Partition Changed Millions of Lives, Says Ratan Lal Nath
Aug 14, 2026
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday called upon people to draw lessons from the painful history of Partition and work towards strengthening unity, communal harmony, humanity and brotherhood.
Addressing a Partition Horrors Remembrance Day programme organised by the History Department of Swami Vivekananda College, Nath said the occasion should not merely be treated as an exercise in remembering the past, but as an opportunity to understand how hatred, division and intolerance can affect generations.
Reflecting on the events surrounding Independence in 1947, the Minister said freedom came after a prolonged struggle and the sacrifices of countless people. However, the joy of independence was accompanied by the trauma of Partition, which he said was far more than a division of territory.
“Partition was not merely a geographical division; it changed the lives of crores of people overnight,” Nath said, pointing out that large numbers of people were displaced, lost their homes and ancestral properties, and were left uncertain about their future despite the country attaining independence.
He said the social, economic and cultural ties that had developed over generations were severely disrupted by Partition. Many families were forced to leave behind their homes and livelihoods, while the consequences of the division continued to affect people for years.
The Minister stressed that India’s independence was not received as a gift or award, but was achieved through sacrifice, imprisonment and a prolonged freedom struggle. He said remembering the national flag should also mean honouring those who made the supreme sacrifice for the country.
According to Nath, Independence was both a moment of immense joy and deep sorrow because it came against the backdrop of Partition and widespread human suffering. He emphasised the importance of understanding history so that its painful lessons are not forgotten.
“The Partition Horrors Remembrance Day reminds us that we must strengthen the bonds of unity, harmony, humanity and brotherhood,” he said.
Swami Vivekananda College Principal Monidip Roy, Paschim Tripura Zila Parishad member Joyalal Das, social worker Kartik Acharya, along with professors, teachers and students, attended the programme.
Students presented patriotic songs and dance performances during the event, which concluded with the national anthem.
