New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and several BJP leaders on Friday paid tribute to those who suffered during the Partition of India in 1947, describing Partition Horrors Remembrance Day as an important occasion to recall the immense human suffering, displacement and uncertainty that accompanied the historic tragedy.
Rajnath Singh said the observance serves as a reminder of the profound sorrow experienced by millions of families who lost their homes, property, loved ones and ancestral roots. He stressed that the day should not be viewed merely as a painful chapter of history but also as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and resilience of those who rebuilt their lives despite devastating losses.
The Defence Minister said remembering the suffering of Partition should strengthen the country's commitment to building a harmonious and compassionate society. He paid homage to both known and unknown victims who lost their lives during the violence and to countless families who were forced to leave their birthplace.
Singh said the lessons of Partition must not be confined to historical memory. Instead, they should inspire the nation to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. He called for the creation of a strong, united and empathetic India where communities live together with mutual respect and understanding.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also remembered the victims and highlighted the far-reaching consequences of Partition. He said the day provides an opportunity to recognise the enormous human suffering as well as the geopolitical consequences arising from the division of the country.
Jaishankar also paid tribute to those who demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience while rebuilding their lives after being displaced. At the same time, he emphasised the importance of remembering the difficult lessons from that period of history.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recalled the suffering of millions of innocent people who were uprooted from their homes during Partition. She said August 14, 1947, marked more than a change in geographical boundaries, as families were separated, homes destroyed and generations-old connections with ancestral lands were broken.
Gupta said the violence accompanying Partition shattered countless dreams, relationships and lives. She noted that the observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day has helped preserve the pain, struggles and resilience of displaced families in the nation's collective memory.
She said remembering their experiences should strengthen India's resolve to protect its unity, integrity, cultural harmony and social cohesion. According to her, safeguarding these values represents the country's true tribute to families that endured the horrors of Partition.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also paid homage to those who lost their lives or suffered violence and displacement during Partition. He said their courage, sacrifices and resilience remain an enduring part of India's national memory.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, also known as Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas, is observed annually on August 14 to remember the victims and survivors of the 1947 Partition. The division triggered one of the largest mass migrations in modern history, with millions displaced amid widespread violence and communal unrest.
The observance seeks to preserve the memory of those affected while encouraging future generations to draw lessons from the tragedy and work towards peace, unity and social harmony.
