The historical bond between Poland and India, forged during the difficult years of the Second World War, is now being reimagined through a new intercultural collaboration titled Poland Meets India. The project, led by Polish scriptwriter Monika Kowaleczko-Szumowska and Bharatanatyam dancer Apeksha Niranjan, uses literature, dance, and film to explore the sanctuary provided to Polish refugees by Indian princely states.
At the heart of the initiative is a deeply personal narrative. Apeksha Niranjan is the granddaughter of Wanda Nowicka, one of the Polish children rescued and sheltered by the Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar and the Maharaja of Kolhapur. While the story of the “Good Maharaja” is well-documented, this event seeks to expand the narrative through personal accounts of resilience and dignity.
The presentation includes an audiovisual segment where the duo reflects on how this history of hospitality resonates in contemporary Poland. According to the organisers, the project aims to create “cultural bridges by creating memories of extraordinary acts of kindness,” while encouraging audiences to reflect on how humanity responds to crises today. The project draws a direct parallel between the shelter provided by India in the 1940s and Poland’s recent response to the war in Ukraine, highlighting empathy and solidarity as “two of the most enduring human qualities.”
The artistic highlight is a solo Bharatanatyam performance by Apeksha. In a rare fusion of traditions, she reinterprets the Warsaw Mermaid legend and performs a choreographic homage to the Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Skłodowska-Curie. These pieces explore the surprising parallels between Polish mythology and Indian spiritual traditions.
As the project mission states, this celebration unites history, memory and art in a way that makes us see how far-reaching and powerful love can be. Following its initial showcase, the Poland Meets India tour is scheduled to travel to several other cities across the country.
On January 30, 6.30 pm onwards. At Marathi Sahitya Mandir, Sector 6, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
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