Transcending Borders through Oral History
June 11, 2025
Pictured: The 1952 passport issued to Anil Kumar Kundu. Image courtesy Sumallya Mukhopadhyay Transcending Borders
We are a crowdsourced community-based archive and public history organization. We collaboratively document lived histories with you, while promoting healing through storytelling. Through free oral history workshops, we empower you to document, preserve and share oral histories of Partition and World War II witnesses and survivors in your community. Following World War II, the British empire rapidly declined and the year 1947 saw the end of British colonial rule in South Asia. The formation of modern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh (as East Pakistan in 1947) followed, via the Partition of Punjab and Bengal. Partition unfolded chaotically, leading to one of the largest mass refugee crises of the last century, sending ripple effects across the globe. Explore the untold history of Partition through collections you have helped build and preserve. Learn More…
Embark on a journey through time and experience the poignant narratives of lives forever altered by the 1947 Partition and the Second World War. Millions fled at a moment’s notice, losing everything that they had ever known, and millions lost their lives in the unprecedented communal violence that unfolded.
Based on the first and the largest pan-South Asian oral history survey ever conducted, 10,000 Memories tells the story of Partition, World War II and Independence in the mid-20th century Indian subcontinent through hundreds of individual experiences.
The 1947 Partition Archive records life stories shaped by Partition. Witnesses are waiting right now to share their incredible and historic memories. As a monthly donor, receive update s about the stories your donation preserved.
Join us on October 3 in Short Hills, New Jersey for an editor talk and book signing for The 1947 Partition Archive's colossal new work, 10,000 MEMORIES: A lived history of Partition, Independence and World War II. This event is hosted by Archana Verma. Book talk by Dr. Guneeta Singh Bhalla. CLICK TO REGISTER. This is a free event hosted graciously by Amit and Hemagauri Sarkar!
Join us for an exquisitely curated lunch (Desi/South Asian/Indian and Ethiopian catering), as we gather to celebrate the act of storytelling and preserving our ancestors' memories - so that they are not forgotten. Berkeley-based professional performers have prepared a special folk dance for this event, while local musicians will be performing an acoustic sufi set. Keith McLane will be presenting a live auction of curated items including local and far flung discounted vacation packages, high end accessories, dinner outings and much more.
This lunch serves as a fundraiser for time-critical oral history work by The 1947 Partition Archive, amongst our elders who remember the Partition and Independence period in the 1940s, especially in South Asia. Community storytelling work is made possible entirely by compassionate and generous humans like you. CLICK FOR TICKETS.
This lunch is graciously co-chaired by Reshma Hyder and Guneeta Singh Bhalla
12:00 PM: Lunch is served! Please arrive early
1:00 PM: Program begins - all guests seated
2:40 PM: Dance! Movement after lunch is great for the soul (and health). We will end the afternoon with an optional community dance lesson curated by Bollywood Dance Central team.
Join us on August 26 at Third Culture Coffee in Bellevue (greater Seattle area) for an editor talk and book signing for The 1947 Partition Archive's colossal new work, 10,000 MEMORIES: A lived history of Partition, Independence and World War II. This event is hosted by Archana Verma. Book talk by Dr. Guneeta Singh Bhalla. CLICK TO REGISTER. This is a free event!
PBS
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Hindustan Times
A large number of Sikhs were present but alas no one in the audience got to speak. However, the lack of audience participation
The New York Times
BERKELEY, Calif. — Growing up, Guneeta Singh Bhalla heard a terrifying story from her grandmother. In August 1947, as British India was being partitioned into independent India and Pakistan,
Pictured: The 1952 passport issued to Anil Kumar Kundu. Image courtesy Sumallya Mukhopadhyay Transcending Borders
Student researcher Deepika Rani discovers surprising findings on the experiences of women during Partition, which challenge
The 1947 Partition Archive is funded by thousands of community members like you, from across the world, who range in age and have contributed gifts of all sizes. As the Archive has grown, it has garnered support from institutional donors as well. Major donors include (in alphabetical order)
The 1947 Partition Archive records life stories shaped by Partition. Witnesses are waiting right now to share their incredible and historic memories. Will you donate now to help us reach one witness?
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