When an Indian Hero Saved Austrian Jews from the Nazis

Uncovering a Hidden Hero

A single sentence from his mother set Vinay Gupta on a journey that would uncover the remarkable story of his grandfather, Kundanlal. This wasn't just a tale of family history; it was a story of heroism and sacrifice during one of the darkest periods in human history.

Kundanlal, an Indian businessman, played a pivotal role in rescuing Jewish families from the Nazis. His actions were not driven by mere compassion but by a combination of logistics, risk, and unwavering resolve. Despite the challenges he faced, including the British government's designation of Jews as "enemy aliens" during World War II, Kundanlal remained steadfast in his efforts to save lives.

Born in Ludhiana, Kundanlal's early life was marked by hardship. He married at 13 and worked various jobs, from selling timber and salt to running a clothing business and a matchstick factory. His educational achievements led him to join the colonial civil service, but he eventually left to participate in India's freedom movement and focus on building factories.

Throughout his life, Kundanlal crossed paths with notable figures, including Jawaharlal Nehru and actress Devika Rani. His journey took him to Europe, where he encountered the growing threat of Nazi persecution.

In "A Rescue In Vienna," a family memoir, Gupta details his grandfather's extraordinary efforts to rescue Jewish families. The story is based on family letters, survivor interviews, and historical records. Kundanlal's actions were meticulous and strategic, offering jobs, housing, and visas to those in need.

The Rescue Efforts

Kundanlal's rescue mission began in Vienna, where he met Fritz Weiss, a Jewish lawyer hiding in a hospital. After the Nazis forced Weiss to clean streets outside his home, Kundanlal offered him a job at the fictitious "Kundan Agencies," which provided a visa to India. Similarly, Alfred Wachsler, a master woodworker, received a promise of a future in furniture and a sponsor for emigration.

Hans Losch, a textile technician, responded to Kundanlal's newspaper ad seeking skilled workers. He was offered a managerial role at the imaginary "Kundan Cloth Mills" in Ludhiana, along with housing and safe passage. Alfred Schafranek, once the owner of a 50-employee plywood factory, was offered a role in building India's most modern plywood unit. His entire family, including his mechanic brother Siegfried, was rescued.

Siegmund Retter, a machine tools businessman, was among the first Kundanlal approached. As his business collapsed under Nazi rule, Kundanlal arranged his move to India to start anew.

The journey began with a hospital bed in Vienna, where Kundanlal, suffering from diabetes and hemorrhoids, sought treatment. During his recovery, he met Lucy and Alfred Wachsler, who shared stories of rising antisemitic violence. Encouraged by their experiences, Kundanlal placed newspaper ads seeking skilled workers willing to relocate to India.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite the initial success, not all stories ended well. Hans Losch, the first of Kundanlal's recruits to arrive in Ludhiana, found little comfort in the quiet town and soon moved to Bombay. Fritz Weiss also left after just two months, relocating to England.

However, some families found stability. Alfred and Lucy Wachsler, with their infant son, arrived in Ludhiana and moved into a spacious home built for them. Alfred quickly set up a furniture workshop, crafting elegant dining sets that still exist today.

Alfred Schafranek and his family arrived in March 1939, launching one of India's earliest plywood factories. Despite the challenges of the Punjab heat and isolation, they worked hard to build something lasting.

As the war escalated, new policies ordered all German nationals into internment camps. The Wachsler and Schafranek families were forcibly relocated to the Purandhar Internment Camp near Poona. Eventually, they found work and moved to different cities, never to meet again.

Legacy and Impact

In 1948, Alfred Wachsler's cousin sponsored US refugee visas for the family, leading them to leave India. The Schafraneks relocated to Australia after a successful venture in Bangalore.

Gupta's research revealed the lasting impact of Kundanlal's actions. He met Alex Wachsler, whose father had built the Burmese teak desk Kundanlal used in his office. Despite living in the US since childhood, Alex still cherishes his life in India.

Back in Ludhiana, Kundanlal opened a school for his daughters, which expanded into one of Punjab's oldest schools. His wife, Saraswati, struggled with depression and emotional distance from the family. She passed away in 1965, followed by Kundanlal in 1966.

Kundanlal's legacy is one of quiet defiance, compassion, and conviction. He refused to be a passive bystander, always taking action when needed. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in times of crisis.