Chairman of the National People’s Congress and the third highest-ranking leader of the Communist Party of China Zhang Dejiang met family members of Dr Dwarkanath Shantaram Kotnis on Sunday.
One of the five Indian physicians dispatched to China in 1938, Dr Kotnis provided medical assistance during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Besides being known for his dedication and perseverance, he has also been regarded as an example for Sino-Indian friendship and collaboration.
Whenever a Chinese leader visits Mumbai, it is their duty to visit the family members of the late doctor.
The 94-year-old Manorama, sister of Dr Kotnis, called for increased people-to-people exchange and co-operation between the two countries.
Atul Hule, secretary of the Vengurla-based Dr Kotnis Memorial Committee said: “2015-16 is the birth centenary year of Guo Qinglan, wife of the legendary Dr Kotnis and the committee has planned to observe the year as friendship year between India and China. We plan to construct a hospital in Vengurla ,Sindhudurg district, the native place of Dr Kotnis.”
"Dr Kotnis was a great friend of the Chinese people. In 1938,at the age of 28,he bade farewell to his family in India and came to China which was then facing Japanese aggression. We remember his noble character and should carry forward his spirit," Dejiang said while inaugurating an exhibition on the life of the Solapur-born legendary doctor.