Indians arriving in Poland after much struggle from war-torn Ukraine are welcomed by Gruhang Patel, a young man from Ode village of Anand district from the state of Gujarat. He has an open invitation to all Indians coming from Ukraine, to approach him for stay and food. He recorded a video message and circulated it on social media along with his phone number so that it could reach the needy.
Gruhang Patel (28), settled in Poland capital Warsaw since 2016 and has a food delivery business. He was in his village until about a month back for his marriage and returned to Poland on 26th January, 2022. He has accommodated 30 to 40 Gruhang persons with the help of fellow Indians in homes and hostels at different places. He said that the arrangements were also being made in two warehouses to create shelter for 200 to 250 persons.
He also said that there were several others who were staying in the Hindu Bhavan and Gurudwara in Warsaw. “Many are staying in arrangements made by the Indian embassy near the border. Others are coming to Warsaw by public transport. The problems at the border have been ironed out and more people are now coming to Poland,” he added.
He stated that the persons who came on their own to Warsaw and did not stay in the camps supported by the Indian government at the border will have to make their own arrangements for travel to India or elsewhere. He had contacted the Indian government and the embas!sy in Poland for helping people with travel.
Gruhang Patel along with the help of fellow Indians, gave what he had to the needful ones whole heartedly and showed hospitality, love and care at such times.
“If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”— Bible