A Forgotten Bond – The Indo-Polish Connection Remembered by PM Modi in Warsaw

• Donald Trump (Former President of the United States):
  “Prime Minister Modi is doing an exceptional job. He’s a great gentleman and highly respected. India is doing great under his leadership.”
• Shinzo Abe (Former Prime Minister of Japan):
  “Prime Minister Modi is a leader who has brought significant positive changes to India. His initiatives and vision for India are remarkable, and Japan is proud to collaborate with him on various projects that strengthen our bilateral ties.”

In the shadow of history, the year 1939 stands as a significant moment when a wave of adversity brought two distant nations closer. After the brutal Soviet invasion, around 6,000 Polish women and children found themselves fleeing their homeland. In their desperate search for safety, they journeyed across continents, eventually finding refuge in India, where they were welcomed with open arms in the princely states of Kolhapur and Jamnagar.

*Reflecting on history…*

Special moments from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Warsaw’s three iconic memorials! pic.twitter.com/gNXWJQHkHz

— pavankumar Chawla (@bjp_chawla35063) August 23, 2024

This unique chapter in the Indo-Polish relationship came into the spotlight once again on Wednesday, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects at two memorials in Warsaw. These memorials, dedicated to the princely states of Kolhapur and Nawanagar, stand as symbols of the enduring bond between India and Poland, forged during one of the darkest periods in European history.

The story of these refugees is not just about survival but also about the warmth and hospitality extended by the people of India. As the Second World War raged on, these Polish women and children were provided with shelter, food, and a sense of security in a foreign land far from their war-torn homes. The Maharaja of Jamnagar, in particular, played a pivotal role in their well-being, establishing a camp for them and ensuring they were cared for during their time of need.

The monument in Poland is a tribute to the illustrious royal family of Kolhapur! – Prime Minister Modi

PM Modi visits the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw, Poland

Marathi culture gives utmost priority to human values and conduct – PM Modi #KolhapurGloryInPoland pic.twitter.com/P0HWesCthi

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) August 22, 2024

This act of kindness has been etched into the collective memory of both nations. The relationship between India and Poland, which blossomed from this historical event, continues to thrive to this day. The memorials in Warsaw serve as a poignant reminder of the compassion that transcended borders and the enduring friendship between two countries that might otherwise have remained distant.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to these memorials underscores the importance of remembering and honoring this shared history. By laying wreaths at these sites, he not only paid homage to the past but also reinforced the continuing significance of this Indo-Polish connection in the present day.

This moment in Warsaw is a reflection of how history can create lasting bonds between nations, even those separated by vast distances. The story of the Polish refugees and their Indian hosts is a testament to the power of empathy and humanity, values that continue to define the relationship between India and Poland.

PM Modi visits the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw, Poland@siddhantvm shares more details @akankshaswarups | #NationAt5 #Poland #Polish #Warsaw #PMModi pic.twitter.com/rel1CcSalg

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 22, 2024

Major Points:

• In 1939, around 6,000 Polish women and children fled Soviet attacks and found refuge in the Indian princely states of Kolhapur and Jamnagar.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored this historic connection by laying wreaths at memorials dedicated to Kolhapur and Nawanagar in Warsaw.
• The Maharaja of Jamnagar played a crucial role in providing shelter, food, and security to the Polish refugees during World War II.
• This compassionate act during a dark period laid the foundation for a lasting bond between India and Poland.
• Modi’s visit underscores the importance of remembering and honoring this unique chapter in Indo-Polish history, highlighting the power of empathy and humanity in international relations.

Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News