Shikha Akhilesh Saxena
Author, Founder and CEO Inspiring Mantras
She has established Inspiring Mantras with a vision to bring transformation in the view, thinking process and actions of our countrymen. Being the wife of a disabled Kargil war veteran, she has suffered the consequences and wounds of the Kargil war, and understands the sacrifices and pain which Indian soldiers go through during their lives. This initiative is in honour of our fallen and wounded soldiers, a tribute to our Indian soldiers. Till now Inspiring Mantras have successfully delivered their inspirational talks and workshops in more than 50 reputed multinational companies, educational institutes and media groups including Tata, Mahindra, SAP, Kirloskar Group, BookMyShow, J.P. Morgan, IIMs, FMS, Symbiosis etc.
Praise for the book
Anand Neelakantan
One can only read this with tears, pride and patriotism. A tribute to valour and courage.’
Anupam Kher
‘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 recognising 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!’
Barkha Dutt
‘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 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.’
Dr Annurag Batra
‘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. Nation First is a glimpse in the journey of a woman who is truly epitomizing the saying, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”’
Birender Singh Dhanoa (Retd.)
‘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. … A must-read for those who want to know more about the Kargil Conflict … and hear the story of people left behind at home when a soldier goes off to fight for his country.’
