A heart-wrenching tale: Teja Singh's memories of 1947 Partition and Independence
Partition stories are not something that one can forget
HARISH MONGA
As India celebrated its independence on August 15, 1947, the nation was also grappling with the pain of partition, a decision that split the country into two—India and Pakistan. This division shattered countless lives, leaving behind scars that continue to haunt those who witnessed the horrors of that time. This division, however, was not just a political boundary—it tore apart communities that had coexisted for centuries.
The Partition of 1947 was one of the most challenging and traumatic events in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The division of British India into two independent nations, India and Pakistan, led to one of the largest mass migrations in human history. Millions of people were forced to leave their homes, crossing newly drawn borders to align with their religious identities—Hindus and Sikhs moving to India, and Muslims to Pakistan.
Teja Singh, a resident of the village Tendiwala near the Indo-Pak border in Ferozepur, recalls the harrowing days of partition with tears in his eyes. Before the division, Teja Singh lived in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, with his large family of 15-16 members, including his parents and uncles. Life was peaceful, and people of all religions coexisted in harmony.
But the partition turned their world upside down. At just 17-18 years old, (now 96), Teja Singh vividly remembers the fear that gripped his family as they prepared to flee. The terror of being attacked by Muslims loomed large, especially the fear that the women in their family might not survive. In a desperate attempt to escape, they fled under the cover of darkness, leaving everything behind.
Teja Singh tearfully recounts how they could only carry a few belongings, including 4-5 kilos of flour, which they cooked and ate along the way. Hunger and fear were constant companions during their journey. At one point, they found refuge in Dabrawali Nihal Langke, where around 1000 people gathered, and food was cooked communally.
Upon reaching India, their struggles were far from over. The family was given land in Ganganagar, but it was barren and offered no means of livelihood. Eventually, we moved to Ferozepur, where the family was forced to separate, and each member trying to rebuild their shattered lives.
Teja Singh’s story is a poignant reminder of the immense suffering endured by millions during the partition, a tragedy that remains etched in the collective memory of the subcontinent. Countless others like Teja Singh, might have witnessed or heard of the struggles and hardships faced during this turbulent period. The memories of the Partition continue to haunt the collective consciousness of the subcontinent, serving as a reminder of the human cost of political decisions.
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Harish Monga, Feature Writer
harishmongadido@gmailo.com
Phone No. : 9815087107
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