Nation First
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 the Tololing, 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.
Praise for the book
Sh. Nitin Jairam Gadkari
Minister for Road Transport & Highways. Government of India.
Birender Singh Dhanoa (Retd.)
Air Chief Marshal
Anupam Kher
Actor, Producer, and Director
‘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!’
Dr Annurag Batra
Chairman BW Businessworld and founder exchange4media
‘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.”’
Barkha Dutt
Indian television journalist and author
‘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.’
Anand Neelakantan
author of Asura: Tale of the Vanquished and Bahubali trilogy
One can only read this with tears, pride and patriotism. A tribute to valour and courage.’