Two boys—Mukand and Riaz—play together under the same sky, unaware that Partition will soon divide them by a border neither of them created.
Mukand and Riaz
Mukand and Riaz
Average Rating: 0.0
Country: India
Author: Nina Sabnani
Illustrator: Nina Sabnani
Ages: 5-8,8-10
Publisher: Tulika Publishers

About The Story

Set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan, this poignant story traces the deep bond between two childhood friends torn apart by political upheaval. Though nations were divided and barbed wires rose, the universality of childhood—of shared games, ice creams, and laughter—remained untouched. This book highlights every child's fundamental right to friendship and a home. Inspired by her father’s memories, animator Nina Sabnani brings the story to life with vibrant illustrations, drawn from the appliqué traditions of Sindh and Gujarat, reflecting a shared cultural heritage. The Partition displaced over 14 million people and claimed millions of lives—stories of heartbreak and resilience too often absent from many classrooms around the world, yet essential to understanding our collective past.

Themes

Social & Emotional Learning
Displacement
Family &Friends

Sub Themes

Friendship & Companionship
Sharing & Caring
Joy in Togetherness

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Recognize that friendship and love can exist even in times of conflict and uncertainty.
  • Understand that large historical events can deeply affect children’s lives.
  • Develop empathy for children who are separated from friends and familiar places.
  • Reflect on how acts of giving can express deep care and friendship.
  • Appreciate that race, religion, and nationality do not define true friendship.
  • Internalize the core value of one common humanity

Activities

  • (Ages 5–8) : 1.The Meaning of a Gift Students discuss the significance of the cap and create drawings of gifts they would give a friend
  • 2. What Makes a True Friend? Create a friendship chart highlighting loyalty, kindness, sharing, and helping.
  • (Ages 8–10): 1. Talking About Sudden Separation Discuss how children might feel when forced to leave friends suddenly.
  • 2. Goodbye Note or Drawing Students write or draw a final message from Mukand to Riaz.
  • 3. Friendship Memory Quilt Class creates a visual memory quilt made of friendship moments.

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4 – Quality Education

The story builds empathy and values-based learning.

SDG 16 – Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

The story promotes peaceful coexistence and harmony.

Curriculum Alignment

  • Ages 3–5: The Memory Tree, A Plane that Brings Love
  • Ages 5–8: Feng, Noon Chai and a Story, Mukand & Riaz
  • Ages 8–10: Hammam’s World, Salma & the Orange Trees, Two Homes in Omar’s Heart
  • Ages 10–12: The Unexpected Friend, Mukand & Riaz

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