Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the state-level ‘Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas’ programme held at the Open-Air Theatre in the Directorate of Archaeology premises in Raipur on August 14. Paying tribute to those who lost their lives during Partition and honouring the courage and resilience of displaced families, he said that history is not merely a record of the past but a source of lessons that guide the present and secure the future. The pain of Partition reminds every citizen of the collective responsibility to safeguard the nation’s unity, integrity and social harmony.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the Partition of India in 1947 was not merely a division of territory and borders but an immense human tragedy that forced lakhs of people to leave their birthplace, homes and loved ones. Families from several communities, including Bengali, Sikh and Sindhi communities, endured the trauma of displacement. Although most of those who directly witnessed the tragedy are no longer among us, their memories and struggles continue to live through subsequent generations.
He said displaced families were compelled to rebuild their lives almost from scratch under extremely difficult circumstances. Through hard work, determination, and resilience, they re-established themselves and made significant contributions to the country's development. Their courage and struggle, he said, remain an inspiration for future generations.
The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi decided to observe August 14 as ‘Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas’ to honour those who lost their lives, recognise the struggles of displaced families and acquaint younger generations with this painful chapter of history. He emphasised that remembering Partition is essential not only to understand the suffering endured alongside Independence but also to ensure that such circumstances are never repeated and that unity, harmony and brotherhood remain strong.
Shri Sai said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is moving forward with the resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, a goal achievable only through a united and empowered society. Chhattisgarh, too, is progressing towards becoming a developed state, with participation from every section of society. He said the State Government stands sensitively with families affected by Partition and their subsequent generations.
The Chief Minister welcomed and felicitated the keynote speaker, Padma Shri awardee Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi, and appreciated his contribution to bringing Indian history, culture, and literature to the masses. He particularly referred to Dr Dwivedi’s sensitive portrayal of Partition and human suffering in the film Pinjar, based on the novel by renowned writer Amrita Pritam.
Representatives of communities affected by Partition and their family members also shared their experiences and memories during the programme. The Chief Minister said preserving these accounts and passing them on to younger generations is an important responsibility towards history.
If Society Remains United, the Nation Will Remain United: Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi
Keynote speaker Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi said that the unity of society is fundamental to the nation's unity and that protecting India’s integrity is the responsibility of every citizen. He called on people to reaffirm their resolve on August 14 never to allow the country’s unity and integrity to be compromised.
Dr Dwivedi said the struggles and sacrifices of lakhs of people displaced during Partition did not receive the place in history they deserved. Despite losing their homes, property and loved ones, they rebuilt their lives and contributed significantly to nation-building, and their resilience deserves an appropriate place in the country’s collective memory.
Referring to the historical circumstances of Partition, he said that Cyril Radcliffe, who arrived in India in July 1947, was entrusted with determining the boundary between India and Pakistan within a very short period despite his limited familiarity with India’s geographical, cultural, and social complexities. He said understanding the consequences of Partition remains important today, as lessons from history help society remain vigilant against forces that seek to create divisions. Protecting national unity and social harmony, he emphasised, is a shared responsibility of every citizen.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Joins Silent March
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai participated in a silent march from the Directorate of Archaeology to Ambedkar Chowk. The march paid tribute to those who lost their lives during Partition and expressed solidarity with families that endured displacement and suffering.
MP Shri Brijmohan Agrawal and MP Smt. Laxmi Verma, MLA Shri Purandar Mishra and MLA Shri Motilal Sahu, Raipur Zila Panchayat President Shri Naveen Agrawal, Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Shri Sanjay Shrivastava, State Minorities Commission Chairman Shri Amarjeet Chhabra, Sant Yudhishthir Lal Ji, Swami Shivswarupanand Ji, State Waqf Board Chairman Dr. Salim Raj, Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Shri Pankaj Kumar Jha, Shri Yashwant Jain, Dr. Naveen Markandey, public representatives, representatives of various communities, distinguished citizens and a large number of school students were present on the occasion.
