PM Modi's Poland Visit: Time to Recall When India Sheltered Thousands of Polish Refugees

 It will be the first time an Indian politician has visited Poland in almost 50 years when Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels there after 45 years. The visit, slated for August 21–22, is especially noteworthy because it falls on the 70th anniversary of Poland and India's diplomatic ties.

Dariusz Jonski, a member of the European Parliament, emphasized the significance of this visit for commercial and political ties. He observed Poland's strong interest in discussing healthcare, as the nation desperately needs 25,000 physicians and specialists and potential IT sector partnerships with Indian businesses. Jonski noted that PM Modi's visit would strengthen the bilateral connections between the two nations.

The Indian population in Poland has shown a tremendous deal of excitement for the visit, particularly in Lodz. Many applauded PM Modi for his leadership, especially when India was able to successfully evacuate its citizens through Poland during the situation in Ukraine in 2022.

India and Poland Historical Connection:

The previous Maharaja of Gujarat's Nawanagar (now Jamnagar) is honored by the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Memorial, also known as Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji. Honored as the "Good Maharaja," he is known for his remarkable World War II humanitarian deeds.
He gave safety to hundreds of Polish kids who were escaping the horrors of the USSR during the conflict. The memorial, which is situated in Poland, honors his legacy of kindness and giving.

The most lasting memory of Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji comes from his involvement in World War II, when in 1941 he gave refuge to over a thousand Polish children who had been evacuated from the Soviet Union.

The "Good Maharaja," who took care of these kids—many of whom were orphans and refugees—found them a safe home where they were given access to chances for cultural enrichment as well as food, shelter, and education.

An Extra-Ordinary Example of Humanity:

In 1942, he founded a camp in Jamnagar-Balachadi specifically for Polish children, complete with kindergartens, schools, a hospital, and a library. The Maharaja personally oversaw all aspects of the camp's operations, making sure the kids had access to chances for cultural and creative growth in addition to meeting their fundamental necessities. His actions were crucial in assisting five thousand Polish children to survive the years of conflict in India.

President Bronisław Komorowski posthumously awarded him the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit in 2011 in recognition of his noteworthy service.

The Polish parliament established the "Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Memorial" in March 2016. In addition, a Warsaw school bearing his name recognizes his accomplishments.

After it closed in 1945, the Polish children's camp in Jamnagar-Balachadi was moved to Valivade, which is close to Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The 300-acre Sainik School campus in Balachadi now includes the previous camp's location.
In the village of Valivade, Maharashtra, over 2,000 Polish refugees sought safety from Soviet persecution during World War II. Among these refugees were elderly people, women, and children who had suffered greatly.

 

 Due to its favorable climate and location 500 miles south of Mumbai, Valivade was selected by 1943. The purpose of this location was to give Polish refugees a more comfortable living environment than the more difficult circumstances in other areas.

After being constructed, Valivade became a fully operational Polish settlement with a number of facilities, such as a post office, theatre, movie theatre, church, community center, and several schools. The infrastructure was designed to resemble a normal Polish town so that the migrants would feel normal and part of the community.

Memorials were established to perpetuate the significance of Valivade after the Polish refugees departed between 1946 and 1948. A 2014 restoration of a Kolhapur cemetery pays tribute to Polish nationals who passed away while residing in India. The Association of Poles in India also erected an obelisk in Mahavir Garden Park as a memorial to the long-lasting friendship between Poles and Indians.

                                       

                                           Poland always remembers "The Maharaja"

The "Maharaja" had established the ideal representation of Indian culture, ethos, and values. He was a man of genuine humanity and spirit. The Maharaja proved  "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." and the world has started to believe this.

 Jai Hind!

Harsh Pargat

Please read & share this history. Leave your comments to support me.