Intellectuals dwell on impact of Partition

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 14

A number of intellectuals under the banner of the Hind-Pak Dosti Manch spoke on “The partition of Indian sub-continent and its impact” during an event held here today.

The event is being organised by the Hind-Pak Dosti Manch, Folklore Research Academy and Punjab Jagriti Manch, Jalandhar. This year, the event is dedicated to the 10 lakh people, who lost their lives in the communal violence of 1947.

A large number of personalities, including England-based film maker Gurinder Chadha, Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans, Pakistan-based theatre personality Madeeha Gauhar and others, attended the event.

The intellectuals shared their views on the impact of the Partition. Most of them stressed upon the need to create a better atmosphere at the time of tensions on both sides.

Madeeha Gauhar said, “India has stopped telecasting our TV shows. The atmosphere is not friendly. There is a need to promote a sense of oneness among both countries. The present generations should forget the pain and initiate a new beginning.”

Eminent journalist Satish Jacob said, “The biggest loss during the Partition was that India lost Urdu. There is hardly anything concrete left in name of the language.”

Gurinder Chadha said, “Souls can never be partied. There is still love in the hearts of people.” A special screening of Gurinder Chadha’s movie “Partition 1947” was organised as a part of the event.

The Hind–Pak Dosti Manch expressed its concern over the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir. It also demanded that the democratic rights of the people must be ensured on both sides.

Satnam Singh Manak, general secretary, Hind-Pak Dosti Manch, said, “The aim of organising such events is to bring both countries closer. People must move ahead and create a better world.”

“We demand that visa offices should be opened in Amritsar and Lahore for trade and cultural exchange.” Manak added.