Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (Vibhajan Vibhishika Smirti Diwas) on August 14 marks a tribute to the victims of the 1947 partition of India, the largest and most traumatic migrations in World history. A partition drawn along religious lines wasn't just confined to the creation of two nations, but unleashed separation, horror, communal violence, massacres, abduction, and sexual assaults, leaving millions scarred for a lifetime and generations to come. Remembering the 'tragic chapter', top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, paid their tributes to the "upheaval and pain endured by countless people" due to the partition.
Taking to X, PM Modi said that it's the day to honour the grit of people who faced "unimaginable loss and still find the strength to start afresh."
He wrote, "India observes #Partitionhorrorsremembranceday, remembering the upheaval and pain endured by countless people during that tragic chapter of our history. It is also a day to honor their grit...their ability to face unimaginable loss and still find the strength to start afresh."
Adding, "Many of those affected went on to rebuild their lives and achieve remarkable milestones. This day is also a reminder of our enduring responsibility to strengthen the bonds of harmony that hold our country together."
Calling it a dark chapter, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while paying his tribute, wrote that it is a day to "remember and honour the pain of those who suffered the tragedy of partition", and went on to slam the Congress party for dividing the nation.
He posted, "Today is a day to remember and honour the pain of those who suffered the tragedy of partition. On this day, the Congress divided the nation, wounding the pride of Mother India. Partition unleashed violence, exploitation, and atrocities, forcing millions to leave their homes. I offer my heartfelt tributes to all those who endured this suffering. The nation can never forget the history and anguish of partition. I also pay homage to those who lost their lives in this dark chapter of our history."
Paying homage to the victims of August 14, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, "Every Indian still carries a sense of compassion for those affected families. We remain fully committed to further strengthening social harmony in the country. I pay tribute to all those brothers and sisters who endured the horrific consequences of hatred and violence following India's partition in 1947, and who suffered the loss of life and property."
विभाजन विभीषिका स्मृति दिवस पर 1947 के उस दर्दनाक अध्याय को स्मरण करते हुए, मैं उन सभी भाइयों-बहनों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ, जिन्हें भारत के विभाजन के बाद नफरत और हिंसा के भयावह परिणाम भुगतने पड़े और जन-धन की हानि देखनी पड़ी। उन पीड़ित परिवारों के प्रति आज भी हर भारतीय के…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 14, 2025
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "The partition caused immense suffering and had far-reaching human and strategic consequences. On #PartitionHorrorsRememberanceDay, we recall the resilience of those who endured this terrible tragedy. There are many lessons to be learnt from this painful chapter."
The Partition caused immense suffering and had far-reaching human and strategic consequences. On #PartitionHorrorsRemembranceDay, we recall the resilience of those who endured this terrible tragedy. There are many lessons to be learnt from this painful chapter.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 14, 2025
The day has been celebrated since 2021, dedicated to the memory of the tragedy that still endures...saddens and leaves us shattered.