Many people my age were not alive during World War II. Still the war was very much a part of our childhood; many of our family members had served. The war was featured in our books, movies, television shows, and even in the games (or scenarios) we made up as children. We knew of the war time events, heroism, and horrors so well that it somehow became embedded in our memory of childhood.
During these sorrowful times, I concentrate on what I believe to be good and compassionate. Recently, I stumbled upon a story that occurred during World War II that was new to me.
When Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939, it had a collaborator: the Soviet Union. The Soviets took many of the Polish Jews to Siberia; most of the children ended up orphanages where often they were only fed one slice of bread per day.
These children had an unlikely hero who saved them: Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, the Maharaja of Jamnagar in Gujarat, India.
The Maharaja "adopted" hundreds of the Polish children and provided them with safe housing, food, and even provided for their education. He told them they were his children now and treated them with dignity and kindness.
Soon other countries like Mexico and New Zealand offered sanctuary to Polish refugees.
Here are some online stories you can read: here and here and here. There are also many touching videos on the internet.
"Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" is an Hindu phrase. I've read this considered one of the most important philosophical and moral values. It translates as "the world is one family."
Certainly the Maharaja illustrated this value with his kindness. He was never listed as hero of World War II when I was growing up--but he certainly needs to be included with the other heroes of that war.
Have a safe and happy day.
.JPG)
