In a heart-wrenching chapter of history, the bravery of Kundanlal, an Indian businessman, emerges as an inspiring narrative of compassion amid the horror of the Holocaust. Vinay Gupta, his grandson, unravels this astonishing tale in his memoir, "A Rescue In Vienna." The story begins with an unexpected revelation from Gupta's mother about his grandfather's secret role in helping Jewish families escape the Nazis.
Kundanlal's journey traces back to Ludhiana, Punjab, where he rose from poverty to become a successful entrepreneur. His businesses included a timber operation, a clothing line, and even a matchstick factory. With a passion for aiding those in distress, he turned his attention to the plight of Jewish families in Europe just as World War II loomed.
As Hitler's regime intensified its oppressive measures against Jews, Kundanlal took immediate action. While undergoing treatment in a Vienna hospital, he became aware of the escalating antisemitism from fellow patients, including Lucy and Alfred Wachsler, a Jewish couple. This encounter motivated Kundanlal to devise a plan to offer job opportunities in India to Jewish professionals, which secured life-saving visas.
Gupta details Kundanlal's discreet yet impactful advertisements seeking skilled workers in Austria, resulting in five families relocating to India. This included notable individuals such as Fritz Weiss, a lawyer hiding from the Nazis; Alfred Wachsler, a master woodworker; and others, each finding refuge under Kundanlal's initiative.
Despite the challenges of adapting to life in a land far from their homes, some families thrived. The Wachsler family established a successful furniture workshop, while the Schafranek family launched one of the region's pioneering plywood production facilities. However, with the outbreak of war, the complications multiplied, leading to internment camps for German nationals, including Jewish refugees.
The harrowing circumstances did not dampen Kundanlal’s determination. He endeavored to create a semblance of community for the families he saved, even adapting his businesses to ensure their integration. Yet as the war escalated, personal tragedies unfolded. Kundanlal's health suffered, affecting his family dynamics after they moved back to India.
Ultimately, this poignant story underscores Kundanlal's courageous spirit. Gupta’s account not only brings to light an exceptional act of kindness during one of human history's darkest times but also illustrates how one individual's actions can profoundly impact lives across cultures and borders. Kundanlal's legacy is a testament to the power of empathy and moral conviction in the face of overwhelming adversity.
