Modi Pays Tribute to Kolhapur Royal Family's WWII Compassion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the Kolhapur royal family at the Valivade-Kolhapur camp memorial for their humanitarian efforts during World War II. The Kolhapur royals provided shelter and dignity to displaced Polish women and children, a gesture that continues to symbolize the strong India-Poland friendship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised the royal family of Kolhapur, who prioritized "humanity above everything else" to guarantee a dignified life for Polish women and children as he paid homage at the Valivade-Kolhapur camp memorial.

Modi, on a two-day visit to the Polish capital, paid his respects at the memorial plaque for the Valivade-Kolhapur camp, inaugurated in November 2017, near the Monte Casino War Memorial.

"Paid homage at the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw. This Memorial is a tribute to the great Royal Family of Kolhapur. This Royal Family was at the forefront of giving shelter to Polish women and children displaced due to the horrors of World War II," Modi shared in a post on X.

"Inspired by the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Royal Family of Kolhapur put humanity above everything else and ensured a life of dignity for the Polish women and children. This act of compassion will keep inspiring generations," the Prime Minister added, posting several photos from the event. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also posted on X: ''PM @narendramodi paid tribute at the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw today. The monument honors the generosity of the state of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, which had given shelter to Polish women and children during World War-II.'' ''It continues to highlight the enduring friendship and togetherness between India and Poland,'' the post added.

Valivade village near Kolhapur town in Maharashtra was home to over 5,000 Poles who lived, integrated, and worked for several years before returning to their homeland. Most arrived by land or sea routes after evacuating Polish camps during the Second World War's height.

(With inputs from agencies.)