Collective Pledge Taken to Remember the Horrors of Partition and Strengthen National Unity, Integrity, Peace and Social Harmony
Dehradun, August 15, 2026: Ras Bihari Bose Subharti University, Kotda Santur Campus, observed “Transfer of Power and Prayer Day” on the occasion of Independence Day in accordance with the Subharti tradition, with devotion, dignity and a strong sense of patriotism. Along with recalling the historical significance of Independence, the programme also paid homage to the countless people who lost their lives and the displaced families affected by the tragedy of Partition, in keeping with the spirit of “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day,” observed on August 14. The central message of the programme was to strengthen national unity, integrity, peace, social harmony and social cohesion.
The programme commenced at 9:30 a.m. with the unfurling of the National Flag by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr. Desh Deepak. Immediately after the flag hoisting, the patriotic song *“Vande Mataram”* was presented in an atmosphere filled with national pride and patriotism. The presentation lasted *3 minutes and 10 seconds, followed by the National Anthem, which lasted **52 seconds. Thereafter, all those present observed **two minutes of silence* in memory of the countless people who sacrificed their lives during the Partition and the families affected by it.
On the occasion, *Mr. Raman Krishna Kimothi, Assistant Director, Department of International Students and Global Relations, highlighted the historical and ideological background of “Transfer of Power and Prayer Day”. He recalled the pain of the Partition of 1947, its widespread human consequences, and the tragedy of displacement and social disintegration. Emphasising the importance of national unity, integrity, peace and social harmony, he stated that it is essential to remember the pain of Partition through *“Partition Horrors Remembrance Day”** and to familiarise future generations with this important chapter of history.
On this occasion, all those present expressed their commitment to the unity, integrity, peace, harmony and social cohesion of the nation through a *“Prayer and Pledge.”* The ideal of *“Akhand Bharat”* was also remembered while reinforcing the spirit of India’s cultural and national unity.
During the programme, students and teachers of the University presented patriotic cultural performances. The patriotic song *“Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon”* was presented by the students with the support of the *Faculty of Allied and Health Sciences, coordinated by **Ms. Kavita Nainwal*. The performance provided an emotional tribute to the heroes of India’s freedom struggle and those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
This was followed by a soulful presentation of the patriotic song *“Main Kis Mitti Ka Hoon”* by *Mr. Shahrukh*, faculty member of the Department of Performing Arts. Both cultural performances further strengthened the spirit of patriotism and love for the nation among the students, teachers and employees present at the programme.
The programme was conducted by *Dr. Pratibha Juyal, Faculty of Science, and **Ms. Rini Lohani, Department of Computer Applications*. Both coordinated the various activities of the programme in a smooth, disciplined and dignified manner.
At the conclusion of the programme, the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, *Dr. Desh Deepak*, addressed the gathering and highlighted the historical significance of Independence Day while paying tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of the freedom fighters. Paying homage to those affected by the horrors of Partition, he said that the purpose of remembering painful events of history is not to create animosity in society, but to learn from them and strengthen peace, harmony, national unity and social cohesion. He called upon the students and the gathering to give the highest priority to the unity and integrity of the nation and to actively contribute to the progress of the country.
He said that *freedom is not merely a historical achievement, but also a continuing sense of responsibility towards the nation*. He called upon the youth to understand the country’s glorious history, the struggles of the freedom fighters and the pain of Partition, and to contribute towards building a strong and harmonious India where peace, brotherhood and national unity remain paramount.
On the occasion, *Mrs. Avani Kamal, Trustee and Assistant Director, Academics*, addressed the students and said that Independence Day is not merely a day of celebration, but a sacred occasion to remember the sacrifices, dedication and contributions of the great revolutionaries and freedom fighters whose struggles brought freedom to the country. Her inspiring message moved the students and evoked memories of the glorious legacy of the immortal revolutionaries and their dedication to the nation.
Those present on the occasion included *Registrar Mr. Khalid Hasan; Administrative Officer Dr. Ravindra Pratap Singh; Dean of Academics and Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Prof. Manmohan Gupta; Secretary, Culture Department and Head, Department of Computer Applications, Mr. Vinay Semwal; Dean, Faculty of Science and Director of Research, Dr. Sandeep Dhyani; Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Imran Khan; Dean, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Dr. Anirban Patra; Assistant Director, Department of International Students and Global Relations, Mr. Raman Krishna Kimothi; Dr. Pratibha Juyal; Dr. Pushpa Dhyani; Prof. Nitika Kaushal; NSS Coordinator Mr. Pradeep Mahara; Shubham; Aditya;*
*Rajat, Sharad, Rajdeep Rana, Vivek Chauhan, Suraj, Ravi Kant, horticulture staff and Kumari Sapna*, along with members of the Culture Department, deans of various faculties, faculty members, officers, employees and students.
Organised in accordance with the *Subharti tradition, the “Transfer of Power and Prayer Day” aimed not only to recall the historical significance of Independence but also, in keeping with the spirit of the August 14 *“Partition Horrors Remembrance Day,”** to remember the pain of Partition and its human consequences, convey a message of peace and harmony, and strengthen the collective commitment towards national unity, integrity and social cohesion.
The programme conveyed the message that remembering history should not be a means of dividing the nation, but should instead make future generations more conscious of *unity, peace, humanity and national interest*. On the occasion, the University family paid respectful homage to the freedom fighters, the victims of the tragedy of Partition, and all known and unknown heroes dedicated to the unity and integrity of the nation.
