'Don't Regret My Sacrifice, Be Proud', Captain Akhilesh Wrote In Last Letter To Wife Amid Kargil War

Soldiers don't just defend our national borders, but rather, they lay down everything they have, including their lives, to ensure the safety of our country. Presently, India is facing a critical situation after Pakistan is constantly attacking the northwest frontier of the country post-Operation Sindoor conducted by India in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. Amid all this, the citizens across the border have been able to sleep and live safely because our brave soldiers are awake to protect us. 

Not just them but even their families serve the nation in silence by letting their loved ones go on their duty to protect the nation. One such story is that of Captain Akhilesh Saxena and his wife, Shikha Saxena, which is filled with courage, deep love, and extraordinary sacrifice.

Akhilesh Saxena wrote an emotional 'last letter' to his wife, Shikha Saxena

It all goes back to 1999 when Captain Akhilesh Saxena was just 24 and tied the knot with his wife, Shikha Saxena, who was 23 years old. He was called to the battlefield during the 1999 Kargil War, barely a month after marrying Shikha. Being an artillery officer, he led important attacks near the Line of Control (LoC) in the most challenging situations. This difficult time strengthened his relationship with Shikha who awaited his return. When, in June, the dead bodies of soldiers who went to the Kargil War were brought back, Shikha who had no way to contact Akhilesh was filled with negative thoughts but faced the situation with bravery. In her words:

"The moment I saw bodies of soldiers returning on the news, I feared the worst. But I knew I had to be strong. Courage was the only way forward."

On the other hand, Captain Akhilesh was tasked to lead a convoy of artillery guns of a regiment and soon was called near a crucial post in LOC. It was a vital moment when every officer was asked to write a 'last letter' for their loved ones in case they didn't return. Shikha never had to receive that letter, but years later, when she read the letter, she was left it tears as it read:

"Meri shahadat ka afsos mat karna, uspar garv karna" (Don't regret my sacrifice; be proud of it.) 

Shikha Saxena supported Captain Akhilesh Saxena after he suffered permanent disabilities

When Captain Akhilesh Saxena was involved in a significant assault by his unit, his left palm was almost detached, and his body was affected with bullet wounds. He walked for hours alone to seek medical help. On the other hand, Shikha, full of concern, found support from other army wives, and after months, when the war ended, Captain Akhilesh returned. However, he had a missing palm and haunting memories from the war. 

Captain Akhilesh was medically declared unfit for service and remained unconscious for three days after returning. His body was weak and injured, but his spirit was unbroken. They fought together for another year as he spent one year in hospital and doctors rebuilt his palm but with no moment. Sharing how he either wanted to join the army or do something else, he said:

"Disability was the small price I paid for a country's freedom."

Captain Akhilesh and Shikha Saxena transitioned into the corporate world

Captain Akhilesh and Shikha Saxena faced years of physical and emotional healing before they made the challenging call to transition into the corporate world. It wasn't easy, but together they did it all. The couple are parents to two kids aged 22 and 19 years old. Akhilesh serves as a Vice President at an Indian company, while Shikha Saxena, now an author, speaker, and founder of Inspiring Mantras, turned her pain into power. She has become a popular motivational speaker and penned a book, Nation First, released in May 2023, which carries stories of strength and glory from the battlefield to daily life. Sharing her views on the spirit of army wives, she says:

"We don't wear stars on our shoulders like our husbands, but we carry the same spirit. The pride and pain of being an army wife never leave you. It's a silent uniform we wear every day."

Just like Captain Akhilesh Saxena and his wife, Shikha Saxena, there are many tales about Indian solders which highlight how Indian soilders and their family make unsaid sacrifices for the country. 

Next Read: 1999 Kargil War Hero, Shaheed Captain, Vijayant's 'LAST LETTER' To Parents: 'Please Come And See..'

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)