MEDICINE & MEMORIES: A MEMOIR OF LIFE IN A MEDICAL COLLEGE BY DR MUHAMMED YOUNIS DAR : SHAHNAWAZ NAZIR ( REVIEWER)
ShahNawaz Nazir
Author | Columnist
Book: Medicine & Memories
Author: Dr. Mohammad Younis Dar
Genre: Non Fiction
Language: English
Pages: 184
ISBN: 978-81-951074-8-3
Rs: 700/=
Publisher: Syndicate Media, Main Market Chanapora, Srinagar-15
THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Mohammad Younis Dar is a doctor and writer from Kashmir. He completed his MBBS from SKIMS Medical College and is working as a Medical Officer in the Health Department of Jammu and Kashmir. At present, he is pursuing his Residency in Psychiatry at Government Medical College, Anantnag.
Apart from medicine, Dr. Dar has a deep love for literature. He has earned higher degrees in Urdu, History, and Public Administration, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital Management from New Delhi. His first book, Khawabu Ki Kasak, was appreciated by readers for its emotional and realistic stories.
His new book, Medicine and Memories, is based on his own life and experiences. It is not only about becoming a doctor but also about family, friendship, struggle, hope, and the lessons that shape a person.
Medicine And Memories:
Some books are read once and forgotten. Others stay with us for a long time. Medicine and Memories is one such book.
When I started reading it, I thought it would mainly be about medical studies, exams, hospital life, and the daily routine of a medical student. But after reading a few chapters, I realised it is much more than that. It is the story of a young boy from Kashmir who worked hard, believed in his dreams, and became a doctor without forgetting where he came from.
The book begins with the author's childhood. He writes about his village, school days, family, teachers, and the small moments that shaped his personality. His memories are simple, honest, and easy to relate to. Whether he is talking about walking long distances to school or helping his family at home, every story feels real.
The chapter about preparing for medical entrance examinations is especially inspiring. Dr. Dar writes about the difficulties he faced, the pressure of competition, financial challenges, and the importance of patience and hard work. He never presents success as luck. Instead, he shows that success comes through dedication and determination.
One of the strongest parts of the book is the way the author talks about fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. Medical students often face great pressure, but these struggles are rarely discussed openly. Dr. Dar shares them honestly, making the reader understand that even successful people experience difficult moments.
The chapters on hostel life are among the most enjoyable. They are full of friendship, laughter, unforgettable memories, and the small incidents that make student life special. Anyone who has lived in a hostel or studied away from home will find these chapters familiar and heartwarming.
A chapter I especially liked is "Medicine and Poetry." It shows another side of the author. Along with medicine, he has a deep love for Urdu poetry and literature. He writes about poets like Ghalib, Iqbal, and Mir, and how literature helped him during difficult times. This chapter reminds us that while medicine heals the body, literature comforts the heart.
The later chapters describe his journey from a student to a doctor. Through clinical postings, internship, and interactions with patients, he learns that medicine is not only about knowledge but also about kindness, patience, and understanding human suffering.
Another beautiful feature of the book is the respect the author shows towards everyone who helped him. He remembers his teachers, classmates, friends, family members, and mentors with gratitude. He does not try to praise himself. Instead, he acknowledges the people who supported him throughout his journey.
The language of the book is simple and clear. There are no difficult words or unnecessary descriptions.This makes the book enjoyable for every reader, whether or not they belong to the medical profession.
The book also gives a picture of life in rural Kashmir, government schools, hostel culture, and the challenges faced by students from ordinary families. Many readers will find parts of their own lives reflected in these pages.
Like every book, this one also has a few small shortcomings. Some interesting incidents end a little quickly, and I wished the author had written more about them. However, these are only minor points and do not reduce the overall value of the book.
In the end, Medicine and Memories is much more than the story of earning an MBBS degree. It is a story of hard work, family support, friendship, literature, and personal growth. It reminds us that a good doctor is shaped not only by medical education but also by values, compassion, and life experiences.
A Memoir of life in a Medical College is an honest, inspiring, and heartfelt memoir. It tells the story of an ordinary Kashmiri boy who achieved his dream through determination while staying connected to his roots.
I strongly recommend this book to medical students, teachers, parents, young readers, and anyone who enjoys true stories of struggle and success. It is a book that leaves the reader with hope, gratitude, and respect for the journey behind every doctor.
The book is available through Maktaba Islamia. Readers wishing to obtain a copy or seeking further information may contact the publisher via WhatsApp at +91 9682164457.
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