Draft:Captain Akhilesh Saxena

Captain Akhilesh Saxena is a Kargil War veteran, a motivational speaker and a corporate leader. He is known for his exceptional leadership and bravery, for contributing in victory of three significant military operations during the Kargil War. This Indian Artillery officer was attached with infantry regiments as a Forward Observation Officer (FOO) during the attack of the Tololing, Hump and Three Pimples Area. He got seriously wounded in his last attack by the enemy artillery shelling and was under treatment for around a year in Base hospital Delhi Cantt.

Despite suffering life-altering injuries during the war, he qualified for top MBA institutes and completed his MBA from prestigious FMS, DELHI with a gold medal. He transitioned into the corporate world and is currently a Vice President at Tata Communications, seamlessly translates the profound lessons of the Kargil War into corporate leadership.

Captain Saxena is an inspiration for many, embodying resilience and patriotism. His outstanding contributions, both during the Kargil War and in shaping the nation's spirit, were commemorated during the 70th Republic Day celebrations on the Kartavya path (2018), Delhi. His photograph graced the Veterans tableau, a testament to his indomitable spirit. He was invited as a motivational speaker to address legislators across the country at the National Legislators’ Conference Bharat 2023.

He is a regular speaker on various television channels, including Times Now, Zee TV, NDTV, Rajya Sabha, ABP Live, Republic TV and India TV. DD National dedicated a few episodes to him, underscoring his achievements and leadership in challenging circumstances. His story found a place in renowned national newspapers such as Times of India, Amar Ujala, Danik Jagran, and others.

His life has been chronicled in the book "Nation First," published by Hachette India and “Kargil Yuddha: Veerta aur Deshbhakti ki Satya Gatha” published by Prabhat Prakashan both authored by Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, foreword by General V. P. Malik, and received appreciation messages from Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Former Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa and director, producer, actor Anupam Kher and many media houses.

Captain Akhilesh Saxena was born in Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, India on 01 January,1974. He demonstrated an early interest to pursue a career in the Indian Armed Forces. He completed his early education at Sainik School Ghorakhal Nainital from 1984 to 1991. He got selected for NDA in 1991 and underwent rigorous training successfully at National Defence Academy Khadakwasla Pune from 1991 to 1994. He joined the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun in December,1994 and he was commissioned as an officer into the Indian Army on 09 December,1995.

Captain Saxena joined 223 Medium Regiment as an Artillery officer on 01 January, 1996 at Firozpur. He passed his young officers’ course at School of Artillery, with “Alfa grading” in 1996. He got Married to Shikha Saxena in February 1999. In May 1999 He got posted to 1889 light regiment at Tangmarg, J&K, where he was operating in counter insurgency operations (CI-ops). From there the regiment got orders to move to Dras to participate in Operation Vijay. His tenure in the armed forces included key postings in challenging terrains and situations that honed his leadership skills. He served in the Indian Army with distinction, earning the respect of his peers and superiors for his strategic acumen and unwavering commitment.

During the Kargil War in 1999, Captain Saxena was at the forefront of some of the most challenging battles. He led three crucial attacks as FOO and provided accurate artillery support to reclaim strategic positions: Tololing, Hump, and Three Pimples. These operations were pivotal in the Indian Army’s efforts to regain control of territories infiltrated by enemy forces. These operations involved navigating treacherous terrain and facing relentless enemy fire. Despite these challenges, he inspired his troops and led from the front, achieving decisive victories. These positions were crucial for regaining control of the Dras sector, a turning point in the Kargil war.

He got attached to 2-Rajputana Rifles as an Artillery Forward Observation Officer (FOO). He showcased immense dedication to fight with enemy. In the battle for Tololing peak, Captain Akhilesh Saxena orchestrated the firing of 120 artillery guns, a pivotal contribution that marked India's critical victory in the Kargil War on 13 June,1999. He was with Col. Ravindranath, Major Acharya, Major Vivek Gupta, Captain Vijayant, and Captain Kangaroos in this attack.

With the pace of War, soon after the Tololing victory he got attached with 13JAK rifles as an Artillery Forward Observation Officer (FOO) for the attack of Hump. There he spent two days with Captain Vikram Batra. To maintain the victory and lead the troops in case of counter attack of the enemy he stayed on the peaks for several days.

Soon, 2-Rajputana Rifles got another assignment to capture Three Pimples Area. They preferred same Artillery officer who helped them winning Tololing. So Captain Akhilesh again got attached with them as an Artillery Forward Observation Officer (FOO). Captain Saxena’s leadership under fire was marked by exceptional courage and tactical brilliance. He was severely injured by enemy shelling during the final assault but finally victory was achieved. His injuries resulted in a prolonged hospital stay for multiple operations and permanent disability, but his contributions to the Kargil victory remain a testament to his indomitable spirit.

From Hospital bed he started preparing for MBA entrance exams. His wife Shikha Akhilesh Saxena taught him computers to keep pace with the latest technology. He got selected in Faculty of Management Studies Delhi (FMS) in 2002 and passed out with a gold medal for standing first in order of merit, in 2004.

After retiring from active military service due to medical disability, Captain Saxena transitioned to the corporate world in 2004 through campus placement at FMS, Delhi. He joined “Wipro” from FMS campus and later served with Bharti Airtel. He currently serves as Vice President at Tata Communications, where he applies his leadership skills to drive organizational success. Additionally, he is a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing his experiences to inspire individuals and organizations. Along with his wife, Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, Captain Saxena through public speaking, mentorship programs, and motivational keynote session inspire everyone to adopt the qualities like leadership, patriotism and resilience.

Captain Akhilesh Saxena’s service has been recognized through various awards and commendations. He was commemorated during the 70th Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya path (2018), Delhi. His photograph graced the Veterans tableau, a testament to his indomitable spirit. His contributions during the Kargil War have made him a symbol of bravery and dedication. He was awarded wound medal, in Kargil war. His story continues to inspire countless individuals, both within the armed forces and in civilian life. He has inspired over 1000 corporate companies, organizations, colleges and schools. He was invited as a motivational speaker to address legislators across the country at the National Legislators’ Conference Bharat 2023.