A movie in the making, featuring the Polish refugee camps in India during the WWII.

AT HOME

A Tale of Two Cultures: Poland and India - A Journey of Humanity

Culture is a complex system of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that shape how societies cope with their world and with one another. Cultural influences are deeply rooted identities that guide social norms and expectations.

At first glance, Polish and Indian cultures appear as distant as two cultures can be—separated by geography, language, and traditions. Yet, there exists a remarkable bond between them, forged not by proximity but by the spirit of humanity.

Over the past 80 years, thousands of Polish people—both in Poland and around the world—have come to see India as their beloved home away from home. This profound connection traces back to the poignant story of World War II, when the Maharaja of Nawanagar, Jam Saheb Digvijay Singh Jadeja, opened his heart and homeland to Polish refugees, offering sanctuary and kindness in their darkest hours. Over 5,000 Polish women and children found refuge- a home in Jamnagar, Gujarat and Kolhapur, Mahanarashtra in India where they stayed for years until it was safe to return after the war.

This historical act of courage and compassion gave birth to a lifelong bond between two nations, a relationship that transcends borders and differences. Today, many still remember this story as a "miracle of humanity," where culture itself becomes a bridge rather than a barrier.

We dream of bringing this beautiful connection to life on the silver screen—celebrating how cultural differences can be colored with the brightest hues of humanity, creating bonds that resonate through generations. We want to capture the magic potion that melts away differences, making hearts beat as one.

Join us on this cinematic journey to rediscover the power of compassion and the timeless ties between Poland and India.

The King of Nawanagar (Now Jamanagar) Jam Saheb Digvijay Sinhji Jadeja with Polish refugees during a celebration at the Balachadi refugee camp.

Polish refugee children at the Valivade camp during a celebration.

We believe that this story holds the key to awakening humanity—on individual, social, and international levels. It is a powerful narrative of Cultural Wellness at its best, demonstrated not through words but through lives lived and families thriving today.

Thousands of Polish families around the world exist today only because of the remarkable generosity of Jam Saheb Digvijay Singh Jadeja, the royals and community leaders in Kolhapur, and the people of India who stood by them during the most challenging times of World War II.

In the darkest hours, when hope seemed lost, a miracle of humanity emerged—rooted in compassion, courage, and unwavering kindness. The story of how a distant land became a safe haven for Polish refugees is a testament to the power of empathy, the breaking of cultural barriers, and the creation of lifelong bonds.

This story is not just about the past; it’s a living legacy. The families who were welcomed then are a living testament today—living certificates of a remarkable cultural synthesis that transcends time. They continue to carry forward the spirit of unity, gratitude, and mutual respect.

Through this film, we aspire to bring this story to the world—not just as a historical recount but as a blueprint for cultural wellness, a guide to awakening humanity, and a celebration of the eternal bonds that connect hearts across continents.

Join us on this journey to rediscover a story that reminds us how humanity, when nurtured, can rise above adversity and transform lives.

The project is currently in research and pre-prod phase. Our teams in Poland, India and the United States are working relentlessly to ensure clarity and fairness. We envision this film to be more than a documentary, so we can engage with mainstream audiences, youths and young people around the world who may benefit the most from this tale of humanity.

Dhanashree Ramachandran, the creator of the At Home movie about Polish refugee camps in India during the WWII.

Meet the creator

Dhanashree Ramachandran

Dhanashree Ramachandran is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and film producer from Boston, MA. Her journey into this remarkable story began during a business visit to Poland in early 2023. At the Indian Embassy in Warsaw, while celebrating India’s Republic Day, Dhanashree first heard the tale of the miracle of humanity.

The Indian Ambassador to Poland, Mrs. Nagma Mallick, shared the moving story of how Jam Saheb Digvijay Singh Jadeja of Nawanagar offered refuge to Polish children during World War II. In the audience were prominent members of Polish society, along with some of those very children—now grown—who had found safety in India during the war. They returned to Poland after the war, carrying the spirit of humanity they experienced, and played a pivotal role in rebuilding the nation we see today.

The warmth and love in that room deeply moved Dhanashree, expanding her understanding of humanity and cultural wellness. It was a moment that sparked a new passion—one to bring this incredible story to the silver screen.

Dhanashree continued her research, gathering stories and insights from the wonderful people of Jamnagar and Kolhapur. She extends her gratitude to them for their exceptional hospitality and to the Embassy of India in Poland for their unwavering support in this endeavor. Special thanks to the Government of India for the support and encouragement.

This film is not just a historical recount—it’s a celebration of the enduring spirit of humanity. With a passionate crew and growing support, we are set to bring this living legacy of humanity to life. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we embark on the next phase of this project.

Join us if you want to experience what it truly means to live with a legacy that transcends cultures and connects hearts.

Get Involved with the Production

As we collaborate with our local producers in Poland, India, and the United States, we are actively building a local crew to support key research and production efforts.
This is your chance to be part of a multi-lingual, multi-national, and multi-cultural phenomenon that honors a powerful story of resilience and humanity.

Join the Community

Were you or someone you know part of the Polish refugee community that lived in camps across India during World War II?
We’d love to connect with you. You are part of a living legacy — and we invite you to join a community that celebrates this extraordinary chapter in global history.

Write to us at AtHome@masswell.org
Call us at +1 (202) 607-6076

Let’s bring this story to life — together.

Next steps..

Gallery

  • Warsaw, Poland

    Wiesław Stypuła, a respected Polish community leader, was one of the many children who found refuge in the Balachadi camp in Jamnagar during World War II. He proudly considered himself a child of Jam Saheb, carrying that identity with deep gratitude and honor throughout his life. His story doesn’t just move you — it turns you into a believer. A believer in humanity, in compassion without borders, and in the power of one man’s courage to shape thousands of lives.

  • Warsaw, Poland

    Ambassador Nagma Mallick and her dedicated team at the Indian Embassy in Warsaw continue to uphold and carry forward the remarkable legacy of humanity that unites India and Poland. Their work strengthens a bond rooted in love, respect, and enduring friendship — a bond born from history and nurtured with purpose.

  • Manhattan, New York, United States

    The United Nations played a pivotal role in orchestrating the voyage of Polish refugees to India during World War II — a historic act of coordination and compassion that laid the foundation for a remarkable chapter in global humanitarianism. Today, we remain closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our initiatives — including this project, which honors that legacy and continues the mission of dignity, inclusion, and global solidarity.

  • Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

    Ajay Sinhji Jadeja, the Prince of Jamnagar and heir to the legacy of Jam Saheb, is a passionate historian and researcher at heart. His deep knowledge and thoughtful guidance have been invaluable in helping us honor the past with authenticity and integrity throughout this project.

  • Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

    Jamnagar carries its rich and magnanimous history at the very core of its identity — a city where heritage lives on with pride. One of its most iconic landmarks, the Lakhota Palace, once a royal residence of Jam Saheb, now welcomes the public as a museum. It stands as a powerful testament to the legacy, artistry, and generosity that define Jamnagar’s enduring spirit.

  • Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

    In Kolhapur, Maharashtra, a remarkable alliance between royals and local communities led to the hosting of over 5,000 Polish refugees during World War II. It was an extraordinary act of compassion and solidarity. That spirit of hospitality has not faded with time — it continues to live on, passed down through generations with the same warmth, pride, and unwavering zeal.

  • Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

    Valivade near Kolhapur, Maharashtra was home to over 5,000 Polish refugee kids and women for over four years until the war ended and it was safe to return. The memorial at Valivade is a vibe you won’t miss.

  • Los Angeles, California, USA

    Our teammates, mentors, and co-producers in Los Angeles are making waves in Hollywood with films that deliver powerful, life-affirming impact on humanity. Our project spans three continents, and so does our team — with key operations based in L.A., where creativity, purpose, and global vision come together to bring our mission to life.

  • Los Angeles, California, USA

    We’re swinging for the home run — bringing At Home to theaters across the EU, India, and the US, so audiences everywhere can experience this powerful story where it truly belongs: on the big screen, close to home.