'Vision will take Indo-China relations forward'

Xu Feihong, Chinese Ambassador to India, visits Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial in Maharashtra's Solapur

- Gaurav Kadam

On his first visit outside Delhi since being appointed as the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong travelled to Solapur in Maharashtra on Wednesday. The city, which is approximately 8,000 kilometres from China, shares a unique connection with the country through the legacy of Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis.

Born in 1910 in Solapur, Dr Kotnis was part of a fivemember Indian medical team that travelled to China in 1938 to aid injured troops and citizens during the Japanese invasion. While working on the frontlines, Dr Kotnis met and married a Chinese nurse and decided to stay in China. Unfortunately, he fell ill due to the harsh working conditions and died on December 9, 1942, at the age of 32. His heroic deeds have left an indelible mark on China, where he is remembered and revered.

During his visit to Solapur, the Chinese Ambassador paid his respects at the Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial. He laid a wreath at the statue of Dr Kotnis. Accompanied by local officials and Dr Rajendra Jadhav, Chairman of the Dr Kotnis Memorial Committee, Feihong viewed the exhibits at the memorial and had a cordial conversation with Dr Kotnis' relatives.