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Balidan: Stories of India's Greatest Para Special Forces Operatives
Few possess greater courage, yet remain in oblivion, than the Indian Para Special Forces. To these brave officers, worthy owners of the Balidan badge, is entrusted the safety of the most perilous heights and the annihilation of the darkest underbellies of terrorism. The legacy of these warriors is shrouded in mystery and legend. So secretive are their missions that little is known about them beyond code names like Dagger, Ghost, Viper or Desert Scorpio.
In this remarkable collection of tales of valour beyond measure, Swapnil Pandey lifts the curtain on some of the greatest Special Forces officers and introduces readers to Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Captain Tushar Mahajan, Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, Subedar Major Mahendra Singh and others. Based on more than two hundred interviews with the friends and families of these men, conducted over one year and multiple trips to various Special Forces Units near the LoC and the LAC, Balidan seeks to resurrect these men from the shadows for the first time ever.
In this remarkable collection of tales of valour beyond measure, Swapnil Pandey lifts the curtain on some of the greatest Special Forces officers and introduces readers to Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Captain Tushar Mahajan, Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, Subedar Major Mahendra Singh and others. Based on more than two hundred interviews with the friends and families of these men, conducted over one year and multiple trips to various Special Forces Units near the LoC and the LAC, Balidan seeks to resurrect these men from the shadows for the first time ever.
- GenresMilitary FictionIndia
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2023
52 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Swapnil Pandey
10 books74 followersSwapnil Pandey is a national bestselling author in India, renowned for her extensively researched books that shed light on the lives and sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces personnel and their families. Her notable works include Balidan: the stories of Para Special Forces, The Force Behind the Forces and Soldier's Girl which aim to foster greater public awareness and appreciation for the military community. An alumna of Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Swapnil has worked with leading organizations such as Wipro and HDFC. She has also served as a faculty member at Lovely Professional University and the Army Public School.
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July 16, 2023'Balidan' is one of the first books written ever on the Indian Para Special Forces. I read a couple of books written by Swapnil Ma'am previously. I would thank her for bringing out stories of the National Heroes who wear maroon berets. Before reading this book, I knew about Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat and Captain Tushar Mahajan. With my recent inclination towards non-fiction books, my quest for learning about Indian Armed Forces never subsided. I got occupied with my corporate life. The book consists of 6 stories about the soldiers of the Para Special Forces. As a reader, I would say the book has a lot of offer if you are curious about the Para SF. In my opinion, soldiers can motivate you in life, irrespective of your work environment. The book has been written in simple language, drawing references from prestigious Defence Academies, commanding units, and encounters. I would quote from Chapter 1, "A commando's life dangles on a thin thread, where a split second can decide his fate forever."
As a civilian, most of us turn patriotic only on two occasions, namely our Independence and Republic Day. However, the stories brought in this book states that there are different race who live by the motto 'शौर्यम..दक्षम..युध्धेय, बलिदान परम धर्मा.' The journey of every Para SF has been well-captured by the author. At every inconvenience at work, people curse their jobs till they leave the organization. But, the book preaches loud that an injured soldier would continue to bleed for the Indian Armed Forces till death and maybe beyond that. Reading this book taught me various things about life that my work wouldn't have taught me. An ustad's statement from chapter 2 says, "Your religion is your boys…. As an officer, you are everything, all of these religions." Indian Army has lots to offer to everyone reading about them.
You will want to google Brigadier S.S. Shekhawat as you read the book. It would compel the readers to watch his interviews. "One must not lead one's life in fear of death." I read this book at a faster pace. I was curious about Major Manish Singh, Subedar Major/Honorary Captain Mahendra Singh, and the Band of Brothers. Every chapter where the soldiers didn't return safe, it was gut-wrenching.
Everyone should pick up this book and read about - what it takes to wear a maroon beret, or be associated with a soldier who wears a 'Balidan' badge, and these soldiers who live in dark jungles to sanitize the surroundings for fellow Indians.
As a civilian, most of us turn patriotic only on two occasions, namely our Independence and Republic Day. However, the stories brought in this book states that there are different race who live by the motto 'शौर्यम..दक्षम..युध्धेय, बलिदान परम धर्मा.' The journey of every Para SF has been well-captured by the author. At every inconvenience at work, people curse their jobs till they leave the organization. But, the book preaches loud that an injured soldier would continue to bleed for the Indian Armed Forces till death and maybe beyond that. Reading this book taught me various things about life that my work wouldn't have taught me. An ustad's statement from chapter 2 says, "Your religion is your boys…. As an officer, you are everything, all of these religions." Indian Army has lots to offer to everyone reading about them.
You will want to google Brigadier S.S. Shekhawat as you read the book. It would compel the readers to watch his interviews. "One must not lead one's life in fear of death." I read this book at a faster pace. I was curious about Major Manish Singh, Subedar Major/Honorary Captain Mahendra Singh, and the Band of Brothers. Every chapter where the soldiers didn't return safe, it was gut-wrenching.
Everyone should pick up this book and read about - what it takes to wear a maroon beret, or be associated with a soldier who wears a 'Balidan' badge, and these soldiers who live in dark jungles to sanitize the surroundings for fellow Indians.
December 31, 2023
Writing - 3/5
Stories - 5/5
Stories - 5/5
September 28, 2024
It is always a smart move to discover a country through its elites, and the Special Forces Units wearing the maroon beret and the Balidan badge certainly are the elite of the Indian army. So secretive are their missions that little is known about them beyond code names like Dagger, Ghost, Viper, or Desert Scorpio.
In her book Balidan, Swapnil Pandey tells the story of India’s greatest Para Special Forces operatives through portraits of exceptional characters belonging to the 21 Para SF (also known as the Waghnakhs), the 9 Para SF (the Ghost Operators of the Valley, or the NINE), and the 4 Para SF (the Fourth of the North).
She makes the claim that India’s special Forces are “the most elite of forces from around the world” (p.151). Considering the legends surrounding the Green Berets or the Navy SEALS in the United States or the 1er RPIMa and the 13ème RDP in France, claiming that Indian Special Forces are “the best in the world” (p.xviii) is a very strong and bold statement.
It is backed by the following arguments:
1/ Indian Special Forces are the most selective in the world. From a young age, boys dream of entering the National Defense Academy as a personal goal or to follow a family military tradition. The pool of candidates from which soldiers are chosen is arguably the largest in the world. Competition is fierce. To enter the coveted world of the marroon beret, the Balidan badge and the Special Forces operations, competition is even fiercer. It is said that the attrition rate to be admitted to the 9 Para (SF) is “close to 99.9 per cent” (p.152). Think about that.
2/ Indian Special Forces go through one of the harshest training phase ever conceived. They are trained for reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, and special operations and acquire a set of advanced military skills such as sky-diving, weapons training, counter-insurgency, languages, and warfare in different terrains, among other things. In the world of special operations, it is said that high-altitude mountain warfare and amphibious operations are the most demanding. Indian paratroopers are trained for both of them. The Army Combat Underwater Diving Course at INS in Kochi is “one of the most challenging courses in the world of the SF” (p.118). So is training at the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, Kashmir.
3/ Indian Special Forces are “the most combat-rich and battle-hardened soldiers in the world” (p.45). Some of their feats of arms, such as the Kargil conflict in 1999 or the many China-India skirmishes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), are public and are of the stuff from which legends are made. Other operations are covert and shrouded in secrecy. Special Forces are regularly deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to counter the infiltration of highly trained Pakistani terrorists. In Swapnil Pandey’s account, other commandos are sent in enemy’s territory in the border areas of Myanmar or In the jungles along the Line of Control (LoC) to carry out cross-border surgical strikes or reconnaissance operations. “Sometimes they would hide for days without any food or water, silently observing enemy movement” (p.8). Paras are trained well to hide and attack only when needed. “They are everywhere, but they are invisible” (p.91).
4/ Indian Special Forces operatives are of the highest moral fiber. Balidan is a hagiography book, and the author goes the extra mile in emphasizing the exceptional character of the soldiers she portrays. But one cannot be but impressed by the chivalry of this band of brothers, the bravery of their deeds, and the gallantry of their awards and medals. For the author, “wars and the legends that emerge from them allow us to witness the pinnacle of human valour and spirit” (p.27). Warriors from the Special Forces acquire a godlike character, as the paratroopers she compares with “that original fearless free faller Lord Hanuman, who flew effortlessly, not with a parachute but with an entire mountain on his back” (p.36).
For every great man, there is an even greater woman. The portraits of these exceptional soldiers are completed by vignettes showing the caring kindness of their partners, their wives, and alas, in some cases, their widows. “Someone once said that only a woman of steel can love a man in uniform” (p.160). In Balidan, Swapnil Pandey adds a feminine touch to her story of manly achievements.
In her book Balidan, Swapnil Pandey tells the story of India’s greatest Para Special Forces operatives through portraits of exceptional characters belonging to the 21 Para SF (also known as the Waghnakhs), the 9 Para SF (the Ghost Operators of the Valley, or the NINE), and the 4 Para SF (the Fourth of the North).
She makes the claim that India’s special Forces are “the most elite of forces from around the world” (p.151). Considering the legends surrounding the Green Berets or the Navy SEALS in the United States or the 1er RPIMa and the 13ème RDP in France, claiming that Indian Special Forces are “the best in the world” (p.xviii) is a very strong and bold statement.
It is backed by the following arguments:
1/ Indian Special Forces are the most selective in the world. From a young age, boys dream of entering the National Defense Academy as a personal goal or to follow a family military tradition. The pool of candidates from which soldiers are chosen is arguably the largest in the world. Competition is fierce. To enter the coveted world of the marroon beret, the Balidan badge and the Special Forces operations, competition is even fiercer. It is said that the attrition rate to be admitted to the 9 Para (SF) is “close to 99.9 per cent” (p.152). Think about that.
2/ Indian Special Forces go through one of the harshest training phase ever conceived. They are trained for reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, and special operations and acquire a set of advanced military skills such as sky-diving, weapons training, counter-insurgency, languages, and warfare in different terrains, among other things. In the world of special operations, it is said that high-altitude mountain warfare and amphibious operations are the most demanding. Indian paratroopers are trained for both of them. The Army Combat Underwater Diving Course at INS in Kochi is “one of the most challenging courses in the world of the SF” (p.118). So is training at the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, Kashmir.
3/ Indian Special Forces are “the most combat-rich and battle-hardened soldiers in the world” (p.45). Some of their feats of arms, such as the Kargil conflict in 1999 or the many China-India skirmishes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), are public and are of the stuff from which legends are made. Other operations are covert and shrouded in secrecy. Special Forces are regularly deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to counter the infiltration of highly trained Pakistani terrorists. In Swapnil Pandey’s account, other commandos are sent in enemy’s territory in the border areas of Myanmar or In the jungles along the Line of Control (LoC) to carry out cross-border surgical strikes or reconnaissance operations. “Sometimes they would hide for days without any food or water, silently observing enemy movement” (p.8). Paras are trained well to hide and attack only when needed. “They are everywhere, but they are invisible” (p.91).
4/ Indian Special Forces operatives are of the highest moral fiber. Balidan is a hagiography book, and the author goes the extra mile in emphasizing the exceptional character of the soldiers she portrays. But one cannot be but impressed by the chivalry of this band of brothers, the bravery of their deeds, and the gallantry of their awards and medals. For the author, “wars and the legends that emerge from them allow us to witness the pinnacle of human valour and spirit” (p.27). Warriors from the Special Forces acquire a godlike character, as the paratroopers she compares with “that original fearless free faller Lord Hanuman, who flew effortlessly, not with a parachute but with an entire mountain on his back” (p.36).
For every great man, there is an even greater woman. The portraits of these exceptional soldiers are completed by vignettes showing the caring kindness of their partners, their wives, and alas, in some cases, their widows. “Someone once said that only a woman of steel can love a man in uniform” (p.160). In Balidan, Swapnil Pandey adds a feminine touch to her story of manly achievements.
July 1, 2025
Review: Balidan: Stories of India's Greatest Para Special Forces Operatives by Swapnil Pandey
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
This book was absolutely heart-touching and inspiring in so many ways. I genuinely loved reading about the people who serve in the Special Forces—their discipline, motivation, and the sheer dedication they show from such a young age really left me in awe.
It was so enlightening to read about how their lives shaped them, from childhood to military service, and how they’ve committed everything to serve the nation. I found myself feeling so inspired—and honestly, emotional—especially when the book touched on the pain of losing comrades, or the strength of families who’ve lost their loved ones. Those moments really hit hard.
What stood out the most to me was the sense of purpose and calm strength these individuals carry. There’s just something powerful and admirable in the way they live—with so much focus, passion, and dignity. It honestly made me reflect on my own goals and reminded me how important it is to give 100% to whatever you’re doing and to love it fully.
Even if you're someone who doesn’t usually read non-fiction—or doesn’t read much at all—I still recommend this book. It’s not just motivating, it’s real. And for me, real stories like these are far more inspiring than most motivational books out there. Knowing that people like this exist, who’ve done and given so much for the country, made me feel proud and honored to live in the same nation.
This book left a mark on me, and I’ll carry its lessons forward. Highly recommend it! 🇮🇳💫
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
This book was absolutely heart-touching and inspiring in so many ways. I genuinely loved reading about the people who serve in the Special Forces—their discipline, motivation, and the sheer dedication they show from such a young age really left me in awe.
It was so enlightening to read about how their lives shaped them, from childhood to military service, and how they’ve committed everything to serve the nation. I found myself feeling so inspired—and honestly, emotional—especially when the book touched on the pain of losing comrades, or the strength of families who’ve lost their loved ones. Those moments really hit hard.
What stood out the most to me was the sense of purpose and calm strength these individuals carry. There’s just something powerful and admirable in the way they live—with so much focus, passion, and dignity. It honestly made me reflect on my own goals and reminded me how important it is to give 100% to whatever you’re doing and to love it fully.
Even if you're someone who doesn’t usually read non-fiction—or doesn’t read much at all—I still recommend this book. It’s not just motivating, it’s real. And for me, real stories like these are far more inspiring than most motivational books out there. Knowing that people like this exist, who’ve done and given so much for the country, made me feel proud and honored to live in the same nation.
This book left a mark on me, and I’ll carry its lessons forward. Highly recommend it! 🇮🇳💫
August 14, 2023
#BookReview
Title: Balidan - Stories of India's Greatest Para Special Forces Operatives
Author: Swapnil Pandey
Language: English
Category: Non-Fiction, True Account
Genre: Military Science, War Stories, History, Narrative
Country: India
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Year: 2023
Pages: 230
Price: 299/- INR (Paperback)
Format: Paperback and Kindle edition
Available on: Amazon and Harper Collins websites as well as leading bookstores and select book portals.
Summary: The book is an extensively researched and painstakingly compiled true account of India's Special Forces.
Little is known about the heroism and sacrifice of The Parachute Regiment or Para Special Forces due to their operations being ultra-secret and for national security reasons. The author has conducted more than 200 interviews of active and retired personnel, and their families with due permission and following protocols of Indian Army.
The "Maroon Berets" are the extremely trained in military combat and the deadliest of India's security forces. The clutter free cover is as simple yet imposing as the tradition of the Indian Army.
The book starts with the story of supreme sacrifice of Colonel Santosh Yashwant Mahadik and also features a love story of a commando Major Manish Singh.
The book dvelves into the lives of this highly classified unit and highlights the sacrifices made by them, both in personal and professional life. It also highlights the plight of their families without going overboard on an emotional trip.
Verdict: Balidan, simply meaning Sacrifice, which is the motto of Para Special Forces is a must read for lovers of non-fiction and military science. Start to finish in one go.
Title: Balidan - Stories of India's Greatest Para Special Forces Operatives
Author: Swapnil Pandey
Language: English
Category: Non-Fiction, True Account
Genre: Military Science, War Stories, History, Narrative
Country: India
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Year: 2023
Pages: 230
Price: 299/- INR (Paperback)
Format: Paperback and Kindle edition
Available on: Amazon and Harper Collins websites as well as leading bookstores and select book portals.
Summary: The book is an extensively researched and painstakingly compiled true account of India's Special Forces.
Little is known about the heroism and sacrifice of The Parachute Regiment or Para Special Forces due to their operations being ultra-secret and for national security reasons. The author has conducted more than 200 interviews of active and retired personnel, and their families with due permission and following protocols of Indian Army.
The "Maroon Berets" are the extremely trained in military combat and the deadliest of India's security forces. The clutter free cover is as simple yet imposing as the tradition of the Indian Army.
The book starts with the story of supreme sacrifice of Colonel Santosh Yashwant Mahadik and also features a love story of a commando Major Manish Singh.
The book dvelves into the lives of this highly classified unit and highlights the sacrifices made by them, both in personal and professional life. It also highlights the plight of their families without going overboard on an emotional trip.
Verdict: Balidan, simply meaning Sacrifice, which is the motto of Para Special Forces is a must read for lovers of non-fiction and military science. Start to finish in one go.
December 28, 2024
I have been riveted to reading Military history more contemporary and India centric for a while though there is very less which is written within that these stories of bravery help me in keeping myself closer to whats happening on groud. India most fearless series which I have read all of them (sadly the country we live in ) there will be more which will come (i wish they dont). There is less on Para operatives and that's where Balidaan comes into pictures.
Para SF or Commandos are heroes of any Indian esp Indian Army Fan. They are probably our people whom we go to as last resort. There is less written about them.
I am glad and thankful to author for taking the Initiative to write about them. When I saw the book I immediately picked it up from Mumbai Airport and very quickly finished it.
These books are a roller coaster ride, which generates various emotions, passion, pride and they never fail to make me cry. I am Thankful to these Brave faceless (uptill I read this book) warriors for being there.
Para SF or Commandos are heroes of any Indian esp Indian Army Fan. They are probably our people whom we go to as last resort. There is less written about them.
I am glad and thankful to author for taking the Initiative to write about them. When I saw the book I immediately picked it up from Mumbai Airport and very quickly finished it.
These books are a roller coaster ride, which generates various emotions, passion, pride and they never fail to make me cry. I am Thankful to these Brave faceless (uptill I read this book) warriors for being there.
February 20, 2025
The book reflects on the sacrifice, mindset and love for the country of the few men that are apart from the league of others aka special forces of the Indian army. There are various mentions of the operations carried out by the men in the maroon beret and the camaraderie among the men to push their limits to safeguard the interest of the nation. Story of cap. Tushar Mahajan, Col. Yashwant mahadik, Brig. Saurabh singh shekhawat, SM Mahendra Singh ji are just awesome, inspiring at the same time. True stories of these legends throw light on their commitment to serve the nation and intrigue the readers about the true sense of the badge known to be " Balidan " and what kind of mindset is required to earn that badge. Stories of adventure, operations and camaraderie will make the readers think about what patriotism means in real sense.
August 31, 2025
Balidan is a deeply emotional tribute to India’s soldiers and their families. Swapnil Pandey brings out not just the bravery on the battlefield but also the sacrifices made at home—the mothers, wives, and children who live with absence, fear, and sometimes, unbearable loss. I found myself pausing often because the stories carried so much raw emotion.
What makes the book special is how it humanizes the uniform. These soldiers are not just warriors—they are sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers. Their families carry a quiet kind of bravery that often goes unrecognized, and Pandey does justice to them by telling their stories with compassion and respect.
It left me with a deep sense of gratitude. This isn’t just a book of military tales—it’s about love, duty, and the cost of service. Heartfelt, humbling, and unforgettable.
What makes the book special is how it humanizes the uniform. These soldiers are not just warriors—they are sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers. Their families carry a quiet kind of bravery that often goes unrecognized, and Pandey does justice to them by telling their stories with compassion and respect.
It left me with a deep sense of gratitude. This isn’t just a book of military tales—it’s about love, duty, and the cost of service. Heartfelt, humbling, and unforgettable.
August 3, 2023
Currently reading it and already rated it 5 star. Swapnil Pandey can get you hooked to her stories. The amount of reasearch she puts in is commendable and every work of hers is worth reading.
I 100% recommend it to my fellow romance and fiction readers. Try it once and you'll fall in love with non-fiction too!!
Swapnil Pandey
September 10, 2024
Men apart every man an emperor.
Perhaps this single line by field marshal Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery best describes the special forces, which are the most elite and best soldiers of the Indian Army. These men undergo the harshest training there is in the world for soldiers.
Having read the fantastic book “The force behind the forces” I was looking forward to reading this book by the author. I would be losing if I were to say that the book lives upto the expectations.
The book narrates the stories of the brave Indian special forces operatives. Some of the heroes from these stories are well known in the popular media (YouTube, Instagram ) like Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat while the others live a quiete life away from all the limelight.
The stories in themselves are thrilling and make you go in awe about these men in maroon. However the way the book is written, seems to have been rushed through and is not refined. So my recommendation would be to read the book for these men and not the text/written.
Perhaps this single line by field marshal Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery best describes the special forces, which are the most elite and best soldiers of the Indian Army. These men undergo the harshest training there is in the world for soldiers.
Having read the fantastic book “The force behind the forces” I was looking forward to reading this book by the author. I would be losing if I were to say that the book lives upto the expectations.
The book narrates the stories of the brave Indian special forces operatives. Some of the heroes from these stories are well known in the popular media (YouTube, Instagram ) like Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat while the others live a quiete life away from all the limelight.
The stories in themselves are thrilling and make you go in awe about these men in maroon. However the way the book is written, seems to have been rushed through and is not refined. So my recommendation would be to read the book for these men and not the text/written.
December 8, 2023
Always thankful for these writers. Who does this work and brings these stories to us. However it's kind of painful when they make mistakes where it's disrespectful for the fallen hero. In the story of Tushar Mahajan she mentioned, how he was a great undercover operative because he inherited fair color from his ancestors in Pakistan. That's just atrocious. Pakistan wasn't Pakistan when his grandparents had to run from there to save their life. There was no Pakistan from where he could inherit anything. He died for this country. And we are calling his ancestors Pakistani???
January 23, 2025
Balidan offers an incredible insight into the prestigious Para Special Forces of the Indian Army. The book beautifully narrates the inspiring stories of these elite heroes, showcasing their unmatched bravery and sacrifice.
I especially loved reading about Brigadier Sourabh Singh Sherawat, who was already an idol, and this book further cemented his legacy as an extraordinary leader.
For anyone with a brief understanding of the Para SF, this is a must-read to dive deeper into their world and be inspired by their valor.
I especially loved reading about Brigadier Sourabh Singh Sherawat, who was already an idol, and this book further cemented his legacy as an extraordinary leader.
For anyone with a brief understanding of the Para SF, this is a must-read to dive deeper into their world and be inspired by their valor.
August 25, 2023
I guess the essence of this amazing book can be summarised by the following lines....
"To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods."
Everyone should give this book a read to know about the people who protects us against all odds.
This book also reminds us that FREEDOM is not FREE. Few of us pay the COST of WAR...
"To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods."
Everyone should give this book a read to know about the people who protects us against all odds.
This book also reminds us that FREEDOM is not FREE. Few of us pay the COST of WAR...
April 8, 2025
So many stories regarding Para special forces bravehearts , which give us goosebumps that how an ordinary boy fought until his last breath for the mother India . This shows us the real camaraderie in the army . Literally this book brought us the realisation to the fact that " freedom which we cherish today , sleeping without any fear , is not free , it is at the cost of our soldiers dedicatedly proving their oath to soil.
June 27, 2025
4 star only for the storytelling and editing, which could be improved.
5 stars for the content, the quality and the hard research.
I congratulate the author for the immense research they have done to get this data and content. it is remarkable that we now have real life exploits of our brave jawans commemorated in this book. It was a pleasure and privilege to hear our jawans brave exploits.
I encourage the author to improve the storytelling.
5 stars for the content, the quality and the hard research.
I congratulate the author for the immense research they have done to get this data and content. it is remarkable that we now have real life exploits of our brave jawans commemorated in this book. It was a pleasure and privilege to hear our jawans brave exploits.
I encourage the author to improve the storytelling.
January 5, 2024
It is such an amazing work based on military and the sacrifices soldiers made for country . Every story has essence of love, emotions , togetherness, bonding of comrades presented well. It also portray the life behind uniform the wives and children of soldier serves equally towards the nation.Hats off to the dedication of our armed forces.
January 31, 2024
Must read!!!!
"Duty demands blood and sacrifice. Perhaps this is why the Balidan badge is worn by a select few who are fearless in heart, mind body and soul."
Salute to every nameless, faceless;real life heroes, who silently give their all for the nation.
Huge reminder that Freedom is not free of cost
"Duty demands blood and sacrifice. Perhaps this is why the Balidan badge is worn by a select few who are fearless in heart, mind body and soul."
Salute to every nameless, faceless;real life heroes, who silently give their all for the nation.
Huge reminder that Freedom is not free of cost
January 10, 2024
The peace we see today in the valley has not been free, it is earned through their sacrifices. With each turn of the page, felt the weight of their sacrifice and courage in their hearts. True testament of Valour and Balidan Param Dharma.
January 17, 2024
Amazing stories
Not a good writer though
Not a good writer though
May 4, 2024
A selected collection of real life events from the lives of Para Special Forces. The author has collected these on the basis of various interviews conducted over a long time period.
April 16, 2025
wanna read this book
October 21, 2025
30% actual information
70% bs
why there's always a love angle bruh + most of the time author lost the timeline she's writing to.
70% bs
why there's always a love angle bruh + most of the time author lost the timeline she's writing to.
July 24, 2023
Finally there is a book out here for readers which adequately covers our Special Forces.
The book presents to us civilians with 6 stories of our brave SF heroes. The book covers a balanced operational-emotional-social perspective to give the readers a holistic view of life of an SF operative.
I'm sure you can't finish this book without shedding tears at least once. The book at last makes the readers much humble for our forces.
Salute to the men in uniform and to their families for sacrificing everything whenever required.
The book presents to us civilians with 6 stories of our brave SF heroes. The book covers a balanced operational-emotional-social perspective to give the readers a holistic view of life of an SF operative.
I'm sure you can't finish this book without shedding tears at least once. The book at last makes the readers much humble for our forces.
Salute to the men in uniform and to their families for sacrificing everything whenever required.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2023
I discovered my heroes and their brave families...
This book helped me discover the heroes I have craved for...
Thanks to this book, I will carry the memories of the bravehearts, who fought and died for me without knowing me, forever in my heart.
I hope to meet them for an autograph or touch the feet of their mothers...
This book helped me discover the heroes I have craved for...
Thanks to this book, I will carry the memories of the bravehearts, who fought and died for me without knowing me, forever in my heart.
I hope to meet them for an autograph or touch the feet of their mothers...
July 12, 2025
Enjoyed reading the book.
The book contains stories from 3 units of the Para Special Forces in Indian Army. 21 Para - The Waghnakhs, 9 Para - The Ghosts of the Valley and 4 para - the Fourth of the North. There are 6 stories in the book. You would love each one of them! Best part it is not fiction but more thrilling and inspiring than fiction!
The book has lot to teach. Not just from the perspective of armed forces or the thrill of getting to know how operations happened or how our soldiers show bravery but also from the perspective of how to tackle difficult situations in life. The importance of love, kindness, compassion with self and for the team. How at the war front only love prevails and fuels the battle winning soldiers.
I learnt the importance of self belief and disciplining the mind from this book. It is heartwrenching at some points, and makes one realise how much pain the families have to endure, and how they with their own bravery have overcome and learnt to live with pain yet never spreading it ahead but still being as radiant as the sun to spread kindness.
Lastly as the author also mentions - FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE. Those who tend to very easily disrespect armed forces saying borders should not be there etc and living in delusion, should have at the very least respect and gratitude for their sacrifices and realise the gravity before saying even a word carelessly.
The book contains stories from 3 units of the Para Special Forces in Indian Army. 21 Para - The Waghnakhs, 9 Para - The Ghosts of the Valley and 4 para - the Fourth of the North. There are 6 stories in the book. You would love each one of them! Best part it is not fiction but more thrilling and inspiring than fiction!
The book has lot to teach. Not just from the perspective of armed forces or the thrill of getting to know how operations happened or how our soldiers show bravery but also from the perspective of how to tackle difficult situations in life. The importance of love, kindness, compassion with self and for the team. How at the war front only love prevails and fuels the battle winning soldiers.
I learnt the importance of self belief and disciplining the mind from this book. It is heartwrenching at some points, and makes one realise how much pain the families have to endure, and how they with their own bravery have overcome and learnt to live with pain yet never spreading it ahead but still being as radiant as the sun to spread kindness.
Lastly as the author also mentions - FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE. Those who tend to very easily disrespect armed forces saying borders should not be there etc and living in delusion, should have at the very least respect and gratitude for their sacrifices and realise the gravity before saying even a word carelessly.
June 22, 2025
Great stories. Huge respect. Only the writing was a bit off.
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