

From the Publisher Review: BALIDAN: A Pulse-Pounding Tribute to India's Special Forces - BALIDAN, meaning "sacrifice," isn't just a title; it's a war cry that echoes through the pages of this remarkable book. Author Swapnil Pandey peels back the curtain on the lives of India's Para Special Forces, revealing not just their unwavering courage and elite training, but also the raw emotions, sacrifices, and untold stories that lie beneath the surface. Prepare for a heart-pounding ride. Pandey's vivid storytelling thrusts you into the thick of the action, whether it's the chilling infiltration missions behind enemy lines or the gut-wrenching close combat clashes. You'll feel the adrenaline surge as Colonel Santosh Mahadik leads his men into perilous terrain, mourn alongside the families of fallen heroes like Captain Tushar Mahajan, and marvel at the unwavering resilience of Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat and Subedar Major Mahendra Singh. But BALIDAN is more than just an adrenaline rush. Swapnil's meticulous research shines through, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the rigorous training, unwavering dedication, and profound sense of duty that define these exceptional soldiers. He humanizes these legends, showcasing their vulnerability, humor, and deep love for their families and country. This book is a powerful reminder that behind the camouflage and Kevlar vests beat hearts that yearn for normalcy, hearts that bear the heavy burden of protecting countless others. BALIDAN is a page-turner, yes, but it's also a tearjerker and a thought-provoking meditation on sacrifice. It will leave you humbled by the bravery of these men and women, and forever changed by their stories. You'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the silent guardians who stand between us and harm, and a renewed commitment to honoring their unwavering dedication to duty. Here are some key aspects of the book that stood out: - Gripping storytelling - Insightful character studies - Thorough research - Emotional impact Whether you're a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or simply someone who appreciates stories of courage and resilience, BALIDAN is a must-read. It's a powerful testament to the extraordinary men and women who silently safeguard our nation, and a reminder that the true meaning of sacrifice lies not in death, but in the unwavering commitment to serve and protect. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an unforgettable reading experience. Review: “Inspiring Stories of Courage and Sacrifice” - This book is a masterpiece! Swapnil Pandey has done an amazing job in narrating the real stories of Para Special Forces operatives. The writing is simple yet powerful, and it keeps you hooked from start to finish. The emotions, the bravery, and the sacrifices described in the book will stay with you long after you finish reading. Definitely a must-buy for anyone interested in the armed forces or inspiring real-life stories.





| Best Sellers Rank | #315 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #2 in Asian History (Books) #3 in Military History (Books) #6 in True Accounts (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,026 Reviews |
D**S
BALIDAN: A Pulse-Pounding Tribute to India's Special Forces
BALIDAN, meaning "sacrifice," isn't just a title; it's a war cry that echoes through the pages of this remarkable book. Author Swapnil Pandey peels back the curtain on the lives of India's Para Special Forces, revealing not just their unwavering courage and elite training, but also the raw emotions, sacrifices, and untold stories that lie beneath the surface. Prepare for a heart-pounding ride. Pandey's vivid storytelling thrusts you into the thick of the action, whether it's the chilling infiltration missions behind enemy lines or the gut-wrenching close combat clashes. You'll feel the adrenaline surge as Colonel Santosh Mahadik leads his men into perilous terrain, mourn alongside the families of fallen heroes like Captain Tushar Mahajan, and marvel at the unwavering resilience of Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat and Subedar Major Mahendra Singh. But BALIDAN is more than just an adrenaline rush. Swapnil's meticulous research shines through, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the rigorous training, unwavering dedication, and profound sense of duty that define these exceptional soldiers. He humanizes these legends, showcasing their vulnerability, humor, and deep love for their families and country. This book is a powerful reminder that behind the camouflage and Kevlar vests beat hearts that yearn for normalcy, hearts that bear the heavy burden of protecting countless others. BALIDAN is a page-turner, yes, but it's also a tearjerker and a thought-provoking meditation on sacrifice. It will leave you humbled by the bravery of these men and women, and forever changed by their stories. You'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the silent guardians who stand between us and harm, and a renewed commitment to honoring their unwavering dedication to duty. Here are some key aspects of the book that stood out: - Gripping storytelling - Insightful character studies - Thorough research - Emotional impact Whether you're a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or simply someone who appreciates stories of courage and resilience, BALIDAN is a must-read. It's a powerful testament to the extraordinary men and women who silently safeguard our nation, and a reminder that the true meaning of sacrifice lies not in death, but in the unwavering commitment to serve and protect. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an unforgettable reading experience.
A**S
“Inspiring Stories of Courage and Sacrifice”
This book is a masterpiece! Swapnil Pandey has done an amazing job in narrating the real stories of Para Special Forces operatives. The writing is simple yet powerful, and it keeps you hooked from start to finish. The emotions, the bravery, and the sacrifices described in the book will stay with you long after you finish reading. Definitely a must-buy for anyone interested in the armed forces or inspiring real-life stories.
M**.
Balidan - Tribute to the legendary maroon beret holders
"शौर्यम…दक्षम…युध्धेय, बलिदान परम धर्म!" ‘Balidan’ – Stories of India’s Greatest Para Special Forces Operatives,’ written by @swapnil_pandey_author , is a tribute to the legendary Balidan badge holders - the finest soldiers of the Indian Army for whom the sacrifice of self is the ultimate dharma in the nation’s service. This book provides a rare peek into the lives of these extraordinary individuals, unveiling the grit, determination, and sacrifices that define their service to the nation. There is a reason we call these soldiers ‘special.’ For the Special Forces (SF) operatives, life and death depend on chance, a flip of the coin. SF training challenges your limits. The attrition rate of the training is close to 99%. And if you survive, you gain a never-say-die attitude that stays with you forever. The idea of training is to break your spirit - only to rebuild and solidify it with the belief that nothing is impossible for an SF operative. These men are the bravest of the brave. They are, in fact, men apart - every man an emperor. It's important for the people of this nation to read such stories because people need to know that our freedom and sovereignty are made possible because of the courage, contribution, and sacrifice of men like these, who come from the heartland of India - from its small villages - and silently give their all. The book also paints a vivid picture of their families, their struggles, and the sacrifices made on both sides of the uniform. It is our duty to keep their memories alive and tell our children that freedom is not free. No medals can justify their sacrifices. This book is a compelling read for both military enthusiasts and those less familiar with the subject matter. It is full of inspiration, and every story will give you goosebumps. Thanks to the author for the extensive research done in bringing these extremely motivating and inspiring stories of the real heroes of our nation. Thank you, ma’am, for the opportunity to meet you a few months back, where I got your autograph on the book and for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak to Capt Mahendra Singh, KC, SM, and with the father of the immortal Capt Tushar Mahajan.
D**H
Great Book
Great book, that inspires youth and makes us remember the supreme sacrifice of our soldires on the line of duty.
P**I
Great book to start with
Great book to start your reading journey.
S**H
SF
Heroics if the Pata SF, Indiast most elite warriors. Very well written & thrilling experience
P**A
Good quality
Very nice quality and great service
H**H
Introduces to the real ethos of Indian Army and sf
If you aspire to join Indian Army, that too the special forces, then this book is must read for you
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