The Untold Story of an Indian Hero Who Helped Jewish Refugees During the Holocaust**

Vinay Gupta uncovers the courageous acts of Kundanlal, who tirelessly aided several Jewish families escape from Nazi-occupied Austria to safety in India, showcasing the strength of humanity and compassion during one of history's darkest times.**

When an Indian businessman defied the repercussions of Nazi oppression to aid Jewish families during the Holocaust, it sparked a compelling tale of courage and humanity. Vinay Gupta's family memoir, "A Rescue in Vienna," reveals the incredible journey of his grandfather, Kundanlal, who, prompted by his mother's revelation, embarked on a mission to rescue Jewish professionals from impending doom in Europe.

Kundanlal, a native of Ludhiana, Punjab, showed remarkable fortitude during dark times. Even as the world faced the devastation of World War II, he orchestrated logistic networks to provide jobs and housing for Jewish families seeking refuge. His businesses, designed to help displaced Jews gain life-saving visas, became a beacon of hope amidst despair.

With a personal background that highlighted his resilience and resourcefulness, Kundanlal was born to a humble family. By the age of 22, he had joined the colonial civil service but soon left that career path to dedicate himself to India's freedom struggle, symbolizing his strong patriotic spirit. His encounters with figures like India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru further spotlighted his remarkable life journey.

The catalyst for Kundanlal's mission began during a hospital stay in Vienna in 1938, where he met a Jewish couple, Lucy and Alfred Wachsler. They revealed the rising tide of anti-Semitism engulfing their homeland. Motivated by their plight, Kundanlal began reaching out to Jewish professionals under threat, offering them fictitious jobs in India.

Through a combination of ingenuity and sheer will, Kundanlal managed to secure visas for five families, including Fritz Weiss, Alfred Wachsler, and Hans Losch. Each family faced unique challenges upon their arrival in India, confronting cultural barriers and the harsh reality of limited resources, driven largely by the backdrop of an escalating world conflict.

Despite Kundanlal’s initial efforts to provide security and stability, the war quickly shifted the landscape. In 1940, policies forced all German nationals, regardless of their Jewish status, into internment camps. The Wachsler and Schafranek families experienced this firsthand, facing confinement in the Purandhar Internment Camp.

As the war ground on, individual fortunes shifted drastically. After years of separation and upheaval, many Jewish families ultimately sought new homes outside of India, settling in countries such as the United States and Australia, leaving behind their memories of Ludhiana.

The legacy left by Kundanlal is not only a testament to individual bravery but also to the enduring impact of kindness in dire circumstances. While his life was fraught with the weight of loss, his commitment to human dignity and empathy marked him as a true hero, whose principles continue to inspire generations today. Gupta's exploration into his grandfather's life serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in compassion during humanity's darkest moments.