Date:26/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/26/stories/2007122653731300.htm

National

So near yet so far for this doctor couple

Nathu La: Placing love for country above everything else, a young married couple from the Army Medical Corps, staying 40 km apart, tend to patients in this terrain on the India-China border.

But Captain Shilpa Katoch and Captain Abhishek Rai are very much on top of the world at an altitude of 14,200 ft, and get the occasional chance to be together with the Army playing along.

“Life here is tough. High altitude, hostile climate and inhospitable terrain are part of our life but we are happy to serve the nation in our own little capacity,” says Capt. Katoch, posted at this border post.

In another unit

Capt. Rai is with another unit 40 km downhill at Paanch Mile on the way to Gangtok and the distance seems like the maxim “so near yet so far.”

“Being doctors, it is difficult for both of us to be posted at the same place or in the same unit.”

Work compulsions

They both understand that sacrifices have to be made. Work compulsions make it difficult for them to spend time together even on special occasions such as birthdays.

December 1 was Capt. Katoch’s birthday and Capt. Rai just wished her over the phone.

His colleagues remembered and made sure he cut a cake for her.

“Ever since we joined the Army in March 2007, we have hardly been together for seven or eight days. I am now planning to take a 10-day leave to come to Nathu La, just to be with her for some time,” says Capt. Rai. — PTI