Dwarkanath Kotnis' niece Sumangala Borkar shows a memorial plate and a copy of a book by Dwarkanath Kotnis at her home in Mumbai, India, Aug. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)
NEW DELHI, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Some 87 years ago, a young Indian doctor, Dwarkanath Kotnis, left his family for China, a country struggling in resistance against Japanese aggression.
Amidst the chaos of war, Kotnis saved many lives of Chinese civilians and soldiers and helped train batches of medical personnel, until he succumbed to illness from overwork at the young age of 32.
For over 80 years, his spirit of internationalism has transcended time and space. People from both China and India never forget the belief in humanity's commitment to mutual support and the hope for a better future.
JOURNEY TO THE EAST
In a memorial at Kotnis' hometown in Maharashtra, a yellowed black-and-white photo is displayed, and in it stand five young people full of vigor and vitality. They were the five Indian physicians sent to China to provide medical assistance during World War II. Kotnis volunteered.
They gave themselves Chinese names upon arriving, each containing the Chinese character "Hua" meaning China, symbolizing their determination to fight alongside the Chinese people. Kotnis' Chinese name was Ke Dihua.
The team reached China's Chongqing first. When they were about to head to Yan'an, a letter caught up with devastating news. Kotnis' father passed away.
He could have returned, but the catastrophe left by the Japanese forces' bombings solidified his resolve to stay. "My family has indeed faced great misfortune, but here, countless innocent people are suffering and in need of my help."
SAVING LIVES
It was not long after the medical team finally arrived at Yan'an when Kotnis volunteered to follow the example of Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune who is also remembered for his selflessness and spirit of internationalism, and head to the front lines.
He was seen risking his life to save others and working for consecutive days and nights.
In 1941, Kotnis was appointed as director of the Dr. Bethune International Peace Hospital. He provided free medical care to the local people, authored medical textbooks, and taught students in Chinese.
He was deeply inspired after witnessing the Communist Party of China (CPC) leading the people in defending their homeland with selflessness and courage. In 1942, he joined the CPC.
Kotnis passed away on Dec. 9, 1942, in Tangxian, Hebei Province.
This bond of friendship and responsibility has never been forgotten by the Chinese people.
ALWAYS REMEMBERED
Kotnis' Memorial opened in 2012. At the center of its courtyard stands a statue of the doctor. Visitors are particularly interested in why he traveled a long way and to save people he had never met.
His family donated some of Kotnis's belongings to the museum, hoping to tell his story and pass on his humanitarian spirit to future generations.
"I am definitely proud of my uncle. He dedicated his life to humanity and friendship with China," said Sumangala Borkar, Kotnis' niece.
The museum frequently invites students from universities and high schools to visit, and commemorative activities are held on Dec. 9 every year, the anniversary of Kotnis' passing. Ravendra Mokashi, a founding member of the memorial, said, "This memorial is of significant international importance and an excellent center to promote India-China friendship."
A memorial dedicated to Norman Bethune and Dwarkanath Kotnis was also built in China's Hebei. "We want the younger generation to know their stories, their names, and their dedication and responsibility," said Cui Guo'en, the curator.
At a vocational school named after Kotnis, every new academic year begins with a flag-raising ceremony in front of Kotnis' statue, where students and faculty reflect on his story. "We aspire to become like Kotnis, to save lives with skills and virtue," said nursing student Xu Ziqi. ■
This photo taken on Aug. 2, 2025 shows medals of Dwarkanath Kotnis at the home of Kotnis' niece Sumangala Borkar in Mumbai, India. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)
This photo taken on Aug. 1, 2025 shows a file photo exhibited at Dwarkanath Kotnis' memorial in Maharashtra, India. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)
People visit Dwarkanath Kotnis' memorial in Maharashtra, India, Aug. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)
This photo taken on Aug. 1, 2025 shows a file photo exhibited at Dwarkanath Kotnis' memorial in Maharashtra, India. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)
This photo taken on Aug. 1, 2025 shows a sculpture of Dwarkanath Kotnis at his memorial in Maharashtra, India. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)
People visit Dwarkanath Kotnis' memorial in Maharashtra, India, Aug. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)
This photo taken on Aug. 1, 2025 shows Dwarkanath Kotnis' memorial in Maharashtra, India. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)
