Dwarakanath Shantaram Kotnis, known fondly in China as Ke Dihua, stands as a timeless symbol of selfless service, internationalism, and undying commitment. His journey from the streets of Solapur, India, to the frontlines of the Second Sino-Japanese War is not just a chapter in medical history but an extraordinary tale of compassion that bridged two nations. Born on October 10, 1910, Kotnis’s story captures the essence of friendship, courage, and sacrifice—values that resonate with every individual inspired by the call to make a difference in the world.
Early Life of Dwarkanath Kotnis: The Journey Begins
Dwarakanath Kotnis was born in a middle-class Marathi Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmin family in Solapur, Maharashtra. Coming from a modest background, Kotnis’s family instilled in him values of discipline, resilience, and service. With a passion for medicine, he pursued his medical degree at the prestigious Grant Medical College in Mumbai, showing early promise and an unyielding drive to help others.
As a young man, Kotnis harbored dreams of traveling the world and healing the sick in distant lands, a dream that would one day lead him far from the comforts of home to the rugged warzones of northern China.
Answering the Call to China: A Mission of Humanity
In 1938, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, China faced a devastating crisis. As Japanese forces advanced, China’s soldiers and civilians suffered grave injuries, with an acute shortage of doctors to treat them. Recognizing China’s desperate need, Chinese General Zhu De reached out to Jawaharlal Nehru for medical assistance. In response, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, then President of the Indian National Congress, launched an initiative to gather funds and send an Indian medical team to China.
Dwarkanath Kotnis, motivated by his desire to serve and his innate adventurous spirit, volunteered immediately. With the support of his family, he joined a team of five doctors in September 1938. Little did he know that this journey would become a lifelong commitment to a land he had never seen before and a cause that would define his legacy.
The Indian Medical Mission: A Symbol of Shared Struggles
The Indian Medical Mission team arrived in China in late 1938. Led by Dr. M. Atal, the group also included Drs. M. Cholkar, B.K. Basu, Debesh Mukherjee, and, of course, Dr. Kotnis. They landed at the port of Hankou, Wuhan, before reaching Yan’an, where they were welcomed by Mao Zedong, Zhu De, and other leaders of the Chinese Communist Party.
This mission was unique: it symbolized the solidarity between two nations, both grappling with colonial oppression. For Dwarkanath Kotnis, this was not just about providing medical care but about supporting another nation’s fight for freedom, reflecting India’s own aspirations for independence.
A Life of Service: Tireless Dedication Amidst War
Kotnis’s journey in China was one of relentless dedication. In his role with the Eighth Route Army, Dwarkanath Kotnis traveled across northern China, setting up mobile clinics and treating wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Working long hours in rough conditions, he often went days without sleep. In one particularly grueling instance in 1940, Kotnis performed surgeries continuously for over 72 hours, saving hundreds of lives.
This unwavering commitment earned him widespread respect and love among the Chinese people, who saw in Dwarkanath Kotnis a friend and a healer. His ability to endure hardships, his warmth, and his humility endeared him to both patients and colleagues.
Love and Legacy: Finding a Home in China
While serving at the Bethune International Peace Hospital, Dwarkanath Kotnis met Guo Qinglan, a nurse whose compassionate spirit mirrored his own. The two formed a close bond, and in December 1941, they married, despite the backdrop of war. The following year, they welcomed a son, whom they named Yinhua—a blend of “Yin” for India and “Hua” for China—symbolizing the unbreakable connection between the two nations.
Dwarkanath Kotnis’s letters to his family back in India offer glimpses into his experience, his joys, and the gratitude he felt for being able to help. In these letters, he recounted his life in China and the deep appreciation he held for its people, reflecting a sense of belonging that transcended borders.
A Selfless Sacrifice: The Final Days
The immense physical toll of working in war zones began to wear on Dwarkanath Kotnis. In 1942, he started experiencing severe health issues, with bouts of epilepsy impacting his strength and resilience. Tragically, just three months after the birth of his son, Dr. Kotnis passed away on December 9, 1942. His untimely death brought profound sorrow to both his family in India and the people of China, who mourned him as one of their own.
Remembering Dr. Kotnis: A Beacon of Friendship
Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis was buried in the Heroes Courtyard in Nanquan Village, where he is remembered as a martyr who sacrificed his life for the greater good. Mao Zedong himself expressed deep sorrow, remarking, “The army has lost a helping hand, the nation has lost a friend. Let us always bear in mind his internationalist spirit.”
Madame Sun Yat-sen later commented that Dwarkanath Kotnis’s legacy “belongs not only to your people and ours but to the noble roll-call of fighters for the freedom and progress of all mankind.”
Honoring the Legacy: A Lasting Symbol of Sino-Indian Friendship
Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis’s memory is commemorated annually during the Qingming Festival, a day when the Chinese honor their martyrs. A memorial park in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, stands in tribute to him, complete with a statue and a museum displaying his personal items and photographs. His contribution to Sino-Indian relations remains a cornerstone of diplomatic goodwill, with leaders from both countries regularly paying homage to his family.
In India, the city of Solapur holds a memorial in his honor, unveiled in 2012, to celebrate his legacy. His story has also inspired books, documentaries, and movies, including the Hindi film Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani and the Chinese movie Ke Dihua Dai Fu, both of which immortalize his contributions and sacrifice.
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