Intelligence Squared Partition Voices, with Kavita Puri and Rajini Vaidyanathan
Aug 14, 2020
Kavita Puri, author of "Partition Voices: Untold British Stories," teams up with Rajini Vaidyanathan, a BBC South Asian correspondent. They delve into the impacts of the 1947 partition of India, sharing remarkable testimonies from British citizens who lived through it. The discussion highlights the importance of documenting personal narratives and addresses generational trauma. They also explore the emotional resilience of individuals amidst chaos, emphasizing the need to remember both the darkness of history and the hope that emerges through shared human experiences.
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Kavita's Father's Story
- Kavita Puri's father rarely discussed his partition experience, leaving a void in her understanding of their family history.
- He eventually shared his story of witnessing violence in Moga, revealing the lasting trauma he carried.
Embracing All Faiths
- Kavita's father's last wish was to have multiple faiths represented at his funeral.
- This reflects his journey from Hindu nationalism to embracing religious diversity after witnessing partition's horrors.
Gerbach Garcher's Story
- Gerbach Garcher, a former mayor of Lewisham, shared his horrific partition experience with Kavita Puri.
- Despite witnessing brutal murders, he also recounted acts of compassion, like Sikh women protecting a Muslim mother and her children.
