Dwarkanath Kotnis

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Dr. Kotnis

Dwarkanath Kotnis (10 October 1910 – 9 December 1942) was an Indian physician and surgeon who left a lasting legacy in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Born in Solapur, Maharashtra, India, Kotnis was one of the five Indian physicians dispatched to China to provide medical assistance during the war in 1938. His dedication, skills, and sacrifice made him a hero in China and a symbol of Sino-Indian friendship and solidarity.

Early Life and Education

Dwarkanath Kotnis was born into a middle-class family in Solapur. He pursued his medical education at the Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital in Mumbai, where he was deeply moved by the plight of the Chinese people during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Motivated by a desire to provide medical aid, Kotnis volunteered to be part of a medical mission to China organized by the Indian National Congress in response to a request from the Chinese government.

Mission to China

In September 1938, Kotnis, along with four other Indian physicians, set sail for China. Upon arrival, they were stationed in Yan'an, the base of the Chinese Communist Party led by Mao Zedong. Kotnis worked tirelessly in mobile clinics and hospitals, treating wounded soldiers and civilians. His work during the Battle of Wanjialing, where he performed surgeries for up to 72 hours without rest, earned him great respect and admiration from the Chinese people and leadership.

Legacy in China

Kotnis's dedication to his work and his untimely death at the age of 32 from epilepsy made him a revered figure in China. He married a Chinese nurse, Guo Qinglan, and had a son, who was named Yinhua, meaning 'India-China'. The Chinese government honored him with several memorials, and his life and work have been celebrated in both countries through films, books, and memorials. The Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial Hall in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, stands as a testament to his contributions and the friendship between India and China.

Death and Commemoration

Kotnis died in 1942, but his legacy lives on. In India, his life and contributions are remembered as an example of international solidarity and humanitarian service. The Indian government has issued postage stamps in his honor, and several institutions, including medical colleges, have been named after him.

In Popular Culture

The story of Dwarkanath Kotnis has inspired several artistic and cultural renditions, including the 1946 Bollywood film Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, directed by V. Shantaram, and the Chinese film Ke Di Hua Dai Fu in 1982. His life continues to symbolize the deep historical ties and potential for cooperation between India and China.

See Also

• Second Sino-Japanese War
• India-China Relations
• Medical humanitarianism