The claim to fame of Dr. Dwarka Nath Kotnis was that he laid down his life providing medical help to the Eighth Route Army. He was an Indian doctor who was sent to China in 1938 as part of an Indian medical mission after China was invaded by Japan. He served on the frontline and saved the lives of many Chinese soldiers. After four years in China, he fell ill and died at the age of 32. He is regarded as a symbol of Sino-Indian friendship.