Youth must understand history; to honour the Heritage: HIRD Director Dr. Chauhan
Students from Kurukshetra University and Dyal Singh College, Karnal—currently doing internship at the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), Nilokheri—toured the town and interacted with senior citizens who had settled in Nilokheri following the Partition.
Girish Saini
Jun 25, 2026 12:48
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Nilokheri, June 24, 2026: Students from Kurukshetra University and Dyal Singh College, Karnal—currently doing internship at the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), Nilokheri—toured the town and interacted with senior citizens who had settled in Nilokheri following the Partition.
During these interactions, the students learned in detail about the hardships endured during the 1947 Partition of India, the circumstances of displacement, the rehabilitation process, and the experiences of starting a new life in Nilokheri. The students recorded interviews with the elderly and documented their life journeys. The seniors shared how millions of displaced families faced numerous challenges during the Partition and how Nilokheri was developed as a model settlement for the rehabilitation of refugees.
Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the HIRD, stated that Nilokheri is not merely a town but a living saga of struggle, reconstruction, and self-reliance. It is essential to acquaint the new generation with their history and the sacrifices and struggles of those who established a new life here amidst adverse conditions. Such initiatives not only connect the youth to their roots but also foster sensitivity towards history.
He mentioned that a documentary is being prepared based on these interviews and historical facts, which will be screened during the 'Nilokheri Utsav' scheduled for July. The objective of this documentary is to familiarize the new generation with the history of Nilokheri, the tragedy of the Partition, and the struggles associated with rehabilitation. The interning students remarked that listening to the experiences of the elderly was a deeply moving and inspiring experience for them. Through these interviews, not only is history being preserved, but honor is also being paid to the struggle and courage of those who built a new life in the face of adversity.
Apart from Saurabh Arora from HIRD, interns Rekha, Sonu, Manisha Rana, Arpita Kundu, and Tanishka Sharma were also present on this occasion.
