Rhythms of a Soldiers soul
 |
| Front Cover. Anyone interested in defence or army is drawn towards the book |
One might have heard such words of admiration and gratitude towards our soldiers umpteen times at several fora. While the sentiment behind these words are welcome, restricting ourselves to these eulogizing phrases never allows us to know the normal human being in a soldier, their emotions, their family lives, the trepidation they undergo, about their kith and kin.
Here is another masterpiece by Brig. Subaiah Ganapathi Bhagwath aptly titled 'Antarangada Mrudanga' which lays bare a soldiers life stripped of the usual rhapsodies and one which gives us an opportunity to know the soldiers life from within. Best aspect of 'Antarangada Mrudanga' is that it conveys the message not through lengthy personal accounts but through short incidents that is easy to remember and stays with you for long.
Brig. Bhagwath is a master with words yet the language used in the book is simple and easy on the reader. This in no way reduces the intensity with which the author aims to convey his feelings. Use of humour and satire makes the reading a pleasure. For example, the incident where Brig. Bhagwath was held responsible for not being able to provide electricity to a gathering called by his senior despite knowing the reason for it was a bat (mammal) and not him is one hilarious episode. The episode duly conveys the nuances of daily routine of a soldier but with a tinge of satire on himself.
 |
| Brigadier SG Bhagwath |
The book is divided into two sections. The first section is dedicated to his life in the Army and incidents related to it. The second section which is more of a personal memoir, Brig. Bhagwath recounts his relationship with several prominent individuals in his life who influenced him the most. While his narration about his mother's sister and incidents related to her makes one emotional and draws us close to her life, the incident of meeting his former schoolmate who has become a station master is amusing and makes us recall our own similar experiences. The way the author narrates the life of his near and dear ones, be it his father, his friends or people he adored is exemplary only because he brings out the best of human traits in common men and women, something each of us can relate to. A sample of this can be read in the incident that occurred in Rajasthan when a King Cobra crawls into the tent they were staying. The way he recounts the whole episode is both hilarious and captivating. Added to this, simple caricatures in B&W give that nostalgic feel of reading a 'Chandamama' or 'Wisdom' of the 80s and 90s. The image below is one such caricature at the start of a chapter depicting the episode mentioned above.
 |
| Simple caricatures in B&W give that nostalgic feel of reading a Chandamama or Wisdom of the 80s & 90s |
Before I wind up, must mention that Brig. Bhagwath, in his long illustrious career in the Army and had held many prestigious posts, was also the 'in-charge of security' of our beloved former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam for a considerable period of time. We are truly blessed to read his first hand experiences with the people's president and know more about the man who lived and breathed India every moment of his life. Though Brig. Bhagwath had provided a detailed account of his experiences with Dr. Kalam in his earlier work, 'Gannu HiDida Kayyalli Pennu' (review here), in the current work he narrates the evolution of the ITR near Balasore in Odisha, the discovery of the Wheeler Island (now appropriately renamed as 'Abdul Kalam Island) and Dr. Kalam's role in each of this. In my opinion, these few incidents are reason enough to lay your hand on the book and feel redeemed.
 |
| Back Cover has a short bio of the author Brig. SG Bhagwath |
More Information about the book:
Title: Antarangada Mrudanga
Language: Kannada
Publisher: Avani Rasikara Ranga Prakashana, Dharwada
Distributors: Sahitya Prakashana, Hubballi
Cost Price: Rs. 80 /-
To buy contact publisher on (0836)2472131, email: avaniranga@hotmail.com
Comments
Fantastic review accomplished like a pro! Before I proceed any further let me clarify to others who may venture across to your wonderful blog that the author's my father and it gives me immense pleasure to have his book reviewed by my good friend Prashanth.
Also, lest anyone have any preconceived notions about army kids, I haven't been brought up on innumerable "war stories" by my dad! If anything, its been anecdotes like above and of course after his tenure with Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Sir, its been his eulogies all the way! I was away undergoing my undergraduate dental program and thus missed out meeting this enlightened soul.
I can vouch for the fact that all the stories and anecdotes are actual and experienced by the author and not merely embellished. As I have seen, life of a soldier is tough and to find compassion and empathy in them is quite surprising given the fact that they are trained to ....... kill you know (no pun intended). In fact though my father saw action in the Dhaka sector of the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, he never ever brought us into the picture as far as "those" anecdotes are concerned. Though he's been a strict disciplinarian, yet we've found love, compassion and empathy always under his no nonsense demeanor.
So, its been a fruitful journey for all of us attached with him and wish that he continues to guide us all along.
Thank you for the kind and encouraging words. Means a lot. It is my fortune to have known you and your father. If you had not gifted Brig. Bhagwath's first book, I would not have had the opportunity to enrich myself with his experience. So, thanks to you :-)
Agree that most people have romanticized and superficial knowledge about life in the Army. Hence Brig. Bhagwath's books are all the more important as they take the reader closer to his experiences. Your comments also tells us that his greatness is not just in narration but also in his persona as you have elicited. You are indeed fortunate :-)
I really hope to read/hear from him more in the coming days.