14th August & Not 15th

Why I’m more eager for 14th than 15th August is because of the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. On the face of it, this was an idea that was long due. However, by a close analysis and with a bipartisan view there seems that something is lacking, more than raising its awareness the issue at hand is more complex.

To understand the missing link, let’s try to think of another event - International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

Unless you are living under a rock you must have some idea about the atrocities that were inflicted upon the Jews and why it’s a day for them and the Europeans to reflect back upon the past and face the harsh reality how so ever difficult it is to swallow with the twin objective that the same mistakes should never be repeated and that the victim can never allow himself to be subject to the same treatment ever again. And this consciousness becomes the bedrock of the powerful state & society that Israel/ Jews are today.

Coming back to India what seems to be a good start has lost its momentum whether deliberately or unintentionally is not the question. The Only question is to question ourselves, reflect on the past with complete honesty without sugarcoating facts and come to definite conclusions about the way forward. About where to draw the line and about to build the courage to say - Thus this far, but no further.

I would go to the extent of saying that more than 15th August, 14th is the need of our society.

About time we quit passing the burdens of the past to the next generation, instead give them a solid foundation on which to craft their destiny.