Narendra Modi's Visit Highlights Historic India-Poland Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Poland has cast a spotlight on the historic ties between Gujarat and Poland dating back to World War II. Narendra Modi paid tribute to Jam Sahib Digvijaysinhji Jadeja, who sheltered over 600 Polish refugee children in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This act continues to be revered in Poland.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Poland has cast a spotlight on the enduring historic ties between Gujarat and the eastern European nation, dating back to World War II. Modi paid tribute at the 'Good Maharaja Square' in Warsaw to a monument honoring Jam Sahib Digvijaysinhji Jadeja, the then ruler of Jamnagar, who sheltered hundreds of Polish children during the war.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted the state's special role in furthering India-Poland relations, while Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel praised the Maharaja's humanitarian act. Digvijaysinhji Jadeja provided over 600 Polish refugee children with shelter, education, and necessities in Jamnagar-Balachadi, and later in Maharashtra's Valivade.

These acts of kindness have been commemorated by Poland through various honors, including naming a school after the Maharaja and a unanimous special resolution by Poland's Parliament. Historians note that a Soviet amnesty in 1941 allowed these Polish children, exiled to Siberia during the war, to seek refuge in India with the help of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Polish leader General Sikorski.

(With inputs from agencies.)