Mumbai:
It was a meeting bereft of any agenda, political or economic, but one steeped in symbolism - a Chinese Premier honouring the memory of an Indian doctor who became a hero in his country.
In a small meeting room at the Taj Mahal Palace and Hotel in Mumbai, Premier Li Keqiang spent over half an hour reminiscing about Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis with his family. The Premier spoke about Dr Kotnis's contribution as the latter's family over a dozen Chinese officials listened.
In 1939, at the height of the Sino-Japan war, a young Dr Kotnis heeded Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's call and volunteered as a field surgeon to help the Chinese. His assignment ended but he stayed back, despite a terrible food shortage and amidst great hardship, to continue to provide medical services to the Chinese.
It's a contribution that has made him a hero there. "In China, we have a saying, 'In times of need, we come to know who our real friends are.' It was at height of Japanese aggression that Dr Kotnis helped the Chinese and gave his young life. Dr Kotnis was an Indian but also Chinese. You are family members of Chinese heroic martyr," Premier Li said.
He went on to say that Dr Kotnis is a symbol of "Indo-Chinese friendship".
Dr Kotnis' 92-year-old, wheelchair-bound sister, Manorama, said she was thankful for being invited to meet the Premier despite his busy schedule. "It's been 70 years that Kotnis has passed away but we are happy that China hasn't forgotten him. We are grateful to them and hope they will continue the friendship," she said.
The family's younger generation was also invited by Premier Li to visit China when he heard that they were keen to do so. He then presented gifts to the family, telling Manorama Kotnis, "There is also an MP3 player for you, since you love music".
Speaking to NDTV exclusively after the event, Ms Kotnis said she was touched by the gesture. "I am deeply honoured," she said.