Founder of 1947 Partition Archive Dr. Guneeta Bhalla visits Punjab

Amritsar, February 18 (Punjab Post Bureau)- On the invitation of the Dilbir Foundation (DF), Dr. Guneeta  Bhalla visited Punjab to create partnerships for exhibiting the treasure trove she and her team has collected, as well as expand the same while there is still time. At present count over 3500 experiences of the survivors of partition in 1947. They have a target of 10000 to be reached by 2018 and have reached out to DF for creating partnerships and venues for exhibitions.

            The possibilities are many, and the engagement confirmed for future action. Dilbir Foundation (DF) is indeed privileged with this special relationship in its quest for legacy conservation and is pleased to facilitate further action. The meeting was held in the environs of Bhai Vir Singh Niwas Asthaan, and citizens of Amritsar shared their Experiences and thoughts in the dialogue.

Dr. Guneeta Singh Bhalla, a physicist, research scholar with Berkley University, took it upon herself to capture these fading memories in oral and visual digital record. Her inspiration was further strengthened by her visit to Hiroshima Memorial in Japan. She said that 1947 was a year of promise for the Indian nation, and yet witnessed one of the biggest transmigrations in global history. The movement was heart rending, traumatic and one that saw the Punjab region in turmoil. People who can tell the story are few as the generation that saw this exodus of humanity completes its lifecycle.

            Said Gunbir Singh President of DF, “Intangible Legacy is perhaps the most fragile part of history. It inherently is endangered by progressive distortion, as well as possibility of going extinct and thus irrecoverable.” He said that the last of the fading voices are being recorded for the 1947 Partition Archives. While there is scope for expanding the exquisite collection of narratives, the work to exhibit the same for the new generations, as well as for significant research by scholars has only just begun. We are happy to collaborate in this labour in preserving legacy so close to the hearts of this region.”