PVLF 2026

Interview with Rishi Raj, Author of “Heroes of Kargil”

Heroes of Kargil brings untold bravery to young readers through heartfelt stories and illustrations, inspiring pride, courage, and empathy.
on Aug 22, 2025

Frontlist: Heroes of Kargil brings battlefield bravery into illustrated form for young minds. What inspired you to tell these intense, emotional stories specifically to a younger audience?

Rishi: Heroes of Kargil is very close to my heart, not just as an author but as an Indian who deeply cherishes the sacrifices made for our freedom. I’ve always believed that patriotism is not something to be taught through textbooks alone—it’s something to be felt, and that feeling begins in childhood.

When I visited various war memorials across India and met families of our brave soldiers, I was overwhelmed. I kept thinking—our children deserve to know these stories. They need to see that real heroes don’t wear capes—they wear olive green, and they stand guard so that we may sleep peacefully.

But instead of narrating these tales in a heavy or overwhelming way, I wanted to bring them to life through illustrations, something that speaks the language of children. These stories are not just about war; they are about courage, love for the motherland, friendship, sacrifice, and hope. By presenting them visually, I hope to ignite curiosity, pride, and empathy in young hearts.

I strongly fee that that Heroes of Kargil will not only teach children about history, but also inspire them to grow up with respect for our soldiers, gratitude in their hearts, and a deeper connection to the idea of India.

Frontlist: War is often described as too complex or too grim for young readers. How did you strike a balance between historical truth and emotional accessibility in your storytelling?

Rishi: War, by its very nature, carries pain, loss, and complexity, and I was constantly aware of the responsibility that comes with telling these stories—especially when they are being shared with younger readers. My aim was never to glorify conflict, but to honor the spirit of those who stood their ground in the face of unimaginable odds.

I tried to present historical truth with honesty, but also with empathy. I focused on the human side of war, that is on the courage, the camaraderie, the letters home, the quiet sacrifices. These are emotions that even young minds can relate to and learn from. I also feel that when you connect with a soldier as a son, a friend, or a dreamer, the lesson stays with you far longer.

At the heart of it, I wanted young readers to feel pride, not fear—inspiration, not despair. If even one child walks away from these stories with a deeper love for the country and a greater respect for peace, I’ll consider my effort worthwhile.

Frontlist: Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Manoj Pandey, and so many others—these are more than names. How did you decide which stories to include, and what message did you want each to leave behind?

Rishi: You’re absolutely right—Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Manoj Pandey, and countless others are not just names in history books. They are living symbols of courage, selflessness, and love for the motherland. While working on this project, I often felt as though I was having silent conversations with these heroes—listening to their stories through the winds that blow across Drass, Kaksar or Kargil.

Actally, I have told the story of the entire Kargil war mentioning various Heroes who showed extra ordinary valor during the war. I focused on the narrative that not only exemplified bravery but also had the power to stir something deep within us, to awaken our sense of gratitude and responsibility as citizens.

In a way, this book is my salute to them. And if even one young reader feels inspired to serve the nation, in whatever capacity, then I’d consider the effort truly meaningful.

Frontlist: Your books aren't limited to Kargil—they span Jallianwala Bagh, freedom fighters, and more. What connects all these works for you on a personal level?

Rishi: Thank you for noticing that thread. It means a lot. Yes, my books do travel across different timelines and terrains, from the solemn grounds of Jallianwala Bagh to the icy heights of Kargil and the lives of countless freedom fighters. But if I had to name the one emotion that binds them all, it’s patriotism—not the kind that just waves a flag, but the kind that listens to the heartbeat of a nation through its stories of sacrifice.

Since childhood, I had always dreamed of donning the olive green and serving in the Indian Army. Life, however, had other plans. I couldn't join the forces due to certain reasons, but that dream never left me. Today, I often say with humility and pride that I may not be a soldier with a rifle, but I am a soldier with a pen.

Each of these books is my salute to the brave souls who fought not just with weapons, but with courage, conviction, and love for their motherland. Writing about them, revisiting these sites, and sharing their stories, it’s my way of standing in formation with them, in spirit if not in uniform. I hope my words keep their legacy alive for generations to come.

Frontlist: Kargil’s story is one of strategy and sacrifice. But it’s also one of love—for the land, for fellow soldiers, and for the idea of India. How did you convey that quiet, emotional patriotism in the book?

Rishi: Thank you for capturing the essence of Kargil so beautifully, in my opinion it truly is a story of love as much as it is of strategy and sacrifice. While writing about Kargil, I often found myself overwhelmed not just by the intensity of the battles, but by the quiet courage, deep camaraderie, and unwavering sense of duty that each soldier carried in their heart.

To convey that emotional patriotism, I tried to focus on the human stories behind the uniforms. The letters sent home, the last phone calls, the small acts of kindness in the trenches, and the unspoken bonds formed under fire. It was in these moments that I saw what patriotism really means: not loud slogans, but silent strength; not just duty to the nation, but love for each other.

I visited twice to Dras and Kargil, and spoke with the locals, the families of martyrs, and even the younger generation growing up in the shadow of those peaks. Their stories, their pride, and their pain added layers of truth and tenderness to my writing.

Through the book, I tried to let the mountains speak. Because in their silence lies the memory of every soldier who laid down his life not out of compulsion, but out of an inner call—a love for the land we call Bharat. I hope every reader feels that quiet patriotism lingering between the lines.

Frontlist: What role did illustration play in your vision for this book? Were there any visual scenes or moments you felt were absolutely essential to depict for young readers?

Rishi: Illustration played a profoundly important role in my vision for Heroes of Kargil, especially because this book is meant for young readers. I’ve always believed that visuals can touch the heart in ways that words sometimes cannot. When a child sees a soldier braving the snow-laden peaks of Kargil or defending a lonely post in the desert sands of Rajasthan, the connection becomes immediate, emotional, and unforgettable.

For me, it was essential that the illustrations didn’t just decorate the story, I believe it was necessary to breathed life into it. Each image had to carry the weight of history and the spirit of sacrifice. I worked closely with the illustrators to ensure that the uniforms, the landscapes, even the expressions of the soldiers felt authentic and respectful.

Ultimately, I wanted young readers not just to read about our heroes—but to see them, feel them, and carry their stories in their hearts. If even one child is inspired to value our freedom more deeply, or to honour those who protect it, I’ll feel that this visual journey was truly worthwhile.

Frontlist: How did you ensure that the stories of intense bravery and sacrifice were presented in a way that is both age-appropriate and emotionally impactful for young minds?

Rishi: As a writer deeply committed to nurturing patriotism and empathy in young minds, I knew that portraying stories of bravery and sacrifice required great sensitivity. Children are incredibly perceptive, they feel the emotion behind every word. So, my goal was to strike a careful balance: to share the truth with honesty, but also with hope, dignity, and inspiration.

To ensure age-appropriateness, I focused on the courage, values, and decisions that defined these heroes. The aim was to make children feel the strength of character rather than the weight of tragedy. I wanted them to see our soldiers not as distant figures from history, but as relatable human beings as brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters—whose actions were born out of love for the country.

Throughout the process, I often imagined how I would narrate these stories to a curious young reader sitting beside me, or even to my own child. That helped me retain theemotional depth without overwhelming their tender hearts. I also tried to weave in moments of hope, resilience, and inspiration—because even in the gravest moments, these stories shine with light.

Ultimately, my wish is that young readers walk away not with fear or sadness, but with pride, admiration, and a lasting connection to the spirit of those who served our nation so selflessly.

Frontlist: You’ve been awarded the prestigious Rahul Sankrityayan Award for your contributions. How does such recognition influence your sense of responsibility towards young readers?

Rishi: Thank you for your kind words. Receiving the Rahul Sankrityayan Award was an incredibly humbling experience, especially, because it bears the name of a man who inspired generations to explore, write, and think deeply. For me, this recognition is not just an honor; it’s a gentle reminder of the immense responsibility I carry as a writer, especially when reaching out to young minds.

Young readers are like soft clay, they absorb, they question, they dream. I believe what we offer them today will shape the kind of citizens they become tomorrow. Awards like these strengthen my resolve to continue creating content that is not only engaging but also rooted in values like love for the country, respect for history, and the courage to explore truth.

In the end, it’s not the trophy on the shelf that matters most—it’s the spark in a young reader’s eye after finishing a book. That’s the true reward.