During World War II, a large number of Poland people were taken by the Russian army to work in soviet run labour camps in Siberia and other central soviet regions. After Germany’s attack on Russia, some of these Polish refugees were permitted to leave the Soviet Union.
The long journey which stretched over hundreds of kilometers resulted in the loss of many polish lives because of hunger, cold, and dehydration. When Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Jamnagar heard about the difficulties faced by these refugees, he decided to provide a helping hand to the refugees and hence pressured the British administration to allow the Polish refugees to disembark in Jamnagar.
When the British government did not pay attention to the demands of the Maharaja, he ordered that the ship should be allowed to dock at the Rozi port in his province Jamnagar. And from this incident began the story of the close relationship between the Polish people and the Jamnagar district.
The Polish people arrived in Jamnagar Gujarat in 1941. Their stay arrangements were made at Balachadi camp by the Maharaja. The refugees were provided with food and shelter, schools were run for their education, and steps were taken to keep their Polish culture and traditions alive. These refugees stayed in Balachadi camp, Jamnagar, till World War II lasted.
Jam Saheb used to personally visit the camps regularly, interacted with the refugees, and ensured that Polish refugees were taken care of well. When World War II ended and Great Britain recognized the Polish government, the refugees were asked to return to Poland. From Jamnagar, many refugees decided to settle in the UK, USA, Australia, and other nations. Only a few refugees went to Poland.
Maharaja ensured that these helpless women and children found a safe home in Balachadi, Gujarat. For his selfless work towards humanity, The Maharaja Was given the President’s medal, which is Poland’s highest honour. To commemorate his service to Poland refugees, Warsaw has a “Good Maharaja Square” named after the Maharaja. Poland has also named one of the schools after the Maharaja, to show respect for his passion for children’s education. Still, these Polish people come to Jamnagar to pay homage. And many functions are organized to commemorate this historical event on a regular basis.
Maharaja with Polish children during Christmas
Maharaja with Polish children during Christmas
Road named in honour of Maharaj at Warsaw
Source: Natisha Mathur, IAS 2020 (Gujarat)