10 things about Valivade-Kolhapur, a Maharashtra village Poland commemorates in Warsaw

In Maharashtra’s Deccan plateau, the village of Valivade-Kolhapur is a special place that shows the deep bond between Poland and India.

During World War II, India welcomed around 6,000 Polish refugees, including women, children, and the elderly, who had escaped from Soviet control. This act of kindness was highlighted by the creation of the Valivade settlement, which provided a safe and supportive environment for the refugees.

Today, Valivade-Kolhapur is remembered in Warsaw with various tributes and memorials, celebrating the lasting friendship between the two nations formed during a challenging time in history.

Here are 10 key facts about this Maharashtra village and its connection with Poland:

1. Humanitarian Refuge during WWII
Valivade, a village in Maharashtra, India, became a beacon of hope for Polish refugees during World War II. Between 1942 and 1948, India welcomed approximately 6,000 Polish individuals who had fled Soviet repression. These refugees included women, children, and the elderly who had endured tremendous hardship. The Indian government and various local authorities offered refuge, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to humanitarian aid.

2. Origins of the Settlement
The decision to establish a Polish refugee settlement in Valivade was driven by the Indian government’s collaboration with British authorities. By 1943, Valivade was chosen for its favorable climate, located about 500 km south of Mumbai. This site was intended to provide a better living environment compared to the harsher conditions in other regions.

3. A Thriving Polish Town
Valivade was developed into a fully functional Polish settlement, designed to accommodate around 5,000 people. The settlement was equipped with various amenities including a church, community center, multiple schools, a college, a post office, a theater, and even a cinema. The infrastructure aimed to replicate a typical Polish town, fostering a sense of community and normalcy for the refugees.

4. Settlement Design
The settlement was divided into five districts, each with residential bungalows for families. These bungalows were equipped with basic amenities, surrounded by green spaces, and featured verandas adorned with morning glories. The design reflected both the needs of the Polish refugees and the local environmental conditions.

5. Community and Culture
Life in Valivade was rich with cultural and community activities. The settlement supported various aspects of Polish cultural life including scouting, sports, religious celebrations, and theatrical performances. Polish children participated in scouting and physical activities, while religious and national holidays were observed with great enthusiasm.

6. Historical Significance and Memorials
Following the departure of Polish refugees between 1946 and 1948, Valivade’s significance was preserved through memorials. A cemetery in Kolhapur, restored in 2014, honors the Polish individuals who died while in India. Additionally, an obelisk in Mahavir Garden Park, dedicated by the Association of Poles in India, stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between Poles and Indians.

7. Continued Polish Recognition
Poland has consistently commemorated the aid provided by India during the war. Maharaja Digvijaysinhji of Nawanagar, who offered refuge to Polish orphans, is honored with a square and a school in Warsaw. In 2011, he was posthumously awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit by President Bronisław Komorowski, acknowledging his significant contribution.

8. Reunions and Reflections
The Polish refugees who once lived in Valivade have maintained strong ties with India. Reunions began in 1954 and evolved into formal gatherings, including pilgrimages and congresses. The “Association of Poles in India 1942-1948,” established in 1990, has been instrumental in preserving the history and fostering connections between former refugees and their Indian hosts.

9. Visits to the Former Settlements
Former Polish residents of Valivade and Balachadi have made several return visits to India. These visits serve as a poignant reminder of their past and a way to express gratitude. Notable visits include the unveiling of monuments in Jamnagar and Kolhapur, commemorating the hospitality and friendship extended by India.

10. Lasting Legacy
The bond between Poland and India, forged through the shared history of World War II, remains strong. The efforts of former Polish refugees to maintain and celebrate their connection to India reflect the enduring nature of this relationship. Through memorials, reunions, and ongoing storytelling, the legacy of Valivade and Kolhapur continues to be honored, highlighting the profound impact of international solidarity during times of crisis.