Memoir Review: A Captivating, Grit-Filled Account by the Kargil War Doctor
In the summer of 1999, Dr. Arup Ratan Basu, a surgeon in the Indian Army Medical Corps, found himself at the heart of the Kargil conflict. His book, "The Kargil War Surgeon's Testimony," provides a firsthand account of this tumultuous period, offering a unique perspective from the operating theatre.
Based in a field hospital in Kargil, Basu performed around 250 surgeries over two months, managing severe war injuries under challenging conditions, including regular shelling. His focus was on the personal stories and courage of the wounded soldiers, showing empathy even towards enemy soldiers treated at the hospital.
The book is a vivid, emotional testimony of war from the perspective of a doctor directly saving lives at the frontlines. Basu's narrative describes intense moments of exhaustion, difficult surgical decisions where some patients could not be saved, and reflections on the psychological toll of war, all while gaining surgical experience.
One of the key highlights of the book is Basu's early frustration at being posted to an ill-equipped field hospital, a situation that saw soldiers being sent to the front without proper equipment, such as jackets, boots, and food. Despite these hardships, Basu was inspired by the incredible bravery, tenacity, and will to serve of the Indian soldiers he encountered.
Another poignant moment in the book is when Basu learns of an ammunition dump destroyed in Pakistani shelling, which was situated on the side of the hill exposed to the enemy. The book, published by Bloomsbury, stands out as a testament to the human cost of war and the extraordinary resilience of the soldiers and medical staff Basu encountered.
The reviewer of the book, the director of the School of Humanities at IGNOU, New Delhi, an award-winning translator, and a Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, has praised the book for its touching and easy-to-read portrayal of the human face of the Kargil War.
In conclusion, "The Kargil War Surgeon's Testimony" offers a compelling and deeply human account of the Kargil conflict, providing a fresh perspective on a significant chapter in Indian history.
- Science, more specifically medical conditions, play a crucial role in "The Kargil War Surgeon's Testimony," as Dr. Arup Ratan Basu, a surgeon in the Indian Army Medical Corps, shares his experiences in managing severe war injuries under challenging conditions, gaining surgical experience.
- The book delves into politics and general news, offering insights into the difficult surgical decisions Basu had to make during the Kargil conflict, and his reflections on the psychological toll of war, including his frustration at being posted to an ill-equipped field hospital.
- Beyond the medical-conditions and war-and-conflicts, the book offers a broader perspective on health-and-wellness and human resilience, with Basu showcasing the incredible bravery, tenacity, and will to serve of the Indian soldiers he treated, even their enemy soldiers.
