Exhibition portrays stories of Partition of India

The exhibition aims to showcase the historical journey of India and Pakistan’s independence

A one day exhibition portraying the stories of those who witnessed the 1947 Partition of India has taken place in Birmingham.

The event, which also marks South Asian Heritage month, saw members of the community come together at Spaces Crossway on Friday.

In August 1947, a partition of British India led to the creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan - resulting in millions of people being displaced.

“I remember fleeing India on foot with 70 members of my extended family through wet rice fields to Pakistan,” said Dr Raza Farooq.

Dr Farooq, from Evesham, Worcestershire, was a young child during the partition and spent 30 years of his life in Birmingham.

He said he recalled one of his relatives, a 16-year-old girl, being "kidnapped by Sikh militants."

"The family were reunited with her after 35 years," he said.

'Crucial for the community'

The exhibition, created by British Asian magazine DESIblitz, showcases the historical journey of India and Pakistan's independence alongside photographs, artefacts and personal stories.

Indi Deol, director of DESIblitz, wanted to preserve eyewitness accounts for future generations.

"It’s crucial for the community because it helps preserve and share a significant historical event that has shaped the identities and lives of many people from this region," he said.

“My grandparents lived through the partition and often shared vivid memories of that time. They spoke of the abrupt displacement, the loss of homes, and the resilience it took to rebuild their lives.”

Mr Deol said the stories of courage and endurance had deeply influenced his understanding of the partition and had motivated him to share the narratives through their exhibition and documentary.

The commemorative exhibition has now moved online where people can view and watch the history that has been recorded.