India’s belief in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “World is one family” fosters unity among its diverse religions. This unity is reflected in Warsaw, Poland where many streets and schools are named after Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji.
The Maharaja of Jamnagar in Gujarat is remembered in Poland for his kindness. Despite being far from Poland, he saved around 1,000 Polish children during World War II when they were denied shelter by many countries. His story continues to inspire people today.
Who is Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja?
Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja was the Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar from 1933 to 1948. He took over from his uncle, the famous cricketer K.S. Ranjitsinhji. His education took place at Rajkumar College in Rajkot, Saurashtra, Malvern College, and University College London. He joined the British Army in 1919 and served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force by 1920. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1921 and to captain in 1929. He retired from the army in 1931.
Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar
After his uncle K. S. Ranjitsinhji passed away, Digvijaysinhji became Maharaja Jam Saheb in 1933. He continued his uncle’s development and public service policies and was knighted in 1935.
“A Little Poland in India”
Before World War II, many Poles were sent to Soviet labor camps in remote parts of the USSR and Siberia by the Red Army. The political landscape changed significantly when Germany attacked the USSR in 1941. A year later, some Polish refugees were allowed to leave the Soviet Union.
This marked the start of a massive migration of Poles from the cold Siberian regions to the warmer areas of Central Asia. The journey was long and difficult, covering hundreds of kilometers. Many Poles lost their lives due to cold, hunger, malnutrition, and dehydration.
After being denied shelter by many countries in Europe and Asia, they finally reached India. However, the British Governor in Bombay also refused them entry.
Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar heard about the refugees’ plight and sought to help them. He pressured the British government to allow the refugees to disembark. When the government didn’t act, the Maharaja ordered the ship to dock at Rosi port in his province. This marked the beginning of Little Poland in India.
Upon their arrival in Gujarat in 1941, the Maharaja arranged for their stay in camps in Balachadi, a village in Jamnagar. He made efforts to provide them with food, shelter, education, and preserve their Polish culture and traditions.
According to Polish sources, the Maharaja told the children, “You may not have your parents, but I am your father now.” The children called him “our Bapu” or “father”.
The refugees stayed in Jamnagar for nine years, until the end of World War II. They were well cared for by Jam Saheb, who personally visited the camps. After the war and the recognition of Poland’s government by Great Britain, the refugees were asked to return to Poland. However, many chose to move to the UK, the US, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations, while only a few returned to Poland.
Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Legacy
The Maharaja risked a lot to provide a safe place in Balachadi, Gujarat for over 640 women and children. His selfless acts earned him the President’s medal, the highest honor in Poland.
Poland expressed its gratitude in many ways. They named a square in Warsaw and a school after the Maharaja, acknowledging his passion for education.
The documentary “Little Poland in India” was made by the Indian and Polish governments to honor the Maharaja’s efforts to help Polish refugees.
While the world was at war, India was also fighting for independence from British rule. Despite facing a severe famine and drought, the Maharaja still offered help.
The bond between Poland and Balachadi, a town 25km from Jamnagar, is remembered by a few World War II survivors.
This remarkable story from recent history highlights the special connection between Poland and Balachadi.
