The poignant story of Polish refugee children who found safety in India during World War II was brought to life through an extraordinary cultural tour across India titled “Poland meets India.” This interdisciplinary artistic project combined literature, dance, music, and history, creating a moving dialogue between two nations united by compassion and shared humanity.

At the heart of the project lies the remarkable story of nearly 1,000 Polish children who, displaced by war, were given refuge in Balachadi, Jamnagar. They were welcomed by Maharaja Digvijaysinghji of Jamnagar, whose generosity and care earned him the affectionate name “Bapu.” His humanitarian gesture remains a powerful symbol of the historic bond between Poland and India.

Inspired by this chapter of history, writer Monika Kowaleczko-Szumowska and dancer of Polish descent Apeksha Niranjan created a unique stage dialogue exploring the similarities and differences between Polish and Indian cultures, traditions, and values. Through storytelling and Bharatanatyam dance, the performance reflected on resilience, identity, displacement, and gratitude. Apeksha’s choreographies drew from Polish heritage, including the legend of the Warsaw Mermaid and the life of Maria Curie Sklodowska alongside a moving tribute to the Polish child refugees sheltered in India.

The tour began on 18 January in Bhopal at Khaayal Kalapremiyon Ka, Vidya Nagar, where the opening performance celebrated the enduring cultural ties between the two nations and reflected on the trauma of displacement and the healing power of kindness.

On 25 January in Balachadi, Jamnagar, the performance paid special tribute to Maharaja Digvijaysinhji in the very place where the Polish children had once found refuge. The setting added profound emotional depth, inviting audiences to walk in the footsteps of the young refugees who had arrived there decades earlier.

The project continued on 30 January in Navi Mumbai, where the performance emphasized both historical bonds and present-day cultural connections between India and Poland, highlighting how shared histories shape contemporary relationships.

The grand finale took place on 8 February at Cross Maidan during the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai, one of India’s most prestigious cultural events. The closing performance honored the legacy of Maharaja Digvijaysinhji and the thousands of Polish refugees who found solace in India. It was attended by descendants of the refugees and distinguished guests, adding a deeply personal dimension to the evening.

Beyond public performances, the project also visited educational institutions, including the Birla Institute of Technology, Jaipur, where the story of the “Maharaja’s Children” was shared with students, inspiring reflection on empathy, solidarity, and the enduring power of cross-cultural friendship.

“Poland meets India” stands as a remarkable artistic tribute to a shared history—celebrating compassion, cultural dialogue, and the enduring connection between two distant yet closely linked nations.