By Sardar Khan Niazi

India is a nation deeply marked by the stains of its past. These stains, etched deeply into its collective psyche, have not faded with time. Instead, they continue to shape the country’s identity and its politics, sometimes in ways that are unsettling. Among these, the partition of 1947 remains the most prominent, leaving behind an enduring legacy of division, trauma, and mistrust. However, beyond this, there are other lesser-discussed yet equally significant wounds–each one a reminder of India’s complex and painful history. Yet, the stains of partition are not just historical. They continue to trouble the political and social fabric of India. The deep-seated animosity between India and Pakistan remains a constant source of tension, often exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric, political maneuvering, and border skirmishes. The unresolved issue of Kashmir, which lies at the heart of the India-Pakistan conflict, continues to create a volatile atmosphere. In fact, the region remains a constant reminder of the partition’s unfinished business and its consequences. Beyond the partition, there are other less obvious but equally harmful stains in India’s history. The caste system, deeply ingrained in the fabric of Indian society, continues to perpetuate inequality and discrimination. While India’s constitution abolished untouchability and made provisions for affirmative action, the social and cultural stigmas associated with caste remain entrenched. Dalits, Adivasis, and other marginalized communities continue to face systemic discrimination, exclusion, and violence. Despite efforts to address these inequities, caste-based discrimination is still prevalent in many parts of the country, especially in rural areas. Another unresolved wound lies in the violence and oppression faced by religious minorities, particularly Muslims. India’s secular constitution enshrines the protection of all religions, but in recent years, there has been a growing sense of alienation among the Muslim community. From mob lynching to the........

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