In a remarkable piece of family history, Vinay Gupta reveals the story of his grandfather, Kundanlal – an Indian businessman who played a crucial, but little-known, role in providing sanctuary to Jewish families fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe. Through meticulous research, combining family letters, survivor interviews, and historical records, Gupta pieces together an extraordinary tale of heroism and humanity during one of history’s darkest times.
Gupta’s journey into understanding his grandfather’s secret began with a simple yet profound revelation from his mother: Kundanlal had helped Jewish families escape the Nazis. This sparked a quest into the past, uncovering a legacy not bound by conventional narratives of the time.
Kundanlal, born in a small town in northern India, proved to be a man of many talents and ambitions. From a young age, he ventured into various business undertakings, from timber and salt to lab gear and clothing. His life’s trajectory, marked by encounters with pivotal figures of his time, including Jawaharlal Nehru and the actress Devika Rani, is nothing short of epic. However, it’s his clandestine efforts to save Jewish lives that stand out, painting a vivid picture of courage, resilience, and generosity in the face of unimaginable adversity.
In the shadow of Hitler’s annexation of Austria in 1938, Kundanlal, by then a machine tool manufacturer from Ludhiana, discreetly offered jobs in India to Jewish professionals, thus providing them with life-saving visas. His actions were a testament to the power of individual will and personal conviction in challenging the tyranny of the era. Among those saved were men like Fritz Weiss, Alfred Wachsler, Hans Losch, Alfred Schafranek, and Siegmund Retter, each bringing their unique skills and stories to India, where Kundanlal provided them not just employment but homes, fostering a community away from home.
Gupta highlights how Kundanlal’s strategy stood as a beacon of hope, yet he remained exceedingly cautious about his plans, only revealing them to his family upon his return. The sacrifices made, including offering homes and financial guarantees, came at a time when such acts of kindness were fraught with risk and uncertainty.
However, life in India for these rescued families wasn’t without its challenges. Struggling to cope with the drastic change of environment, some, like Losch and Weiss, eventually left for opportunities elsewhere. Yet, Kundertlal harbored no resentment, acknowledging the limitations of what he could offer these families.
In contrast, families like the Wachslers adapted and thrived in their new surroundings. Alfred Wachsler, along with his wife Lucy and their infant son, not only survived but went on to contribute significantly to their adopted community. Their story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the search for a sense of belonging in alien lands.
As the tides of war shifted towards the end of the 1940s, the lives of Kundertlal’s rescued families took new turns. The Wachslers and Schafraneks found themselves in internment camps, later finding release through employment. The paths they walked thereafter—from Bangalore to the US and Australia—highlight the enduring impact of Kundertlal’s actions and the ripple effects that would shape generations to come.
Kundertlal’s legacy extends beyond his acts of rescue. In the aftermath of the tragedies and losses, he and his wife Saraswati, who fought personal battles, founded schools and businesses that continue to flourish today. Kundertlal’s story stands as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for empathy, compassion, and silent defiance in the face of injustice. His life, now immortalized through Vinay Gupta’s narrative, serves as a poignant reminder of the countless unsung heroes whose courage shaped history.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crl0r5wrkexo
