People's Democracy

 

      

 

Birth Centenary of Dr Kotnis Observed

 

THE All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) had organised a public meeting in New Delhi on October 8, commemorating the birth centenary of Dr Dwarakanath Shantaram Kotnis. A six-member Chinese delegation led by Mao Rubai, adviser to the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament and former chairman of the Committee on Environmental and Resources Protection, NPC, attended and addressed the meeting along with the leaders of various political parties. Zhang Yan, the ambassador of China to India also attended the meeting and addressed the gathering. Prior to the meeting in Delhi, the Chinese delegation visited Kolkata and Benguluru and addressed the memorial meetings.

 

In the Delhi meeting, Pallab Sen Gupta, general secretary of the AIPSO presided over the meeting and introduced the dignitaries on the dais. Zhang Yan, in his speech remarked that this commemoration coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and India. He stated Dr Kotnis was a great son of India and a great friend of China. He urged the people to follow the footsteps of Dr Kotnis, and make new contributions to the enhancement of mutual understanding and mutual beneficiary cooperation between China and India.

 

Mao Rubai, the leader of the Chinese delegation spoke on behalf of the delegation. Paying rich tributes, he recalled the heroic role of  Dr Kotnis during the Japanese war of aggression over China. He stated that India and China, two of the oldest civilisations on the earth, should live by the example of Dr Kotnis, who had epitomised the highest ideals of friendship. He said both the countries should also work to promote peace in the region and the world over and strive to ensure a world free of nuclear armaments.

 

Sitaram Yechury, Polit Bureau member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and presidium member of the AIPSO, recalled the significance of the sacrifice of Dr Kotnis. He reminded the audience of the enormous personal hardships endured by Dr Kotnis while serving in the Doctors’ Mission sent to China by the Indian National Congress on behalf of the Indian people. He said Dr Kotnis represents the best spirit of humanism and international solidarity. Briefly explaining Dr Kotnis' political journey that culminated with his becoming the member of the CPC, he stated how the life of Dr Kotnis inspired many Indians to work selflessly for the people’s cause. He also recalled the centuries’ long traditions of friendship and cultural relations that existed between India and China and said these bonds between the peoples of the two countries need to be further strengthened. Cautioning the people not to fall into the trap of those propagating that the interests of the two countries are antagonistic, he appealed them to see through these designs.

 

Amarjeet Kaur, member of the national secretariat of the CPI, Devarajan, member of the secretariat of the Forward Bloc also addressed the gathering.