Indo-Polish relations have improved, says ambassador

Indo-Polish relations in the fields of politics, commerce, education and tourism have been increasing day by day since Mr Narendra Modi took over as India's Prime Minister. With 40 Indian athletes in 400m and 4x400m relay, javelin throw and race walkers to be trained at the Spala Olympics training Centre from May 9, prior to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August, relations in sports too have been opened.

Several high level visits from both countries have taken place recently. Polish Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Glinski came here for the 'Make in India' conclave in February this year. Deputy minister for Agriculture Ewa Lech was here to participate in the Aahaar conference in March. Deputy minister for economic development Radoslaw Domgalski Labedzkialso visited Calcutta for the Mining conference in February. From the Indian side, Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal visited Poland.

"Bilateral trade has also increased remarkably during the period. During the last 10 years, Poland invested over $250 million, mostly in manufacturing sector in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. This figure is expected to double in five years. From the Indian side, investment is mainly in Information Technology sector. Kerala's ayurvedic treatments are also popular in my country. Recently, a Kerala company, UST Global, set up an office in Gdansk," said Tomasz Lukaszuk, ambassador of the Republic of Poland.

Poland is also an itinerary for Indian students. At present, about 1,000 of them are studying in various Polish universities. The number will soon go up significantly. Polish universities have also collaboration with 20 Indian universities including Vadodra and Delhi.

On tourism, the ambassador said, tourism contributes significantly to the country's overall economy. After Poland joined the European Union, tourists inflow has increased manifold. The country is the 17th most visited, according to World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) figures in 2012.

While 17 million people from all over the world visited Poland, which he described as a tourists' paradise, he regretted that only only 30,000 Indians visited Poland last year while 25,000 visited India. The figure of world tourists visiting Poland might reach 20 million and the number of Indians visiting Poland might reach 40,000 this year with the 31st World Youth Days to be held in Krackow, the former capital, from July 26-31, representing 175 countries. The year will also mark the 1050th anniversary of Christianity in the country. Pope Francis will attend both the celebrations.

Mr Lukaszuk said that the Polish government has granted free visa for Indians to participate in the events. He described the mega event as an ecumenical meet where young people from all over the world and all religions will get an opportunity to know and learn from each other.

This is the second time the World Youth Days will be held in Poland. Krackow was chosen as this year's venue as it is associated with two promoters of the Divine Mercy – Saints Maria Faustyna Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament, popularly known as Sr Faustina, and John Paul II. In 1991, it was held in Czestochowa, in which 1.5 million people participated.

Sister Faustina, who died in 1938 aged 33, was a Christian mystic. She claimed to have received apparitions of Jesus Christ that inspired the Catholic devotion to the Divine Mercy. She spent her final years in Krackow. Her canonization process was launched in 1965 by the then Archbishop Karol Wojtyla of Kraków, who later became Pope John Paul II. He beatified her in 1993 and canonized her seven years later.

Krakow is also known for its well-preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter. Old Town – ringed by Planty Park and remnants of the city’s medieval walls – is centred on the stately, expansive Rynek Glówny (market square). Site of Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era trading outpost and St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church, the 14th-century Wawel Castle that rises above the medieval Old Town are its other attractions. Nearby is the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine, with tunnels to explore.

Capital Warsaw, with 2 million people, is located on Poland's longest river, the Vistula. Founded in the late 13th century, it is also the country's cultural hub. It has a thriving nightlife and music scene, both classical and underground. After near-total destruction in WWII, its old town was restored to pre-War appearance. The market square features a bronze sculpture of the Warsaw mermaid, the capital's symbol.

It was in the 1000 years old Gdansk's Leningrad shipyard in the Baltic coast, Lech Walesa started protests in 1980, which led to destruction of communism in the country and neighbouring countries. Nearby is Neptune Fountain, a 17th-century symbol of the city. It was occupied for long by the 14th century Teutonic Knights. In the 15th century, Casimir IV allowed the structures built by the Teutonic Knights to be demolished. Gdansk’s Old Town area includes many 17th century structures, including granaries, mills and churches.

Wroclaw, designated as a European Capital of Culture in 2016, is one of the oldest in Poland. During World War II, it was a fortress which was heavily damaged. Every year during the second weekend of June, Wroclaw holds the Festival of Good Beer — one of Europe's largest international beer festivals. Other cities of tourists interest include Poznan, Szczecin, Lublin and Torun.

Poland also offers outdoor activities such as skiing, sailing and mountain hiking. It also offers agrotourism, sightseeing walks and countryside excursions. "So, I invite all Indians to visit my country and enjoy the hospitality of Polish," the envoy concluded.

Jose Kalathil
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