Dwarkanath Kotnis

Dr Dwarkanath Shantaram Kotnis (10 October 1910 – 9 December 1942) was an Indian physician and humanitarian who became an enduring symbol of international friendship between India and China. He is remembered for his selfless medical service to Chinese soldiers and civilians during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). His dedication and sacrifice made him a revered figure in both nations and a lasting emblem of compassion and solidarity.

Early Life and Education

Dwarkanath Kotnis was born on 10 October 1910 in Solapur, in present-day Maharashtra, India. He belonged to a modest middle-class family that valued education and service. From a young age, he exhibited deep curiosity about medicine and a strong sense of social responsibility.
He completed his early education in Solapur and later studied medicine at the King Edward Memorial (KEM) College, University of Mumbai, where he earned his M.B.B.S. degree. After graduation, he briefly worked as a physician in Mumbai and Pune, gaining experience in general medicine and surgery.
Even during his early years as a doctor, Kotnis was known for his idealism and desire to serve humanity beyond personal or national boundaries.

Journey to China

In 1938, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, China faced severe shortages of medical personnel and supplies as it resisted Japanese invasion. Responding to an appeal from Chinese leader General Zhu De and the Chinese Communist Party, the Indian National Congress decided to send a medical team to assist China as a gesture of solidarity and anti-imperialist cooperation.
This initiative was supported by prominent Indian leaders such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, who saw it as part of India’s broader struggle against colonialism and oppression.
Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis was selected as one of the five doctors on the Indian Medical Mission to China, alongside Dr M. Atal, Dr M. Cholkar, Dr B. K. Basu, and Dr D. Mukerji. The team departed for China in September 1938.

Service During the War

Upon arriving in China, Dr Kotnis and his colleagues began their work in Yan’an and other war-torn regions of northern China, providing critical medical care to soldiers and civilians under harsh and dangerous conditions.
Dr Kotnis soon became known for his tireless work ethic, compassion, and adaptability. He served in mobile field hospitals, performed surgeries under battlefield conditions, and trained Chinese medical personnel. His ability to endure extreme hardship, including long hours, limited resources, and constant threat of bombing, earned him immense respect.
He later joined the Eighth Route Army, the principal force of the Chinese Communist resistance, and served as the director of the Bethune International Peace Hospital, named after the Canadian surgeon Dr Norman Bethune, another foreign doctor who died in service to China.

Personal Life and Integration into Chinese Society

While in China, Dr Kotnis fully integrated himself into Chinese society. He learned Mandarin, lived among local communities, and developed deep friendships with Chinese colleagues.
He married a Chinese nurse, Guo Qinglan, in 1941. The couple had a son, named Yin Hua, meaning “India-China,” symbolising the friendship between the two nations. Tragically, their son died young, shortly after Dr Kotnis’s own death.

Death and Legacy

After years of continuous medical service under stressful wartime conditions, Dr Kotnis’s health deteriorated. He suffered from epilepsy and exhaustion due to overwork and died on 9 December 1942 in China, at the age of just 32.
His death was mourned deeply across China and India. Chinese leader Mao Zedong paid tribute to him, describing him as a “friend of the Chinese people who gave his all for the liberation of China.” The Chinese government honoured him as one of the Five Heroes of China’s War of Resistance, and his memory continues to be revered in Chinese history.

Commemoration and Recognition

Dr Kotnis remains one of the most respected foreign figures in China and a celebrated symbol of Indo-Chinese friendship.
In China:

• A memorial and tomb were built for him in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, where he is buried.
• His life is included in Chinese textbooks, and schools and hospitals have been named in his honour.
• His story has been commemorated in Chinese art, literature, and cinema as an example of international humanitarianism.

In India:

• The Dr Kotnis Memorial Committee was established to promote Indo-Chinese friendship.
• A memorial was built in his hometown, Solapur, and another in Vengurla, Maharashtra.
• In 1946, the film “Dr Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani” (The Immortal Story of Dr Kotnis) was directed by V. Shantaram, portraying his life and sacrifice. The film helped popularise his story across India.
• The Government of India and the People’s Republic of China regularly celebrate his contribution on anniversaries of his birth and death.

Significance

Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis’s life exemplifies the spirit of internationalism, selflessness, and humanitarian service. His work went beyond political alliances—he represented the shared human values of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis.
He symbolised the collaboration between India and China in their struggles against imperialism and oppression, and his contribution continues to serve as a moral bridge between the two nations.

Legacy in Modern Perspective

In today’s context, Dr Kotnis is remembered not only as a medical hero but also as a symbol of medical diplomacy and global humanitarianism. His story highlights the power of individual action to transcend national boundaries and foster goodwill.
His enduring legacy is reflected in continued cultural and educational exchanges between India and China, as well as in the global recognition of the role of doctors and humanitarian workers in conflict zones.