India believes in the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means “The world is one family.” This idea helps bring together people of many different religions in the country.
You can see this spirit in Warsaw, Poland, where many schools and streets are named after Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji.
The Maharaja of Jamnagar in Gujarat is remembered in Poland for his kindness. During World War II, when many countries refused to give shelter to Polish children, he welcomed about 1,000 of them to India. His kindness and courage are still celebrated today.
Who was Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja?
Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja was the Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar from 1933 to 1948. He became ruler after his uncle, K.S. Ranjitsinhji, who was a very famous cricketer.
He studied at Rajkumar College in Rajkot, and later at Malvern College and University College London in the UK.
In 1919, he joined the British Army. By 1920, he was serving with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. He became a lieutenant in 1921 and a captain in 1929. In 1931, he retired from the army.
Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar
After his uncle K. S. Ranjitsinhji died, Digvijaysinhji became the Maharaja Jam Saheb in 1933. He continued his uncle’s work for development and public service. In 1935, he was given the honor of being knighted by the British.
Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji | YouTube
A Little Poland in India
Before World War II, many Polish people were forced by the Red Army into labor camps in faraway parts of the Soviet Union and Siberia. In 1941, when Germany attacked the USSR, the situation changed. By 1942, some Polish refugees were allowed to leave the Soviet Union.
Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji | YouTube
When they looked for shelter, many countries in Europe and Asia refused to take them. At last, they reached India, but even the British Governor in Bombay did not allow them to enter.
Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar heard about their suffering and decided to help. He put pressure on the British government to let the refugees come to India. When nothing happened, he gave an order himself for the ship to dock at Rosi port in his state.
This was the beginning of what came to be called Little Poland in India.
When the Polish refugees arrived in Gujarat in 1941, Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja arranged for them to stay in camps in Balachadi, a small village near Jamnagar. He made sure they had food, homes, schools, and could keep their Polish traditions alive.
The Maharaja once told the children: “You may not have your parents, but I am your father now.” The children lovingly called him “Bapu”, which means father.
The refugees lived in Jamnagar for nine years, until World War II ended. The Maharaja often visited them himself to check on their well-being. After the war, when Poland’s government was recognized again, the refugees were asked to return. Some went back to Poland, while others moved to the UK, the US, Australia, and other countries.
Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Legacy
The Maharaja gave safety and care to more than 640 women and children at a time when India itself was suffering from famine and drought, and was still under British rule. His kindness was recognized with Poland’s President’s medal, the country’s highest honor.
Poland showed its thanks in many ways, naming a square in Warsaw and a school after him. A documentary called “Little Poland in India” was also made to honor his efforts.
Even today, some World War II survivors remember the bond between Poland and Balachadi, a town just 25 km from Jamnagar.
This story reminds us how one person’s compassion can bring two nations closer, even in the hardest times.
