IIAS hosts National Conference on “Living the Partition: Portrayal of Partition in Films in India”
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, is hosting a Two-Day National Conference on “Living the Partition: Portrayal of Partition in Films in India” on March 17–18, 2025. This academic gathering brings together renowned scholars, historians, and film experts to discuss the cinematic representation of the Partition and its continued impact on Indian society.
Inaugural Session Highlights
The conference commenced with a dignified Inaugural Session, marked by the Lighting of the Lamp.
Setting the thematic tone, Professor Nirmal Kumar, Convener of the conference and faculty at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, provided an insightful Introduction to the Theme. He emphasized the profound impact of Partition narratives in shaping historical memory and contemporary discourse.
Address by Chief Guest Shri Rakesh Sinha
The highlight of the session was the keynote address by Chief Guest, Professor Rakesh Sinha, Former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). Professor Sinha, a distinguished scholar and public intellectual, delved into the enduring legacy of Partition and its depiction in Indian cinema. He underscored the role of films in keeping the memories of Partition alive and shaping the perspectives of newer generations. “Partition was not just a historical event but a psychological and cultural rupture whose effects are still felt today. Films like Gadar and Pinjar have played a crucial role in narrating this trauma, keeping the conversation relevant across generations,” remarked Professor Sinha. He further elaborated on how cinematic portrayals serve as a bridge between history and popular consciousness, influencing both academic discussions and public sentiment.
The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary, IIAS, Shimla. He also conveyed best wishes for the National Conference on behalf of Professor Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Director, IIAS, and Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. It is followed by the National Anthem.
Conference Theme and Relevance
The conference aims to explore the portrayal of Partition in Indian films, reflecting on themes of displacement, communal tensions, and national identity. Discussions over the two days will focus on how cinema has preserved, transformed, and revived narratives of Partition, making them accessible to newer audiences.
The Theme Note highlights how even decades after the Partition, the trauma remains a living memory through films. Movies like Gadar, Pinjar, and more recently Gadar 2 demonstrate that the impact of Partition is far from forgotten. The conference also examines the evolving depiction of India-Pakistan relations in cinema, from hostility to reconciliation, reflecting the dynamic socio-political landscape.
Sessions and Speakers
The conference features a series of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and paper presentations, with eminent scholars such as Professor Virender Singh Negi, Professor Manoj Sinha, Professor Ayub Khan, Dr. Etee Bahadur, Dr. Richa Sharma, and Dr. Sheela Reddy contributing their insights.
With a blend of offline and online participation, the event fosters a rich academic dialogue on Partition and its cinematic portrayal, ensuring a meaningful engagement with history and its representations.
Looking Ahead
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study continues to serve as a premier platform for intellectual discourse, bringing together scholars to engage in thought-provoking discussions on history, culture, and media.
The conference will conclude on March 18, 2025, with further deliberations on Partition narratives in literature and cinema, followed by a Valedictory Session.
