Beyond Borders: YouTubers Reviving Memories of Partition
Renowned Urdu poet Sahir Ludhianvi posed this question in one of his poems nearly fifty years ago, and it remains pertinent today. Recently, the nation revisited the traumatic memories of Partition. Although only a few individuals still recall those tales, all these memories and stories are now being incorporated into 'event management'. The 'horror of Partition' has been transformed into a 'festival', with ceremonies, exhibitions, narratives, and pictorial depictions continuing. Meanwhile, a few passionate individuals persist in conveying the pain and suffering of Partition victims through 'videos' and platforms like YouTube.
Among such people, the discussion of two will be relevant. They have no regrets that their efforts do not even cover their own expenses, but when a journalist brings them to the center of discussion with an open mind, they start feeling a little happy that at least someone has appreciated 'their' work. Whatever they do is not for any financial gain. They also know that they will not get any state honour for this work. But they do not give up. Discussion of two of them is relevant in this matter, although the efforts they are making are being made by some dedicated YouTubers across the border as well. For now, a limited discussion on them only.
One of them is Saudagar Singh Chunni Kalan and the other is Keshu Multani of Kurukshetra. Saudagar Singh had worked as a technician in the Central Government Semiconductor Institute in Mohali for 16 years. When a fire broke out in this unit, his job was in danger. Then he voluntarily took retirement and started working under MNREGA. Now he spends all his time on his internet set. He gets a peaceful sleep the day he reunites separated people or families. His own eyes are often moist.
The other person is Keshu Multani. He has reunited hundreds of families so far. ‘The process of recording the videos started in 2006 and the first person to be recorded was Mahesh Bhayana, father of Hansi MLA Vinod Bhayana, then my maternal uncle too who had found a friend across the border and then our Haryana state's first Ranjan Rajbari was recorded in 2007, after that this process continued at a snail's pace for a few years and it gained momentum in the last month of 2016, the journey of which is still continuing.’
In this journey, Keshav not only met people from Multan, he met Peshawari, Lahori, Sikhs and Rajputs and I also met 'dacoits', who are known as Shanidev Maharaj ji. Who used to go from house to house asking for oil, here as well as there. Now the number of videos recorded by me is more than a thousand.’ And Keshu has reunited more than 300 families or communities that were separated in the riots of 47. Similarly, some other 'YouTubers' are also doing similar work in Pakistan, among whom a person named Mohammad Alamgir and Khayyam Chauhan are prominent.
A young photographer and photojournalist from Kurukshetra, named Keshav, has initiated a noteworthy campaign. Through his YouTube channel, he has successfully reunited approximately 160 families who were separated during the Indo-Pak partition. His work primarily highlights families divided across the borders of Multan, Bahawalpur, Ahmedpur, and Rajasthan. In regions like Multan and Bahawalpur, people affectionately call him Keshu, and this name is also familiar to Multani families residing in Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Karnal, Sonipat, and nearby areas. When elderly individuals are troubled by memories of lost friends in their twilight years, they reach out to 'Keshu' through their children and grandchildren. Keshu revives a flood of memories for these separated elders through his channel and connections, all at no cost. When asked, 'What do you gain from this unpaid effort, brother?' he responds, 'Try washing your hands and face with that flood of memories sometimes, and you'll find new energy.' If you wish to experience the warmth of relationships or the comfort of a cool shade, speak with Kesu. He will bring a 'bioscope' of memories and quietly leave, offering you inner peace for free. Such a passionate young individual deserves admiration.