New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to millions of people who suffered during the Partition of India in 1947, recalling the immense loss, displacement and human tragedy associated with one of the most painful episodes in the country’s history.
Marking Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed annually on August 14, Modi said the occasion was an opportunity to remember the courage of those whose lives were devastated by Partition and the resilience with which they rebuilt their lives after losing homes, property and loved ones.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said Partition “tore apart several lives”, with families uprooted, loved ones lost and millions forced to endure immense suffering. At the same time, he noted that countless people overcame the devastation, started afresh and contributed significantly to the progress of the country.
Modi said the journeys of those who survived Partition demonstrated the strength of the human spirit and the ability of people to overcome even the most difficult circumstances. He expressed hope that the remembrance day would strengthen the country's commitment to harmony and brotherhood.
The Prime Minister also called upon citizens to work collectively towards building a Viksit Bharat, saying the painful memories of Partition should reinforce the importance of national unity and social cohesion.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also remembered the victims of Partition and described August 14, 1947, as one of the most brutal chapters in history. He recalled the enormous human cost of the division, saying millions lost their lives amid violence and suffering, while tens of millions were forced to leave behind their homes, property and loved ones.
Shah paid tribute to those who lost their lives and those who endured atrocities during the upheaval. He also strongly criticised the Congress over the Partition, calling it a historical scar that, according to him, would never be forgotten.
The Home Minister said the observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day was intended to ensure that the memories of the tragedy reached younger generations. He said remembering the suffering would help prevent forces seeking to divide the country from succeeding again.
Shah emphasised that the ultimate objective should be “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, or One India, Excellent India, with national unity remaining the country's foremost priority.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during Partition. He said the division was not merely a geographical separation but also resulted in the destruction of family bonds, relationships, dreams and emotions.
Adityanath said Partition Horrors Remembrance Day should serve as an opportunity to remember the unimaginable suffering endured by countless families and draw lessons from that painful chapter of history. He stressed that the unity and integrity of the nation must always remain above all other considerations.
He paid tribute to the innocent citizens who lost their lives during the violence and expressed hope that their memories would continue to inspire efforts towards building a strong, united and indivisible India.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed on August 14 to commemorate the suffering, displacement and loss of life caused by the Partition of India in 1947. The division triggered one of the largest mass migrations in modern history, with millions crossing newly drawn borders amid widespread communal violence, uncertainty and upheaval.
The day seeks to preserve the memories of those affected while reinforcing the importance of peace, harmony, brotherhood and national unity for future generations.
