A group of lecturers including myself, came together to discuss the urgency of creating a programme to not only commemorate the 75 years of India independence and creation of Pakistan, but also to provide a platform for the often-complex reflections on what we view as the ongoing process of Independence, and the histories that have unfolded, since the historic partition of the subcontinent.
Seventy-five years is a substantial period over which to negotiate identity, nationhood, and democratic freedom. It is also enough time to demonstrate understanding of the event for broader critical reflections on postcolonialism and decolonisation.
We created a programme through an intense, sustained, focus on personal histories, culture, art & design, performance, and communication practices. We did this through talking, thinking, doing, making, and learning together over the 6-month period, with an emphasis on arts pedagogical and educational practices.
It was an exciting, intense, and a challenging journey showcasing, discussing, and debating art, film, fashion, music, performance, and products, in the context of colonialism, postcolonial diasporas, migration, politics and development. A diverse range of people shared their stories, reflections and references to books, articles, photography, and objects – for which I was most grateful.
My utmost thanks to both Graham Barton, Rahul Patel and Shumi Bose who supported the project and helped make it a reality, and the external speakers/students who contributed to the process: Aijaz Ahmad, Barjis Chohan, Pav Singh, Aanchal Malhotra, Arpita Akhanda, Murad Qureshi, Pallavi Chamarty, Rajinder Kalsi, Amandeep Sandhu, Nivi Jaswal, and Jaspreet Kaur.