UK govt launches 'Grand Trunk Road' project to mark 70th anniversary of India's Partition

The UK-wide project aims to bring British Asians of all faiths and backgrounds together to remember lives lost and learn about the history of partition London: The British government has launched a new project titled the ‘Grand Trunk Road’ to mark the 70th anniversary of India’s Partition in August 1947 with volunteers from the Muslim, Sikh and Hindu communities in the UK coming together to stage special events. Volunteers from Muslim, Sikh and Hindu communities will get together to stage events, including a play written, produced and performed by a group of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs to tell the story of the 1948 London Olympics, the first time India and Pakistan met as competing nations in the country from which they had just gained independence. UK minister for faith Lord Bourne said, “Just as the Grand Trunk Road has tied together India and Pakistan and their diverse cultures and faiths for millennia, this project will highlight the rich history that British Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus share. “Events will be taking place up and down the country that will bring communities from the subcontinent together, foster new relationships and encourage friends and neighbours to document and share their memories of Partition.” A women’s group in Slough in south-east England for Hindu, Muslim and Sikh women of all ages will also be set up to talk about the impact of Partition on their own families.