Rich tribute paid on 80th death anniversary of Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis
The Consulate General of China in Mumbai, in association with The Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial Committee paid rich homage to Dr. Dwarkanath Shantaram Kotnis on the occasion of his 80th death anniversary. The event was held on 10th, December, 2022 at Mumbai’s Trident Hotel, Nariman Points RoofTop. Numerous who’s who attended the prestigious event that included Consul Generals of various countries, Bureaucrats, leading media professional, leading business heads and Mr. Yang Xiuhua, Counsellor for Education affairs in the Chinese Embassy in Delhi.
His excellency, Kong Xianhua Consul General of China in Mumbai in his keynote speech highlighted various points which showcased Indo China relationship in a great spirit. He began his speech by welcoming numerous dignitaries including Rajendra Jadhav, Ms. Sumangala Borkar and Sanjay Javir. H.E. Kong said Dr Kotnis has made tremendous contributions during the humanitarian crisis in China after Japan invaded China.
Dr Dwarkanath Shantaram Kotnis was born in a small village near Solapur, Maharashtra. He completed his medical education in Mumbai from Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, (GS Medical college) which is also known as King Edward (VII) Memorial Hospital (KEM Hospital). He volunteered immediately to go to China to help the army when he heard of the need. He wanted to help and learn before he settled down to practice — his only reason to volunteer.
On the occasion CG Kong Xianhua thanked Dr. Kotnis Memorial Committee for contributions to China-India friendship. He also expressed his gratitude towards Dr. Kotnis’ family and Solapur Municipal Corporation for providing strong support for cooperation between China and India.
His Excellency CG, Kong Xianhua fondly spoke about the silver cup displayed in the Dr. Kotnis Memorial Hall in Shijiazhuang which was given to Dr. Kotnis by his mother before he left for China. He told the gathering that there was a sentence in Marathi on it which read “Never Forget Mama”. The cup accompanied him wherever he went until he passed away.
His Excellency CG added, “Chairman Mao wrote an elegy in memory of Dr.Kotnis, which was displayed in the Dr. Kotnis Memorial Hall in Solapur. The elegy and the silver cup speak volumes about love, love of Dr. Kotnis for mankind, and our love for Dr. Kotnis.” CG mentioned a piece of calligraphy in his meeting room. In Chinese it’s “大爱无疆”. It means love is boundless. He said it always reminds him of Dr. Kotnis.
His Excellency CG further added, “It has been 80 years since his passing away, but he never passes away, and still lives in our hearts. We will hold the opening ceremony of Dr. Kotnis photo exhibition in the hall next door after this event. The photos portray the footprint of Dr. Kotnis and tell his touching story in China. A picture is worth a thousand words. Let’s share his spirit and vision and connect history and future.”
Dr. Kotnis dreamed of and fought for prosperous and strong China and India. And he knew this was never an unrealistic illusion but a historical necessity. There is a special section in the photo exhibition named “China in the past decade”, which shows the new look of China. The tremendous achievement and progress during the past 80 years will for sure comfort Dr. Kotnis.
His Excellency Consul General further announced the establishment of Dr. Kotnis Friendship School in Solapur. He vouched that “Dr. Kotnis Friendship School” would set an example and lay the foundation for pragmatic cooperation in various fields. The seed of friendship sown by Dr. Kotnis has grown into a magnificent tree. I believe with the efforts of so many parties, more seeds will be sown and more benefits will be delivered to the people.
Today is the first day following the 80th anniversary of Dr Kotnis’s sacrifice. The first day means a brand-new start. We have every reason to carry forward the spirit of Dr Kotnis and achieve our great rejuvenation together. President Xi Jinping points out that China and India are neighbours, the two largest developing countries, emerging economies and the only two countries in the world with populations of over one billion.
It is very important to maintain sound China-India relations. The world today is undergoing momentous changes unseen in a century and the changes are consequential to the world, to our times, and to history. China and India maintain precious social stability and economic development. It is not easy at such a difficult time. We should view China-India relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1. The implications of the China-India relationship have gone beyond bilateral and are of global significance.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
