The seminar will take place in CGIS S050, 1730 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA.
Partition Seminar
Jennifer Leaning, François-Xavier Bagnoud Professor of the Practice of Health and Human Rights, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Director, FXB Center for Health and Human Rights
The seminar will explore the story of the mass migration of Hindus/Sikhs and Muslims from Pakistan and India respectively into the other country and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Professor Leaning will analyze: the Boundary Commission’s work, the patterns of migration, and unprecedented sectarian violence, including massacres, physical violence, and destruction of property. Leaning will also consider ethics and mechanics of care provided as part of immediate relief. Special attention will be focused on the role played by the main players during and after Partition, including the key political parties and individuals. Erum Sattar, SJD Candidate, Harvard Law School, will provide insights into how water issues relate to Partition.
Light refreshments will be served.
From 5 to 5:30, we will be hosting a group discussion about the SAI initiative to create an accessible archive to digitize the stories, records, and reflections of Partition in crowd proportions. The goal is to create an online community inviting personal and shared memories of Partition to preserve the realities experienced and enrich the historical knowledge of the event. All are welcome to attend the discussion.
This series, part of the SAI research project ‘Looking Back, Informing the Future: The 1947 Partition of British India – Implications of Mass Dislocations Across Geographies’ will explore issues that have often been ignored in the context of the Partition as well as discuss their relevance and impact today, both in South Asia and in other parts of the world. Through two-hour seminars spread over eight sessions, faculty, students, and community members will be brought together to explore the various facets of this complex historic event.
See a full list of Partition seminars.
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