“Nilokheri Utsav” is a campaign to revitalize culture and glorious heritage: HIRD Director Dr. Chauhan

Nilokheri, July 10, 2026: As part of the upcoming Nilokheri Utsav, a special interactive program was organized at the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), Nilokheri, with the aim of preserving the experiences of the town's senior citizens and their memories of the Partition era. During the event, senior citizens shared inspiring stories regarding their struggles, suffering, and displacement during the 1947 Partition of India, as well as the subsequent reconstruction of Nilokheri. The audience was deeply moved, with many moved to tears by these emotional recollections.

Bela Ram, an elderly man who has crossed the century mark, shared a poignant account of his life during the Partition, noting that he was approximately 21 years old at the time. He recounted witnessing five of his family members being burned alive before his eyes while migrating to India from across the border. He stated that his family members chose to protect their faith and religion rather than accept forced conversion, ultimately sacrificing their lives in that struggle.

Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of HIRD, remarked that a society's greatest assets are its history and the senior citizens who preserve it. Nilokheri’s present stands upon the foundation of the struggles, sacrifices, and tireless hard work of these stalwarts. Documenting these experiences is crucial for connecting future generations with their history and heritage. He emphasized that the Nilokheri Utsav is not merely an event but a campaign to revitalize one's roots, culture, and glorious heritage.

Extending a warm welcome to the senior citizens present, Dr. Chauhan honored them by presenting turbans—a symbol of respect—and expressed his gratitude for their sharing of invaluable experiences. He stated that these reminiscences would be included in a special documentary being prepared for the upcoming Nilokheri Festival, so that future generations could draw inspiration from the arduous history of Nilokheri's establishment and development.

Senior citizens Bela Ram, Bhagwan Das, and Balram, along with Councilor Anjana Kumari, Surendra Sharma, and other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.