Andha 15 Naatkal – the Tamil translation of author Prashant Pole’s significant historical work, “Those 15 Days,” will be officially launched at a special event hosted by the Vigil Forum in Chennai on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.
The book, titled “அந்த 15 நாட்கள்” in Tamil, sheds light on the dark and bloody days leading up to India’s independence, particularly focusing on the atrocities faced by Hindus and Sikhs during partition.
The launch event is scheduled for 7:00 PM on 14 August 2024 at the KRS Auditorium, Meenakshi College for Women, Kodambakkam High Road, Chennai. Former Rajya Sabha MP and senior journalist Balbir Punj will attend.
Prashant Pole’s book vividly brings to life the horrors experienced in regions like Hyderabad, often overshadowed by the brutalities in East and West Pakistan. The book is available for Hindi readers as ‘Ve Pandraha Din’.
‘Andha 15 Naatkal’ serves not only as a historical account but also as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the continuing relevance of these events in light of current developments in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh.
Focus of ‘Andha 15 Naatkal’
The book sheds light on the crucial period leading up to India’s independence on August 15, 1947. It reveals lesser-known events and the actions of leaders from 1 August to 15 August 1947, focusing on the joy of independence intertwined with the sorrow and fear of partition. ‘Andha 15 Naatkal’ highlights the intense atmosphere in regions like Lahore and Karachi, where Hindus and Sikhs faced severe persecution, with no political party stepping in to protect them.
The author emphasises the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), particularly its leader Guru Golwalkar, who visited Sindh in early August to support and organise Hindus and Sikhs amidst widespread violence. Despite the Congress’s surrender to the Muslim League, Golwalkar encouraged unity and resilience among Hindus.
The book argues that partition, driven by religious division, led to the tragic dismemberment of India. It calls attention to the ongoing decline of Hindu populations in Pakistan and Bangladesh, urging Indians to remain vigilant about the lessons of partition to protect the nation’s unity and sovereignty.
This translation will allow Tamil readers to engage with a critical part of India’s history, ensuring that the lessons from those harrowing 15 days are not forgotten.
The event will also hear a first-hand account of the horrors of partition by Balbir Punj. This event offers a rare glimpse into the trauma and resilience of that time.
Pre-registration for the event is mandatory and interested people can register to attend using the link – https://tinyurl.com/46862we9
VIGIL
VIGIL, a public forum for discussions and public dialogue, was an initiative of various public-spirited citizens of Chennai and was active from the 1990s until 2010. Various intellectuals and luminaries, like Swami Dayananda Saraswati, have graced VIGIL occasions.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the 14th of August will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. This day is dedicated in memory of the millions of people who were displaced and killed due to mindless hate and violence during the partition of India in 1947.
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