105 - On the Experience of Partition : Urvashi Butalia

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, the speaker reflects on the lasting impact of partition in South Asia, emphasizing its personal and collective histories. Through moving stories of survival, migration, and reconciliation, the speaker illustrates the deep connections that transcend borders, offering hope amidst current divisions. Highlighting the resilience of individuals like Shahnaz and Chaudhary Latif, the talk calls for a renewed understanding of the past, urging us to preserve these memories and find compassion in the face of violence and hatred, as a way to create a more connected and inclusive future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on partition as a complex, multifaceted historical event, with lasting impacts before, during, and after the division in 1947.
• 😀 Partition is simultaneously omnipresent and forgotten, with selective memory and instrumentalization leading to violence, particularly against Muslims, today.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that the partition's history is far from being fully explored, as new research continues to emerge, crossing borders and providing fresh perspectives.
• 😀 Increased collaboration across borders, such as joint anthologies and academic work, is revitalizing the history of partition and connecting it with global histories.
• 😀 The internet and social media, particularly platforms like YouTube and Zoom, have helped break down political barriers, allowing for international dialogue and understanding about partition.
• 😀 Cross-border research is expanding, allowing for more holistic narratives that challenge national boundaries and political constraints placed on partition histories.
• 😀 The speaker shares three personal stories to illustrate the resilience of ordinary people during and after partition, highlighting human connection over national identity.
• 😀 The first story is about Shahnaz (formerly Gurbachan), a Sikh woman who was abducted during partition, later converted to Islam, and eventually reunited with her estranged family after 50 years of separation.
• 😀 The second story is about Chaudhary Latif, a partition refugee, who developed a deep friendship with a Hindu man, Bedi, through letters, reflecting the potential for cross-community bonds despite partition’s violence.
• 😀 The final story addresses the emotional and political rift between Pakistan and Bangladesh after the 1971 separation, highlighting a South Asian women’s initiative to foster peace, solidarity, and mutual apology.
• 😀 The speaker concludes by emphasizing that the stories of partition survivors provide lessons of hope, compassion, and resilience that can inspire future generations amidst contemporary challenges.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main purpose in this talk?

The speaker aims to address the issue of partition, focusing on its complex legacy and the lessons we can learn from the stories of individuals affected by it. They also want to highlight the selective memory of partition today and explore its continued relevance in contemporary times.

How does the speaker describe the current perception of partition?

The speaker suggests that partition is both ever-present in society yet paradoxically forgotten or marginalized in certain aspects. While some of its effects are still felt, much of the pre-partition unity and cross-cultural bonds have been overlooked or erased.

What examples of pre-partition life does the speaker mention?

The speaker references stories of friendships and shared living between different religious communities before partition, where religion played a role but was not the dominant force that divided people. These stories are often forgotten today, overshadowed by the violent aftermath of partition.

Why does the speaker emphasize the need to revisit partition's history?

The speaker argues that partition's history should not be forgotten, as it continues to shape political and social dynamics today. The selective recalling of partition often fuels violence, particularly against Muslims, and the speaker suggests that we must look back to understand its lessons and prevent further escalation of hate.

What role does cross-border research play in partition studies today?

The speaker highlights that recent research on partition has expanded beyond national borders, allowing for new cross-border collaborations. This research challenges earlier political constraints and enables a more interconnected understanding of partition's global impact.

How have modern technologies affected the sharing of partition stories?

The speaker points out that digital platforms such as the internet, YouTube, and social media have allowed partition stories to cross borders. These platforms enable new generations, particularly those in diaspora communities, to share and preserve their histories, making partition's legacy more accessible and widespread.

What is the significance of the story about Shahnaz (Gurbachan)?

Shahnaz's story is a powerful example of the personal impacts of partition, showing how identity, belonging, and family were disrupted. Her journey from India to Pakistan, then to the U.S., and back to Pakistan illustrates the complexities of migration, the quest for home, and the resilience of individuals in the face of historical trauma.

How did Shahnaz (Gurbachan) eventually reconnect with her children?

After 50 years of separation from her children due to partition, Shahnaz (Gurbachan) and her son used the internet to place an advertisement in a Pakistani newspaper, which led to her reconnecting with her children. This story exemplifies the power of modern technology to heal old wounds and rebuild lost connections.

What does the story of Chaudhary Latif and Iqbal Begum reveal about partition's legacy?

The story of Chaudhary Latif and Iqbal Begum illustrates the unexpected connections that emerged after partition, such as the friendship between Latif (a Muslim refugee in Pakistan) and Bedi (a Hindu displaced by partition). Their correspondence over the years shows how human bonds transcended the political divides of partition, providing a model of empathy and reconciliation.

How does the speaker view the potential for hope in today's world?

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of learning from the resilience and compassion shown by ordinary people during partition. By looking at the strength and humanity of those who survived partition, the speaker suggests that we can find hope to navigate today's challenges of violence, political polarization, and uncertainty.