Learning from the past to shape the future: Why Partition matters
Trauma is universal and an important movement has taken root in the United Kingdom to commemorate one of the most traumatic occasions in history and ensure this trauma can inform those who continue to be impacted by it to this very day and for decades to come.
In Westminster, London there is overwhelming support for a National Partition Commemoration Day, to mark the incredible violence and discord that brought about the creation of India and Pakistan after the end of the British Empire. The movement is arguably built around two components; firstly, through commemoration of those who lost their lives during this landmark rupture in 1946–1948 and secondly bringing communities together to celebrate the contribution of South Asian immigrants to the UK. A second pillar is the overwhelming support to include this subject on a national school curriculum.
I was invited by Manchester-based doctor Binita Kane to attend the initial launch of this drive, which has earned support from MPs Virendra Sharma, Tan Dhesi, Afzal Khan, Mike Kane and others. It also featured speakers including BBC presenters Anita Rani, who presented the BBC series on Partition history last year, and Babita Sharma.
Binita is calling for August 17th to be made a formal Partition Commemoration Day and hopes to create a legacy project around this after the event.
Why is what she-and the esteemed speakers at this event-argue for so vital? Because without official codification of the commemoration, future generations of British Asians may well forget the importance of what happened to their own families. Of course, it’s not only localised to British Asians but non-South Asian Britons too who need to understand the real context of Empire, and how its violence, segmentation and narratives impact the Britain of today and tomorrow.
My own experience mirrors that of Binita in that, other than being taught who Gandhi was and what he hazily stood for, there was no further discussion, debate or critique about the era of the British Raj, of Empire at large and especially about the sheer gravity of tragedy around Partition. History has to be all encompassing, measuring the spoils, the victors, the victims, the blood, the carnage as well as the lessons for growth and reflection. To do any less is to deprive future generations of the knowledge they need to grow and learn.
After the event, Anita Rani wrote: “This is not just South Asian history, this is Global history but crucially this is BRITISH history. British kids with Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi heritage need to understand their shared history and how we are culturally bonded before we were religiously divided.”
“It’s time to talk and learn about the true legacy of Empire warts n’ all. It’s time everyone was more informed about why so many people from Commonwealth nations moved here and how our stories, because of Britain’s imperial past, are inextricably linked. The conversation has begun but we’ll need your support to make it happen.”
The event attracted people, campaigners and organisations from across the UK and I’m glad to see that this is just the beginning of an important movement.
Now it’s time for reflection and to gather ideas because diverse audiences are interested in pushing this conversation ahead. Logistics, infrastructure and project management will now be key so if you think you can be part of this vital movement and help in anyway whatsoever please do get in touch at:
