The Second Homeland: Polish Refugees in India
16 JUNE 2016 (1846)
Recently I finished a pretty interesting read regarding a not very well known group of people and their experiences during, and shortly after, World War II. As the title reveals, there were a small (yet significant) group of Polish refugees who found their way to India. This book is an effort to highlight Indian compassion and cooperation with a group of people without a nation, similar to the Indian experience as a colony of Great Britain. The author often attempts to reinforce this idea, though mostly in subtle ways.
As many people likely know, Poland was initially split between Germany and the Soviet Union early in the war. This story focuses upon the experience of mostly orphans who originally lived in the eastern part of Poland and came under Soviet occupation. The book details with explanation and facts, as well as a plethora of primary sources, the experience from occupation, to India, and after. In nearly all cases, the orphans became such, as the result of parents, usually fathers, being deemed to be a threat to communist ideals, and the families (mother and children) being sent deep into the Soviet Union. There, the families came to know deprivation, starvation, and death. Parents and siblings were whittled away from the lives of these young Poles.
Ultimately, an agreement was made between the British government (and allies) to arrange for Polish units to be formed and serve in the British military’s hierarchy. Some families of these soldiers and many orphans were allowed to leave. The author does quite well in detailing the complexities of these arrangements and the preparations necessary for it to be a success. Too, Bhattacharjee includes a vast collection of primary source documents written or transcribed from members of one particular camp which was eventually established in India. These were, to me, the most fascinating part of the read, not considering the story itself, as the daily experiences of the camp members were well shared in each, their entirety. I especially appreciated the day-to-day details of the camp and its people, as well as reflections.
As many people likely know, Poland was initially split between Germany and the Soviet Union early in the war. This story focuses upon the experience of mostly orphans who originally lived in the eastern part of Poland and came under Soviet occupation. The book details with explanation and facts, as well as a plethora of primary sources, the experience from occupation, to India, and after. In nearly all cases, the orphans became such, as the result of parents, usually fathers, being deemed to be a threat to communist ideals, and the families (mother and children) being sent deep into the Soviet Union. There, the families came to know deprivation, starvation, and death. Parents and siblings were whittled away from the lives of these young Poles.
Ultimately, an agreement was made between the British government (and allies) to arrange for Polish units to be formed and serve in the British military’s hierarchy. Some families of these soldiers and many orphans were allowed to leave. The author does quite well in detailing the complexities of these arrangements and the preparations necessary for it to be a success. Too, Bhattacharjee includes a vast collection of primary source documents written or transcribed from members of one particular camp which was eventually established in India. These were, to me, the most fascinating part of the read, not considering the story itself, as the daily experiences of the camp members were well shared in each, their entirety. I especially appreciated the day-to-day details of the camp and its people, as well as reflections.
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| Anuradha Bhattacharjee |
My only criticism, originating in selfish demands, was the quality of some of the writing of the Indian author. It serves the reader well to remind yourself of English being her second language, and likely learned according to British influences. There a number of grammatical errors discovered while reading and numerous confusing explanations with interesting vocabulary. So, all things considered, Bhattacherjee is commended for her writing and explanation - something I could never do in another language.
If you’re looking for a very interesting read regarding a trying time of human experience filled with unique human effects and perspective, please consider giving this book a read.
If you’re looking for a very interesting read regarding a trying time of human experience filled with unique human effects and perspective, please consider giving this book a read.
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