Films play crucial role in preserving Partition memories: Ex-MP Sinha

Former Rajya Sabha MP and noted scholar Prof Rakesh Sinha emphasised the significance of films in preserving the memories of Partition and shaping the perspectives of future generations. He made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the two-day national conference on “Living the Partition: Portrayal of Partition in Films in India”, organised at the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS), Shimla.

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Speaking on the enduring legacy of Partition, Prof Sinha highlighted how it was not merely a historical event but a psychological and cultural rupture whose effects continue to be felt today. He pointed out that films like Gadar and Pinjar have played a pivotal role in narrating the trauma of Partition, ensuring that the conversation remains relevant across generations.

“Cinematic portrayals serve as a bridge between history and public consciousness, influencing both academic discourse and popular sentiment,” he remarked, underlining the power of cinema in keeping historical events alive in collective memory.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary of IIAS, Shimla, who conveyed best wishes on behalf of Prof Raghavendra P Tiwari, Director of IIAS and Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. The session ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

Discussing the objectives of the conference, Negi said the event aims to examine the representation of Partition in Indian cinema, exploring themes of displacement, communal tensions, and national identity. “Over the next two days, scholars will discuss how films have preserved, transformed, and revived Partition narratives, making them accessible to newer audiences,” he added.

The conference features a series of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and paper presentations by distinguished scholars, including Prof Virender Singh Negi, Prof Manoj Sinha, Prof Ayub Khan, Dr Etee Bahadur, Dr Richa Sharma, and Dr Sheela Reddy, among others.

The event will conclude on March 18 with further deliberations on Partition narratives in literature and cinema, followed by a valedictory session.