About
Childhood and Values
I was born into a family of doctors and grew up watching dedication, compassion, and service in action. My mother, Dr. Vedwati, a gynaecologist and surgeon, and my father, Dr. Rajendra, an orthopaedic surgeon, devoted their lives to caring for others. Their patients were always their priority. As a child, I often watched them leave family celebrations, festivals, and even meals midway to attend medical emergencies. There were times when I missed my mother so much that I would sleep wrapped in her saree, waiting for her to return from the hospital. Yet, even as a child, I understood that they were serving a purpose greater than themselves. Those experiences shaped my worldview. Dedication, sincerity, hard work, integrity, and service to the community were not lessons taught through words; they were values demonstrated every day through action. After school, I developed a keen interest in computers at a time when Information Technology was beginning to transform the world. Fascinated by the possibilities technology offered, I pursued a postgraduate degree in Information Technology and began my professional career with HCL-HP. Programming became my passion. From COBOL and UNIX to C, C++, Java, FoxPro, and Windows-based applications, I enjoyed creating solutions and exploring the rapidly evolving world of technology. My journey later expanded into multimedia and creative communication when I established an Arena Multimedia centre in Dehradun. There, I immersed myself in graphic design, animation, 2D and 3D modelling, and digital storytelling. Looking back, I realise that this blend of technology and creativity laid the foundation for my future journey as an author and storyteller.
Experiences as the Wife of a Kargil War Hero
The life of a soldier is often admired from a distance, but few truly understand the sacrifices hidden behind the uniform.
I often compare military life to a sacred havan. The fragrance and positive energy benefit everyone around, but the person performing the ritual bears the heat of the fire. Similarly, soldiers endure hardship, uncertainty, separation, and danger so that millions of fellow citizens can live peacefully.
Soon after our marriage, my husband, Captain Akhilesh Saxena, was posted to Kashmir and then to Kargil. The reality of military life unfolded quickly. The certainty that most people take for granted disappeared overnight, replaced by a life where every phone call, every message, and every news report carried significance.
The Kargil War was among the most challenging conflicts fought by India. The terrain was as formidable as the enemy. Our soldiers climbed steep, barren mountains under direct enemy fire, fully aware of the risks they faced. Many made the ultimate sacrifice so that the nation could remain secure.
While soldiers fight at the front, their families fight silent battles at home. The role of an Army wife is often invisible but deeply significant. We learn to absorb worries, solve problems, support elders, raise children, and maintain stability, all while ensuring that our soldiers remain focused on their mission.
My husband’s journey through war, injury, recovery, and rebuilding life after Kargil taught me invaluable lessons about courage, resilience, faith, and the power of never giving up. These experiences would later become the foundation of my writing.
Journey as an Author
My journey as an author began with a simple but powerful realisation: stories have the power to heal, inspire, and transform lives.
For military families, uncertainty has always been a part of life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed that millions of people were experiencing a similar sense of fear and uncertainty. Many felt overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure about the future.
It was during this period that I felt compelled to write. I wanted people to know that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is moving forward despite fear.
Our family’s experiences during and after the Kargil War taught us that adversity can be overcome with determination, hope, and resilience. If we could rebuild our lives after war and disability, others could find the strength to overcome their own challenges as well. This conviction led to the creation of my books, including the best-selling memoir Nation First and its Hindi edition Kargil Yuddha: Veerta Aur Deshbhakti Ki Satya Gatha.
While many books have documented military operations and battlefield strategies, I wanted to capture the human side of war—the emotions, struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs that often remain untold. Through my writing, I seek to answer questions that are rarely discussed:
What does a soldier endure on the battlefield? | What happens to families waiting anxiously at home? | How do wounded soldiers rebuild their lives after war? | How does courage survive when hope seems lost?
The answers lie in real stories, and those stories deserve to be told.
Why I Document Stories of Courage, Sacrifice, and Nation-Building
Every nation is shaped by the stories it chooses to remember. Heroes inspire generations not merely through their achievements but through the values they embody. Courage, integrity, duty, resilience, sacrifice, and service are timeless virtues that strengthen societies and shape responsible citizens. Unfortunately, many extraordinary stories remain unheard. Countless soldiers, military families, teachers, doctors, social workers, and ordinary citizens quietly contribute to nation-building without recognition. Through my books and writing, I strive to preserve these stories before they are lost to time. My work is not only about documenting history. It is about preserving values. It is about helping readers discover role models who inspire them to lead meaningful lives and contribute positively to society.
My Mission
As an author, storyteller, and Founder of Inspiring Mantras, my mission is to inspire future generations through authentic stories of courage, leadership, resilience, and patriotism. I believe every citizen can contribute to nation-building when guided by the right values. Through my books, articles, talks, and initiatives, I seek to ignite a spirit of responsibility, purpose, and service. If even one reader finds the courage to overcome adversity, serve society, or pursue a larger purpose after reading my work, I consider my mission successful. Because stories do more than entertain.
They shape character, They preserve legacies.
And sometimes, they change lives.
Beyond Writing
While writing is my passion, my journey extends far beyond the pages of a book. Every role I have embraced as an entrepreneur, IT professional, educator, public speaker, and social reformer has shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to inspiring positive change.
Driven by a vision to create a more responsible, resilient, and purpose-driven society, I founded Inspiring Mantras, a platform dedicated to leadership development, motivation, and nation-building. Through inspiring stories, leadership lessons, and real-life experiences from the Armed Forces, we conduct keynote sessions, workshops, and transformational programs for corporations, educational institutions, and youth across India. Our mission is simple: to inspire every individual to think, lead, and contribute like a soldier serving society with integrity, dedication, and a sense of purpose.
My professional journey began in the world of Information Technology. Armed with a postgraduate qualification in Information Technology, I started my career with HCL-HP and worked extensively in software development and technology-driven environments. My curiosity for innovation later led me into entrepreneurship, where I established and managed a successful multimedia and technology education centre. This experience taught me the value of leadership, problem-solving, creativity, and continuous learning qualities that continue to influence my work as an author and speaker.
Education has always been close to my heart. Over nearly two decades, I have worked in the fields of technology and education, mentoring students and helping young minds discover their potential. As an educator, I learned that true learning goes beyond textbooks. Character, values, leadership, and resilience are equally important in shaping successful individuals. These principles remain central to my work today, whether through books, workshops, or public engagements.
In 2018, I was honoured with the title of Mrs India Trendsetter at the prestigious Mrs India Queen of Substance pageant.
For me, this recognition was never about a crown. It was an acknowledgement of the belief that women can create meaningful change through leadership, purpose, and social contribution. The platform enabled me to amplify my message of courage, empowerment, and service to society.
Creating a positive impact in society has always been a personal responsibility. I am associated with Disabled War Veterans (India) (DIWAVE), an organisation recognised and supported by the Ministry of Defence. I believe it is our collective responsibility to support those who have sacrificed a part of themselves while protecting our nation. Beyond assistance, they deserve our deepest respect, recognition, and gratitude for their courage and service. As a small contribution to this cause, I developed and continue to manage DIWAVE’s website. I also remain actively involved in its documentation and communication activities, helping preserve the stories, achievements, and concerns of our disabled war veterans so that their sacrifices are never forgotten. As a member of the Army Welfare Wife Association (AWWA) and through my association with organisations supporting disabled war veterans, I actively work towards the welfare of soldiers’ families, widows, and children. I also support educational and social initiatives for underprivileged communities, believing that knowledge and guidance are among the most powerful gifts one can offer. My work is a tribute to the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and a commitment to ensuring that their stories, values, and contributions continue to inspire future generations.
As a public speaker, author, and storyteller, I regularly engage with corporate leaders, students, educators, and community groups across India. My talks focus on leadership, resilience, patriotism, women empowerment, nation-building, and lessons from the Armed Forces. Drawing from real-life experiences, I share stories that encourage individuals to overcome challenges, embrace responsibility, and lead with purpose. Whether through a book, a keynote address, or a community initiative, my goal remains the same to inspire people to believe in themselves, contribute to society, and become catalysts for positive change.
