There is a little-known episode from the history of Polish-Indian relations. In 1942, Digvijaysinghji Ranjitsinghji Jadeja established the Polish Children's Camp in Jamnagar-Balachadi, in the Indian state of Gujarat for refugee Polish children who were brought out of the USSR during World War II. The camp existed until 1945. Then the children were transferred to Valivade, a quarter of the city of Kolhapur, Indian state of Maharashtra. This year, August 21-22, the Prime Minister of India - Narendra Modi - visited Poland to lay a wreath and pay tribute at the Memorial of ‘Good Maharaja's Square’ and ‘Kolhapur Memorial’ in Warsaw. This is the first visit of Indian Prime Minister to independent Poland and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and India. Dr Sachin Kote, an employee of the International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science UG, witnessed this historical event.
Karolina Żuk-Wieczorkiewicz: - It’s the first visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Poland during the last 45 years. How important is it for you as a person connected to both countries?
Dr Sachin Kote: - Yes, it is the first visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Poland in the last 45 years, therefore, I would call it a historic one for both countries (Poland and India) and 2 continents (Europe and Asia). I am fortunate to be a witness and attend such a historic event.
This visit is crucial for me as I have bonds with both countries; the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw clearly shows that India and Poland have an old friendship. The city Kolhapur (near to my hometown in India) in Maharashtra state offered shelter to the Polish people during the Second World War in the camp established at Valivade. This settlement housed approximately 5,000 Polish refugees, including women and children. Therefore, Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw highlights a special historical connection that exists between India and Poland and one that continues to be nurtured and nourished. This information must spread to new generations, so it helps to build a great relationship between both nations.
- Can you tell us a few words about the ceremony?
- The main objective of the ceremony was to elevate Polish-Indian relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership. The ceremony boosted the Polish-Indian friendship and shared democratic values.
- During the ceremony, were there moments that caught your attention? Something particularly worth remembering?
- Yes, absolutely! Several moments were unforgettable for me. The first was when the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held my daughter’s (Tara Sachin Kote) hand and gave a blessing to her (you can see it on a video). The second thing was the excitement and energy of the Indian community which was unbelievable when the Prime Minister was delivering the talk to the entire Indian diaspora. The third moment which was a treat for me was to see the two legends from India: Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who is an Indian diplomat and politician serving as the Minister of External Affairs, and Ajit Kumar Doval KC PPMPM - a civil servant, former spymaster and the current National Security Advisor of India.
- What did the Prime Minister’s visit mean to you? Did you plan to take part in it or was it rather unexpected?
- This Prime Minister’s visit meant a lot to me because I never got an opportunity to meet our Prime Minister in India and while living in Poland, I got such an opportunity. It was like dreams come true!
It was totally unexpected to receive the call from our respected Madame Ambassador Nagma Mallick, Embassy of India in Warsaw. I received an invitation to represent the Maharashtrian community and attend the community event during the Indian Prime Minister visit. This was an honour for me and my family.
For more details, please see the links below:
Information at the website of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
