marathi patriotic song rendered by Ms. Gayathri. Dr. Sunitha  S, Head of the HAS department, delivered the welcome address, focusing on the theme of oneness, unity, and the  secular culture that India upholds today. Dr. Satyananda Panda, Dean of Students Welfare, graced the occasion as  the keynote speaker. In his address, Dr. Panda emphasised the importance of remembering the partition, not just  as a historical tragedy, but as a reminder of the importance of freedom, and the lessons we must carry forward to  ensure such events are never repeated. He also spoke about the significance of this event for the younger  generations in India, many of whom were born decades after the partition, and how it is crucial for them to  understand and remember the impact of this event on the nation’s history. 

The event also featured a cultural segment that included poetry readings and literary excerpts that captured the  spirit of the partition. The program included poetry readings of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s “Subh-e-Azadi” (The Dawn  of Freedom) by Ms. Lekshmi and Agyeya’s “Hamara Rakt” (Our Blood) by Ms. Najla, as well as an excerpt from  Bhisham Sahni’s novel, “Tamas” read by Ms. Kavya, all of which creatively articulated the emotions surrounding  independence and partition. 

The event was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by millions during the Partition. It developed a sense  of empathy and understanding among the participants and provided a platform for deeper reflection and  thoughtful dialogue on the painful and historical event that shaped modern India. 

The event was brought to a close with a vote of thanks from Dr. Tiasa Bal, Assistant Professor, HAS, who was  also responsible for organising the event.