Nation First

Nation First

A deeply moving memoir of a wife of a Kargil War Hero,

Captures life inside and outside the battlefield

NATION FIRST BY SHIKHA AKHILESH SAXENA

Nation First published by Hachette India, Released on 25 May 2023. The book features a powerful foreword notes by General V. P. Malik, Chief of Army Staff during the Kargil War, and Mrs Dr. Ranjana Malik, President of the Army Wife Welfare Association [AWWA] during the Kargil War. And an inspiring message from Shree Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, for the readers.

Two decades after India’s resounding victory at Kargil, stories and accounts of the war continue to be narrated with immense pride. Yet, one pertinent perspective has been largely overlooked – that of the army wives. In this remarkable book, Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, wife of artillery officer Captain Akhilesh Saxena, describes the turmoil endured by the families of military officers in the face of conflict.

As a young couple, Shikha and Akhilesh unexpectedly found themselves in the midst of war. Shikha deftly depicts her own experiences as well as those of Akhilesh, who took part in missions at Tololing, the Hump and Three Pimples. What does a soldier go through, when marching off to a near-suicidal mission? And what does it take to survive, even thrive, having sustained serious injuries in battle? Explore the extraordinary resilience of Army officers' wives during challenging times and witness their transformation of pain into unwavering pride. Embark on an inspiring journey through their stories in this book.

This detailed memoir shows the boundless bravery of the Indian troops, as well as the emotional tumult experienced by their families both during and after the war. Nation First is a story of grit, determination and heroic patriotism shown by the men and women who give their all to safeguard the country.

Two decades after India’s resounding victory at Kargil, stories and accounts of the war continue to be narrated with immense pride. Yet, one pertinent perspective has been largely overlooked – that of the army wives. In this remarkable book, Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, wife of artillery officer Captain Akhilesh Saxena, describes the turmoil endured by the families of military officers in the face of conflict.

As a young couple, Shikha and Akhilesh unexpectedly found themselves in the midst of war. Shikha deftly depicts her own experiences as well as those of Akhilesh, who took part in missions at Tololing, the Hump and Three Pimples. What does a soldier go through, when marching off to a near-suicidal mission? And what does it take to survive, even thrive, having sustained serious injuries in battle?

This detailed memoir shows the boundless bravery of the Indian troops, as well as the emotional tumult experienced by their families both during and after the war. Nation First is a story of grit, determination and heroic patriotism shown by the men and women who give their all to safeguard the country.

 

Foreword:

 

Nation First is the story of Shikha and Captain Akhilesh Saxena, from their marriage, military life in a peace station, and intense battle action of the Kargil War in which Akhilesh was badly wounded, to the experiences of a disabled soldier and building a life of solid standing in the corporate world. Shikha is truly an astute author. With help from Akhilesh, she diligently recounts all factual details so very sincerely: their experiences, including their romance, Akhilesh’s emotions when he goes on near-suicide missions in war, the trauma and the travails when he is wounded and hospitalised, and the admirable never-give-up attitude of the young couple. A particularly interesting part of the book is how Akhilesh, as Forward Observation Officer supporting the 2 Rajputana Rifles, directed artillery firing during the battles of Tololing, Hump and Three Pimples in the Dras Sector. Those exciting battle details make your blood rush even today.

This is truly a first-of-its kind book. Never have I seen such an inspirational military life story covered in such detail. It is not just a narration of first-hand experience but also an interesting insight into military traditions which build camaraderie, family support, an environment of strong patriotism and our military psychology.

General Ved Prakash Malik

Chief of Army Staff during the Kargil War

 

Nation First is one of the most compelling narratives I have come across. From Akhilesh and Shikha’s marriage and fairytale romance to his being posted to Kargil soon after, it describes, in detail, the grim battles and gruesome encounters of the war, as well as his success as an Artillery Forward Observation Officer (FOO) in crucial attacks. This is one of the very few first-person accounts from an officer who, having been involved in battle, survived to tell the tale.

Captain Akhilesh sustained serious injuries to his hand: half his left palm was blown off. Shikha has described his injuries, his mental state, the massive loss of blood, the manner in which he trudged down for hours to get to the base, as well as the painful, difficult years of his hospitalisation, repeated surgeries, and physiotherapies while she had to live for over a year in a one room guest house in the hospital.

As the then-President of AWWA, the narration has left me totally surprised and also ashamed that we did not follow up in what was happening to our wounded officers and soldiers. Our team of volunteers was regularly visiting the hospital, providing help to all those we saw in the wards, in terms of all personal requirements, including emotional counselling and reassurance. I, myself, visited the wards every second day, not only in Delhi but all other military hospitals in Leh, Kargil, Srinagar, Bareilly as well. I was there when famous pianist, Brian Silas, played for all wounded soldiers in the hospital. Patients were brought out on wheelchairs and beds. Captain Akhilesh visiting the soldiers in other wards to reassure his colleagues tore a hole in my heart.

It was heartrending to read of his decision to leave the army for a civilian life, and moved me to tears, yet the end was so very heart-warming in every way. A disabled officer, after leaving the Army (with a heavy heart) tops his MBA and begins a successful career. Every step of the way, every successful job, he credits his army training, having used the lessons from the Kargil war for corporate management.

A large part of the credit for his success and his achievements, undoubtedly, goes to his wife, Shikha, who stood by him like a rock, encouraging him at every step. She did not let him lose heart, and was by his side through thick and thin.

This narration of their life story has touched me deeply. I wonder how many of us realise the true potential of our officers and men and how brilliantly they perform when life takes them along a different path. Also. the strength of character of the army wife, who sees her husband go to battle and welcomes him back with open arms. This truly takes a lot of courage, tenacity and mental strength.

Dr. Mrs Ranjana Malik

President of the Army Wife Welfare Association during the Kargil War

 

PRAISE :

 

“I have read many books on war, but the way author Shikha has narrated this electrifying story left me spellbound…

Author’s powerful memoir reminds us that courageous men in uniform are supported by the grace and poise shown by their families. Nation First is a remarkable book on the human cost of war and the sacrifices it entails. A must read!”

By Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India

 

‘What makes this book unique is that it’s written from a wife’s perspective, so her book cuts through military jargon to describe the battles of Tololing and Three Pimples where her husband, Captain Akhilesh Saxena, fought and was critically wounded. While her husband battled the enemy, she had to fight off her own anxieties…[but] both of them overcame their respective physical and mental challenges and came out as winners. …A must-read for those who want to know more about the Kargil Conflict…the personal accounts of the battles of Tololing and Three Pimples, and hear the story of people left behind at home when a soldier goes off to fight for his country.’

– B.S. Dhanoa, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.)

 

‘An electrifying and moving account of courage seen not just through the eyes of braveheart Captain Akhilesh Saxena, war-wounded hero of Kargil, but also through the eyes of his wife who was no less than a soldier at the frontline. The book is a must-read and takes you through a gamut of emotions with its extraordinary and intimate portrait of what happens to a family when a soldier comes home from war and when the headlines have faded. I hope everyone reads this book to understand the emotions that maketh a man and his home. Highly recommend this book.’

– Barkha Dutt, Journalist and Author

‘The wife of an army officer writes this touching memoir, giving a fresh perspective of the ’99 war. The tale of a warrior is incomplete without recognizing the emotional being inside him. Nation First brings to life the bloodiest battles without losing sight of the tenderness of humanity. Shikha’s story is one of incomparable grit, determination and perseverance that is sure to inspire!’

– Anupam Kher, Actor, Producer and Director

‘One’s life unfolds in proportion to one’s courage. Shikha’s heart-wrenching memoir Nation First will inspire a new generation of young men and women to join the forces. It is a first-hand account of the impact on families and partners of war heroes and soldiers who themselves pay a heavy price for this supreme duty. Nation First is about putting the soldier first, the family first and the heart first. It is a glimpse of the journey of a woman who truly epitomizes the saying, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”’

– Dr Annurag Batra, Chairman BW Businessworld and Founder exchange4media

‘One can only read this with tears, pride and patriotism. A tribute to valour and courage.’

– Anand Neelakantan, Author of Asura: Tale of the Vanquished and Bahubali trilogy

 

 

Hachette India is delighted to announce the publication of Nation First by Shikha Akhilesh Saxena.  The book features a powerful foreword notes by General V. P. Malik, Chief of Army Staff during the Kargil War, and Mrs Dr. Ranjana Malik, President of the Army Wife Welfare Association [AWWA] during the Kargil War.

An inspiring message from Shree Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, for the readers.

Publisher: Hachette India

ISBN: 9789357311663| B Format Paperback | Pages: 240 | Price: INR 399

Customer Reviews: Excellent Reviews on Amazon, mostly readers have given 5 rating.
 

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