HarperCollins presents BALIDAN: Stories of India’s Greatest PARA Special Forces Operatives

HarperCollins

presents

BALIDAN

Stories of India’s Greatest

PARA Special Forces Operatives 

by Swapnil Pandey

Few possess greater courage, yet remain in oblivion, than the Indian PARA Special Forces.

Based on more than two hundred interviews conducted in several locations including Special Forces Units near the LoC and the LAC.

*** 

Paperback | Non-Fiction | Military| Special Forces | 248 pp | Rs 299

Available Wherever Books Are Sold | Releasing 7^th July 2023

***

Author, Swapnil Pandey, says, “I consider it a matter of great pride and privilege to write about legendary names from the Special Forces who have served the nation and, in some instances, sacrificed their lives for it. To meet the operatives and their families was an honour. I hope with this book, the people of India realize who their real superheroes are.”

Associate Publisher, Swati Chopra, says, “Balidan is truly exemplary in its recounting of the stories of some of Indian army’s bravest heroes, who ironically remain unknown in the course of their professional lives. A must-read for all those who relish stories of adventure, bravery and patriotism.”

***

***

ABOUT THE BOOK

Few possess greater courage, yet remain in oblivion, than the Indian Para Special Forces. To these brave operatives, 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 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 operatives 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.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Swapnil Pandey’s extensively researched books are aimed at creating awareness about the work and lives of Indian Army personnel and their families. These include The Force Behind the Forces, Love Story of a Commando and Soldier’s Girl. She is an alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, has worked with organizations like Wipro and HDFC, and taught at Lovely Professional University and the Army Public School. She writes a popular blog as well as articles for magazines and newspapers, and appears on national TV as a panelist. As a prominent voice from the army fraternity, she has been felicitated by organizations like ISRO. She can be contacted at teamgirlandworld@gmail.com, on Twitter at @swapy6, on Facebook at ‘Author Swapnil Pandey’, and on Instagram at @swapnil_pandey_author

 

***

For reviews, excerpts, interviews, and more information, please contact Vandana Rathore at
vandana.rathore@harpercollins.co.in