JNU to build a centre for studying the 1947 partition: VC

The varsity will draft a proposal in this respect to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education (MoE).

According to the VC, the centre will primarily concentrate on research revolving around the partition to highlight the experiences of ordinary people who were touched by it as well as the “horrors” of the partition.

The university will also introduce new courses in this area. The centre will help in the study of the refugees and the situation where people had to migrate involuntarily, Santishree told PTI.

The university is planning to set up the centre under the School of International Studies as it envisions studying the effect of partition on the whole of South Asia.

Santishree stated, “Higher Education institutions should fill up the gaps in history. Putting up exhibitions is good but they are temporary. So we suggested that as a contribution, JNU should have a special centre on partition studies. It will help in filling the gaps about the events.”

She emphasized that we want to call attention to the knowledge of ordinary people. We need to study the letters written by people who experienced the partition. She added that it will also help in “refugee studies” by conveying more knowledge about the circumstances where people are forced to relocate.

According to the VC, the varsity is planning to name the centre after the first home minister of India — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel or Jan Sangh founder Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee as the two took a very different stand on the partition.

Recently, Delhi University also announced to set up a research centre to encourage people to study India’s freedom movement and the following partition.

It has also formed a seven-member committee, headed by DU Director (South Campus) Prakash Singh, to furnish suggestions for the development of the centre.

Singh pointed out that there has been a lack of learning resources on the freedom struggle and the contribution of unsung heroes, adding that courses at the university do not enlighten about that time in detail.

(With inputs from PTI)

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