A solemn memorial ceremony was convened in India’s West Bengal state this week to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis, an Indian physician whose heroic service and ultimate sacrifice in China during a pivotal period in history continues to symbolize deep-rooted bilateral friendship. The December 9th event, organized by the Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial Committee, marked the 83rd anniversary of the doctor’s passing in 1942.
Attended by over 100 dignitaries including Mrigendranath Gantait, president of the memorial committee, and Pallab Sengupta, president of the World Peace Council, the gathering paid tribute to Dr. Kotnis’s extraordinary humanitarian contributions during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945). Participants highlighted how his medical expertise saved countless Chinese lives while embodying principles of internationalism and anti-fascist solidarity.
The commemorative event holds particular significance as 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. Chinese Consul General in Kolkata Xu Wei delivered an address emphasizing how Dr. Kotnis arrived in China when the nation was suffering under Japanese militarist aggression, demonstrating ‘a love beyond borders and race’ through his medical service and courage.
‘China will never forget the international friends who helped it fight against aggression,’ Consul General Xu stated, pledging that the Chinese Consulate General would continue collaborating with partners across eastern India to perpetuate Dr. Kotnis’s spirit. In a practical demonstration of this commitment, the consulate donated acupuncture supplies to the memorial committee to help spread traditional Chinese medical benefits among broader Indian communities.
Committee President Gantait reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to actively cultivating this historic spirit of cooperation, vowing to contribute further to strengthening India-China friendship through continued people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding.