FLO Amritsar organised a special evening at The Partition Museum, Town Hall, Amritsar, centred on art, memory and the legacy of Partition. The programme marked the approaching 80 years of Partition and Independence and brought together cultural voices, members of the community and families of Partition survivors.
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a significant artwork by celebrated modern artist Krishen Khanna from his renowned Bandwalla/Bangala series. The artwork provided a powerful visual context for reflecting on Partition, displacement, memory and the human experience of loss and belonging.
Chairperson Tannya Khanna opened the programme by highlighting the ability of visual artists to preserve human history and experiences that may not always find expression in conventional historical narratives.
A fireside conversation between Tannya Khanna and Lady Kishwar Desai, Founder and Chair of The Arts & Cultural Heritage Trust (TACHT), explored the intersection of art, trauma and institutional memory. Lady Kishwar also spoke about the vision behind establishing the Partition Museums in Amritsar and Delhi and their role in preserving the stories and experiences of those displaced during Partition.
Vijay Mehra, Director, The Senior Study School, shared reflections on the lived experiences and legacy of Partition survivors. The programme also featured the FLO Spotlight Awards, recognising five women who turned their passion for art into a profession.
The event concluded with a one-minute Urdu poetry recitation by Jasmeet Nayyar, followed by an interpretation of the sculpture by Mannat Kapoor and Shreya Mehra, highlighting the revival of Phulkari and its enduring connection to Punjab’s cultural heritage.