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Partition of India A study among the migrants in West Bengal

Paulomi Saha
University of Kalyani
2010
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Summary: 
Partition and Migration changed the history of Indian sub-continent. We can not ignore the problem of migration on a massive scale after partition was declared. It is not a past event of history, till today it is very much present in Indian society. The migrants left their homeland and came to India and after a long struggle now considered as an Indian today. They have their own perception and attitude towards partition. In time of partition no one asked them for their opinion. But now, after 62 years of independence it is the right time to know about their views, opinions and their present socio-economic conditions in India. Bengal and Punjab were divided at the same time. Punjab was much focused at the time of partition. After some years migration from the other side of border stopped there. But Bengal has a different picture. Due to several ups and downs in the political, economic and social spheres in Bengal, migration does not stop in Bengal. Our study will be incomplete if we do not know the life histories of the migrants, their struggle, their sweet memories of the land which they left behind, their identity crisis in a new land and their long journey to become a resident of India. It delights me to acknowledge my sincerest thanks and heartful gratitude to my respected sir, Prof. Samir Dasgupta. He brought my attention to this topic which is very interesting and very captivating. He was always the sources of inspiration and encouragement for me. I candidly confess that without his able guidance it would have impossible for me to complete my research work. From the first day of my Ph.D. work I always have his affectionate blessings. I frequently asked several questions to him and it was a ceaseless enquiry which is realty disturbing sometimes. But Sir does not express any kind of annoyance towards me. Moreover, he always encouraged me. I remain indebted to dearest Aunty (Mrs. Keya Dasgupta) who always welcomed me and treated me very cordially. I am deeply indebted to all of my respondents who help me to collect data. For me it is a research topic, but for them it is the real life incidence. Without their help it is not possible for me to collect data. When I started my field work I found it is impossible to complete because the respondents till have fear in their minds, they have identity crisis till now very deep-rootedly. Gradually they are convinced and open the closed door of their emotions and perceptions. I express my heartful gratitude to my friend and colleague Shri Priyam Roy, Professor of The Department of History, Kalyani Mahavidyalaya who helped me a lot in time of collection of data and to collect the photographs. Without his accompany and support it is not possible for me to survey in some field areas. I must acknowledge the help of my friends Sanjoy and Asit. I remain and remain indebted to my dearest mother Smt. Krishna Saha and younger sister Mousumi for their enormous support. They always give me their valuable suggestions and help me to complete my thesis perfectly. I want to thank my grand mother Smt. Malina Roy who described about her earlier days in Dacca, Bangladesh. Finally, I remain and remain indebted to my father Late Dr. Ajit Kumar Saha, Without his encouragement I could not begin my research work. In the beginning when I had not a clear idea about partition, he narrated me the events and incidences of partition. Today he is no more with us, but I felt somewhere he is very much with us. I will always be surrounded by his blessings. I dedicate my thesis paper to my father. hdl.handle.net/10603/212874
Language: 
English