Media Appreciations
Featured on Doordarshan National – Kargil Yuddha Book Launch
The launch of कारगिल युद्ध: वीरता और देशभक्ति की सत्य गाथा by Shikha Akhilesh Saxena received national coverage on Doordarshan National, bringing the inspiring stories of the Kargil War to audiences across the country. The feature highlighted the book’s mission of preserving the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and resilience displayed by Indian soldiers and their families during one of the nation’s most defining military conflicts. Through this special coverage, Doordarshan National helped amplify the voices of the heroes whose dedication and patriotism continue to inspire generations. The programme showcased the importance of documenting real stories from the battlefield and beyond, ensuring that the legacy of the Kargil War remains alive in the hearts and minds of the nation. …
Reviewed by Indian Defence Review (IDR)
Nation First was reviewed by Indian Defence Review (IDR), one of India’s respected defence publications. The review appreciated the book for going beyond battlefield narratives to present the personal journey of a young Army wife navigating the uncertainties of military life and war. It highlighted the authentic portrayal of courage, resilience, camaraderie, and sacrifice, offering readers a rare glimpse into the human side of the Kargil War. The recognition from a leading defence journal affirms the book’s contribution to preserving the stories and values of the Indian Armed Forces. This is particularly valuable as IDR is a defence-focused publication. This subtly increases the credibility of both the book and author profile.
Featured by India Today
Nation First was featured in India Today in an exclusive video interview, bringing the book’s story to a national audience. During the conversation, Shikha Akhilesh Saxena shared the inspiration behind the memoir, offering insights into the realities of military life, the challenges faced by soldiers and their families, and the human emotions behind the Kargil War. The feature highlighted the book’s unique perspective as a first-hand account from an Army wife, capturing both the courage of Indian soldiers and the resilience of those who stand behind them. This recognition by one of India’s leading media houses further established Nation First as an important contribution to military literature and stories of patriotism. This recognition is stronger than a simple review because it was an exclusive interview by India Today, one of India’s most influential media organisations. It carries greater authority and prestige.
Featured by SheThePeople
The story behind Nation First was featured by SheThePeople, a leading platform celebrating inspiring voices and stories of courage. The feature highlighted Shikha Akhilesh Saxena’s journey as the wife of a Kargil War Hero and her determination to document the untold human side of war. Through her personal experiences, she shared how fear, uncertainty, and adversity can be transformed into courage, resilience, and hope. The feature resonated with readers for its powerful message that true strength is often found not on the battlefield alone, but also in the hearts of the families who stand behind those who serve the nation. This recognition is particularly valuable because it positions Shikha Akhilesh Saxena not only as an author, but also as a woman whose personal journey inspires others. It strengthens her as a best-selling author, storyteller, advocate for military families, and voice of resilience and patriotism. “My heart was full of fear but I knew courage was the only way forward.” By SheThePeople. This version aligns more closely with the actual theme of the SheThePeople feature and positions her as both an author and an inspiring voice for military families.
Featured on Doordarshan National
Shikha Akhilesh Saxena and Captain Akhilesh Saxena were featured on the popular DD Morning Show on Doordarshan National, where they shared their extraordinary journey of courage, sacrifice, resilience, and hope. The inspiring conversation offered viewers a glimpse into the realities of military life, the challenges faced during and after the Kargil War, and the unwavering spirit that helped them rebuild their lives after adversity. Through this national platform, they highlighted the values of patriotism, perseverance, and service to the nation, inspiring audiences across the country. This recognition is particularly significant because it is not a book review but a national television feature focused on Shikha Akhilesh Saxena life journey and the message behind Nation First. It strengthens her positioning as a best-selling author, storyteller, advocate for military families, and motivational speaker, while also bringing visibility to Captain Akhilesh Saxena’s inspiring story of resilience after the Kargil War.
Nation First Featured Among Selected Books at the International Book Fair
A proud milestone in the journey of Nation First came when the book was selected by the National Book Trust, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, for display at the Theme Pavilion during the International Book Fair. Out of thousands of published titles, only a limited number of books were chosen for this prestigious showcase, and Nation First was featured among them. The book was displayed alongside works by distinguished military leaders and authors, highlighting its contribution to preserving India’s military history and the human stories behind national service. Selection by the National Book Trust is a significant acknowledgment of the book’s literary and historical value. It reflects the importance of documenting the sacrifices, resilience, and untold experiences of military families. This recognition not only honours the story behind Nation First but also amplifies the voices of countless families who quietly place the nation above themselves. It stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling in preserving India’s legacy of courage, service, and patriotism.
Featured on Doordarshan National – Book Launch of Kargil Yuddha
The launch of कारगिल युद्ध: वीरता और देशभक्ति की सत्य गाथा was featured on DD Morning Show on Doordarshan National, bringing the book and its message to viewers across the country. During the programme, Shikha Akhilesh Saxena shared the inspiration behind writing the Hindi edition and her mission to make the stories of Kargil’s heroes accessible to a wider audience. The feature highlighted the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, while also shedding light on the resilience of military families. This national recognition reinforced the importance of preserving real stories of valour and inspiring future generations through the lessons of our Armed Forces. This recognition is especially meaningful because it marks the launch of Hindi book – Kargil Yuddha and demonstrates how the stories of Kargil heroes are reaching a wider audience through national media. It also reinforces Shikha Akhilesh Saxena position as a best-selling author, storyteller, and advocate for preserving India’s military history and stories of nation-building.
Featured in The Times of India
Nation First was featured in The Times of India, one of India’s most respected and widely read newspapers. The feature recognised the book as an inspiring account of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, bringing the human side of the Kargil War to a broader audience. Highlighting the extraordinary journey of Captain Akhilesh Saxena and the experiences of military families, the article acknowledged the book’s unique contribution to military literature and storytelling. This recognition by The Times of India reflects the growing appreciation among readers for authentic stories that celebrate patriotism, leadership, and the indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. This recognition carries significant weight because it comes from India’s largest English-language newspaper. It serves as strong social proof that Nation First has resonated with readers and gained recognition from mainstream national media, further strengthening Shikha Akhilesh Saxena position as a best-selling author and storyteller of courage, resilience, and nation-building.
Featured by Scroll.in
An exclusive excerpt from Nation First was featured by Scroll.in, one of India’s leading digital news and literary platforms. The article brought national attention to the often-overlooked experiences of military families during the Kargil War, sharing the uncertainty, courage, and emotional resilience required to navigate life when a loved one is serving on the front lines. Through this feature, readers were offered a rare glimpse into the human side of war and the sacrifices made not only by soldiers but also by the families who stand behind them. The publication helped amplify the book’s message of courage, patriotism, resilience, and unwavering hope in the face of adversity. This recognition is particularly valuable because Scroll.in did not simply review the book they chose to publish an excerpt from it. That signals editorial confidence in the quality and relevance of Shikha Akhilesh Saxena’s writing and positions her not only as an author but as a storyteller whose work contributes to the national conversation on military history, patriotism, and the human cost of war.
Featured by FORCE Magazine
Nation First and its author, Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, were featured in FORCE Magazine, one of India’s leading publications on national security, defence, and strategic affairs. The feature highlighted the inspiring journey behind the book and explored how adversity can be transformed into strength, purpose, and resilience. It also brought attention to the often-overlooked role of Army families and the invaluable support system provided by the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA). By sharing the human side of military life, the feature reinforced the book’s message of courage, perseverance, patriotism, and the power of turning challenges into opportunities. This recognition is particularly noteworthy because FORCE is a respected defence publication read by military professionals, veterans, policymakers, and defence enthusiasts. Unlike mainstream media coverage, this feature acknowledges her work within the defence community itself, lending significant credibility to Nation First as a meaningful contribution to military literature and the stories of India’s Armed Forces.
Featured by BooksFirst
Nation First was featured by BooksFirst in its curated list of must-read books on Army life, alongside some of India’s most respected military authors and defence literature. The recommendation recognised the book’s authentic portrayal of military life, the realities of war, and the resilience of soldiers and their families. By highlighting Nation First among notable works on military history and leadership, BooksFirst acknowledged its contribution to preserving stories of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and the human spirit. The inclusion introduced the book to a wider community of readers interested in the Indian Armed Forces and inspirational real-life narratives. This recognition is particularly meaningful because it places Nation First alongside acclaimed books by distinguished military leaders and authors such as General V. P. Malik, Lt Gen Satish Dua, Lt Gen K.J.S. Dhillon, and Rajpal Punia. For readers and book lovers, this serves as a strong endorsement of the book’s relevance and value within the genre of military history, leadership, and inspirational literature.
Featured by ThePrint
The launch of Nation First was featured by ThePrint, one of India’s leading digital news platforms, in an article that explored the enduring impact of the Kargil War and the stories it continues to inspire. The feature highlighted the book’s unique perspective as a memoir written by the wife of a Kargil War veteran, bringing together themes of love, sacrifice, military traditions, and resilience. It also captured the rich discussions that took place during the book launch, where distinguished military leaders, veterans, and thought leaders reflected on the lessons of the Kargil War. The coverage helped introduce Nation First to a wider audience and reinforced its significance as a powerful narrative of courage, patriotism, and the human side of military service. This is a particularly prestigious recognition because ThePrint did not merely review the book; it covered the launch event itself and highlighted the conversations around military traditions, leadership, and the legacy of the Kargil War. The presence of distinguished personalities such as General V. P. Malik, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, and other eminent guests further underscored the significance of the book and its contribution to preserving stories of courage and nation-building.
Featured by ThePrint and PTI
Nation First received national media attention through a feature published by Press Trust of India (PTI) and carried by ThePrint. The article highlighted the book’s unique focus on the often-overlooked experiences of Army wives and military families during the Kargil War. It recognised the memoir as a powerful account of courage, sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism, bringing to light the emotional challenges faced both on the battlefield and at home. The feature also acknowledged the book’s contribution to documenting first-hand experiences of military life and preserving the values, traditions, and spirit of the Indian Armed Forces for future generations. This recognition is especially important because it came through PTI (Press Trust of India), India’s premier news agency. Once PTI carries a story, it is often picked up by multiple newspapers and media houses across the country. This was a national news feature rather than simply a book review, as it reflects the wider public interest generated by Nation First and its powerful portrayal of military families and the Kargil War.
Amazon Bestseller – #1 in True Accounts
Nation First achieved the distinction of becoming an Amazon Bestseller, securing the #1 position in the Kindle “True Accounts” category. This milestone reflects the overwhelming appreciation and support received from readers who connected with the book’s authentic portrayal of courage, sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism. Written from the perspective of an Army wife, the memoir offers a unique and deeply personal account of the Kargil War and its lasting impact on soldiers and their families. Reaching the top position on Amazon reaffirmed the relevance of these real-life stories and the enduring interest of readers in narratives that inspire, educate, and honour the spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. This recognition deserves a special place because it is reader validation. Bestseller status is earned when readers choose to buy and recommend a book. This is one of the strongest indicators of credibility and impact, especially placing Shikha Akhilesh Saxena as a best-selling author, storyteller, and chronicler of courage, leadership, and nation-building.
Amazon #1 Hot New Release – Hindi Edition
कारगिल युद्ध: वीरता और देशभक्ति की सत्य गाथा, the Hindi edition of Nation First, achieved the #1 position in Amazon’s Hot New Releases category, reflecting the enthusiastic response from readers across the country. The recognition demonstrated a growing interest in authentic stories of the Kargil War, military life, and the sacrifices made by India’s soldiers and their families. By bringing these inspiring stories to Hindi readers, the book expanded its reach and connected with a wider audience seeking narratives of courage, patriotism, resilience, and nation-building. This achievement stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of real-life stories that honour the spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. This recognition is particularly special because it shows that the impact of Nation First successfully crossed language barriers. The Hindi edition not only reached new readers but also secured the top position on Amazon shortly after its release, reinforcing Shikha Akhilesh Saxena reputation as a best-selling author and storyteller whose work resonates with readers across India.
Featured by The Dispatch
Nation First received appreciation from The Dispatch, which described the book as an inspiring memoir that highlights not only the bravery of Indian soldiers but also the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of their families. The feature recognized the unique perspective of an Army wife, bringing to light the untold human side of the Kargil War. This acknowledgment reinforces the book’s mission of preserving stories of patriotism, leadership, and unwavering determination for future generations.
(Suggestion: On the Recognitions page, place the publication logo, screenshot, publication date (if available), and a button saying “Read Full Feature” below this description. This will make the page look more professional and improve credibility.)
Featured by The Indian Express
Shikha Akhilesh Saxena’s Nation First was featured in The Indian Express as part of its curated roundup of noteworthy books published during the month. The feature recognised the memoir for offering a distinctive perspective on the Kargil War through the eyes of an Army officer’s wife who experienced the conflict and its aftermath firsthand. The article highlighted how Nation First presents a deeply personal account of courage, uncertainty, sacrifice, and resilience, bringing readers closer to the realities faced by soldiers and their families during times of war. By documenting experiences that are rarely captured in military narratives, the book contributes to a broader understanding of the human side of conflict and the strength required to overcome adversity. The inclusion in The Indian Express reinforced the book’s significance as an inspiring work of military literature that preserves stories of patriotism, leadership, and nation-building for future generations. This recognition is particularly important because The Indian Express did not merely review the book—it selected Nation First as one of the noteworthy books of the month and highlighted its unique narrative voice. Such editorial recognition from a leading national newspaper strengthens Shikha Akhilesh Saxena’s position as a respected author and storyteller whose work contributes meaningfully to Indian military literature.
Featured on Jagran Josh TV – Independence Day Special
Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, best-selling author of Nation First, was featured on Jagran Josh TV as part of a special Independence Day programme alongside Kargil War Hero Captain Akhilesh Saxena. The discussion focused on the inspiration behind Nation First, the lessons of courage and resilience drawn from the Kargil War, and the enduring values that strengthen the nation.
The interview provided an opportunity to share the stories of soldiers, military families, and the spirit of service that inspired the book. Through this special feature, Jagran Josh TV highlighted the importance of preserving stories of patriotism, leadership, sacrifice, and nation-building for future generations. The programme served as a meaningful tribute to India’s journey of freedom and the individuals whose courage and commitment continue to inspire the nation. This feature is valuable as it positions Shikha Akhilesh Saxena not only as an author but also as a thought leader and storyteller who uses real-life experiences to inspire discussions on patriotism, leadership, resilience, and national pride.
Featured on DD National: A Life Story of Courage and Resilience
Shikha Akhilesh Saxena and Kargil War Hero Captain Akhilesh Saxena were featured in a special episode on DD National that chronicled their extraordinary life journey. The programme explored their experiences during and after the Kargil War, highlighting themes of courage, resilience, sacrifice, and perseverance. Through candid conversations, the episode offered viewers a rare glimpse into the realities faced by military families and the strength required to overcome adversity. It also showcased the inspiration behind the books Nation First and कारगिल युद्ध: वीरता और देशभक्ति की सत्य गाथा, bringing these powerful stories to audiences across the country. Being featured in a dedicated episode on DD National, India’s public service broadcaster, reflects the national relevance of the journey shared by Shikha Akhilesh Saxena and Captain Akhilesh Saxena. The programme helped bring stories of patriotism, service, resilience, and nation-building to a wider audience, inspiring viewers while preserving the legacy of the Kargil War and the sacrifices made by military families.
Featured in Life Sanjeevani Magazine – Inspiring Women Leader
Shikha Akhilesh Saxena was featured in Life Sanjeevani magazine for her inspiring journey as a Kargil War Hero’s wife, educator, entrepreneur, and Mrs India Trendsetter 2018. The article highlighted her commitment to fitness, women’s empowerment, nation-building, and social service. It also showcased how she transformed personal challenges into opportunities to inspire others through leadership, education, and motivational initiatives. This feature celebrated Shikha Akhilesh Saxena as a role model who successfully balances family, social responsibility, and professional excellence. It recognised her efforts to inspire women to lead healthier, purposeful lives while contributing meaningfully to society and the nation. The article reinforced her message that determination, resilience, and service can create a lasting impact on future generations.
Featured Author at the International World Book Fair
Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, best-selling author of Nation First, was invited to participate in the New Delhi World Book Fair at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan—one of the largest and most prestigious literary events in the country. The event provided readers, literature enthusiasts, and members of the literary community an opportunity to interact with the author and explore the inspiring stories behind her work. Through discussions and reader interactions, Shikha Akhilesh Saxena shared the journey behind Nation First, a memoir that captures the courage, sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism of soldiers and military families during the Kargil War. The fair served as a vibrant platform to connect with readers from across India and promote meaningful conversations on military history, leadership, nation-building, and the power of real-life storytelling. Participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair further strengthened the reach of Nation First, helping its message of courage and service resonate with an even wider audience. This recognition is valuable because the New Delhi World Book Fair is one of India’s most influential literary gatherings. Being featured as an author at this prestigious event reinforces Shikha Akhilesh Saxena’s standing as a respected author and storyteller whose work continues to inspire readers through authentic stories of patriotism, courage, and resilience.
Featured Author at the World Book Fair – Hindi Literature
Shikha Akhilesh Saxena participated in the World Book Fair at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where her Hindi book कारगिल युद्ध: वीरता और देशभक्ति की सत्य गाथा was showcased by Prabhat Prakashan, one of India’s leading publishing houses. The event provided an opportunity for readers, literature enthusiasts, students, and history lovers to discover stories that celebrate courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and the indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces.
As the Hindi edition of the best-selling memoir Nation First, the book brings the inspiring stories of the Kargil War and its heroes to a wider audience. Through authentic accounts and powerful storytelling, it preserves the legacy of soldiers who defended the nation under extraordinary circumstances and highlights the resilience of the families who stood beside them. The World Book Fair served as an important platform for connecting with readers from across the country and promoting literature that inspires national pride, leadership, and nation-building. The participation of Shikha Akhilesh Saxena at this prestigious literary gathering reflects the growing reach and impact of her work among Hindi readers. This recognition is particularly valuable because it highlights Shikha Akhilesh Saxena’s presence in India’s largest literary marketplace and showcases कारगिल युद्ध as an important contribution to Hindi literature, military history, and patriotic storytelling.
Featured Among the Best Books on the Kargil War
कारगिल युद्ध: वीरता और देशभक्ति की सत्य गाथा by Shikha Akhilesh Saxena was featured among a curated selection of notable books on the Kargil War, highlighting its contribution to preserving the stories of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that emerged from one of India’s most significant military conflicts. The recognition placed the book alongside respected works on military history and the Kargil campaign, reflecting its growing acceptance among readers interested in understanding the human side of war. Through first-hand accounts, personal experiences, and inspiring narratives, the book offers readers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by soldiers and military families during and after the conflict. Its inclusion in this distinguished collection reinforces the importance of documenting real stories that honour the legacy of India’s Armed Forces and inspire future generations with the values of resilience, leadership, and nation-building. This recognition is especially valuable because it positions Kargil Yuddha book within a select group of books dedicated to the Kargil War. It serves as an endorsement of the book’s relevance, authenticity, and contribution to preserving India’s military history and stories of extraordinary courage.