By Mewati Sitaram
A momentous inauguration took place on the 14th of December at S.M.C. Camp No.1 Camp High School in Solapur, marking the establishment of the Dr. Kotnis Friendship School. The event was graced by the presence of Chinese Consul General Kong Xianhua and Yapp India CEO Chen Huazhu. Solapur Municipal Commissioner Ms. Sheetal Teli Ugale extended a warm welcome, emphasizing the deep-rooted connections between China and the historic city in Maharashtra that date back over 80 years.
The historical ties find their origins in the altruistic actions of Dr. Dwarakanath Shantaram Kotnis, (Chinese name: Ke Dihua) a native of Solapur born in 1910. Dr. Kotnis was a pivotal member of the Indian Medical Mission Team that bravely journeyed to China in 1938 to support the just cause of the Chinese people. Working tirelessly on the front lines, he played a crucial role in the war against Japanese aggression and Chinese national liberation, saving numerous lives and training skilled Chinese medical staff. Despite succumbing to illness at the age of 32 on December 9, 1942, Dr. Kotnis is remembered by the Chinese people as one of their own.
Last year 2022, on the 80th death anniversary of Dr. Kotnis, Consul General Kong Xianhua announced plans for the Dr. Kotnis Friendship School in Solapur. Collaborating with Yapp India and the Solapur Municipal Corporation. The initiative was aimed to contribute to the hometown of Dr. Kotnis. Over the course of the year, a significant investment of INR 50 lakh has been dedicated to the installation of a new drinking water system, sports ground development, entrance gate renovation with enhanced security measures, CCTV camera installation, and wall painting, giving the school a transformative facelift.
CG Kong Xianhua given traditional welcome by school children.
Consul General Kong, during the project’s inauguration, expressed the traditional Chinese virtue of gratitude and the desire to honor Dr. Kotnis’s sacrifice. He highlighted the importance of sowing seeds of friendship in the hearts of young students, who represent the future. Kong stressed that this project is only the beginning, with plans for further assistance to help Solapur achieve all-round development, a vision that would undoubtedly bring joy to Dr. Kotnis.
Municipal Commissioner Sheetal Teli Ugale extended gratitude to the Chinese Consulate General and Yapp India for their contributions to education in Solapur. She emphasized that Dr. Kotnis had envisioned a school or hospital for his hometown, and now, those dreams are becoming a reality. The Solapur Municipal Corporation is poised to collaborate with the Chinese Consulate General and Chinese companies to strengthen cooperation in education and health.
As the Chinese people continue to hold Dr. Kotnis in high regard, Consul General Kong affirmed the commitment to ongoing cooperation with Solapur authorities for comprehensive development—a tribute that resonates with the enduring spirits of Dr. Kotnis.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
