Vice Chancellors directed to observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on August 14; Governor issues controversial circular

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has issued a controversial circular instructing the Vice Chancellors of the state-run universities to observe 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day' on August 14. He directed the VCs to organise programs on the 14th. The day is observed in the context of India-Pakistan partition. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who announced in 2021 that 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day' should be observed on August 14.

Last year, the University Grants Commission (UGC) also issued similar instructions, asking universities to observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. In the same way, the Governor has now directed vice-chancellors in the state to observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on August 14 in universities. The circular says all vice-chancellors and students should take part in the event. Universities can organise seminars on the topic and stage plays that portray the horrors of the partition.