Organizers:

Centre for South Asian Studies and Faculty of Social Sciences & Languages.

Purpose:

To honour the memory of millions affected by the 1947 Partition, reflect on displacement, violence, and upheaval, and promote historical truth and communal harmony.

Chief Guests & Dignitaries:

• Dr. Zora Singh, Hon’ble Chancellor
• Dr. Tajinder Kaur, Hon’ble Pro-Chancellor
• S. Hardev Singh,
• Dr. Harsh Sadawarti Vice-Chancellor
• Dr. Amarjit Singh, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academics)

Other senior university officials

Keynote Address:

Delivered by Dr. Amarjit Singh,

Providing:

Insight into Punjab’s socio-political and cultural conditions before and during Partition.

Depiction of pre-Partition Punjab as harmonious, diverse, and celebratory.

Observation that Sikh and Hindu minorities in West Punjab, though fewer in number, held significant agricultural land and influence.

Discussion on rising communal tensions, minority struggles, mass migration, and violence.

Acknowledgement of Sir Khizar Hayat Khan Tiwana’s efforts to maintain harmony.

Centre for South Asian Studies:

Dr. Singh outlined its mission to promote scholarly research, critical dialogue, and deeper understanding of South Asia’s history and culture, with a special focus on Punjab’s heritage.

Conclusion:

Vote of thanks by Dr. Ram Singh Gurna, Professor of History, expressing gratitude to all attendees for honouring Partition victims.

Mandi Gobindgarh, 14 August: The Centre for South Asian Studies and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages at Desh Bhagat University jointly observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on 14th August 2025 at Mahapragya Hall. The solemn occasion honoured the memory of millions affected by the 1947 Partition of India, reflecting on the tragic displacement, violence, and upheaval of that historic period, while underlining the importance of preserving historical truth and fostering communal harmony. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Dr. Zora Singh, Hon’ble Chancellor; Dr. Tajinder Kaur, Hon’ble Pro-Chancellor; S. Hardev Singh, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Harsh Sadawarti; Dr. Amarjit Singh, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academics), along with other senior officials of the university. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Amarjit Singh offered a detailed analysis of Punjab’s socio-political and cultural landscape before and during Partition, portraying pre-Partition Punjab as a land of communal harmony where different faiths coexisted peacefully. He highlighted that Sikh and Hindu minorities in West Punjab, despite being smaller in number, held considerable agricultural influence—a factor that shaped the region’s socio-economic structure. Dr. Singh also discussed the rising communal tensions, the plight of minorities, the mass migration, and the violence that followed, while acknowledging the efforts of Sir Khizar Hayat Khan Tiwana to maintain harmony during those turbulent times. He further outlined the mission of the newly established Centre for South Asian Studies at the university, aimed at advancing research, encouraging critical discourse, and deepening the understanding of South Asia’s history and cultural heritage, especially that of Punjab. The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Ram Singh Gurna, Professor of History, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, guests, faculty members, and students for their participation and tribute to the Partition victims.