- February 20, 2026
Captain Surender Mehra Talks About His Book “Wanderlust around the World”
About the Author:
My journey into aviation began almost by coincidence. As a member of the Air Wing NCC during my college years, I did some flying in my final year. After graduation in 1956, destiny opened the doors for me to join the Indian Air Force as a direct entry officer. Ours was a refugee family from Peshawar/Rawalpindi, and no one had ever imagined a career in aviation. Yet, by divine grace, I became the first pilot in the family. Today, my son, son-in-law, and even my granddaughter—just 27 years old—serve as commanders in Air India and IndiGo. Over four decades and 16,000 flying hours, I served the nation in various wars, received medals, and earned appreciation from the highest authorities. Miracles often saved me from certain death, such as when I safely landed a Boeing 747 carrying 258 passengers after a flock of vultures struck the aircraft.
Exclusive interview with the author
Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?
A: My experience in aviation flying for 40 years covering all five continents in the world to share with my readers about this beautiful world.
Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?
A: This book depicts the life culture and beauty of each country.
Q: What Did You Learn When Writing The Book?
A: A sense of achievement to see this beautiful world with my own eyes.
Q: How Long Does It Take You To Write A Book?
A: Well this book took me seven yrs with a break of 3 yrs to collect my memories diaries albums pictures and remembering my life flying for forty years.
Q: Where Do You Get Your Information Or Ideas For Your Books?
A: I have been writing articles in several newspapers.letter to editor in many news papers for more than 20 yrs I always keep abreast on news of the world read on new discoveries more on travel all helped.
Q: What Is The Most Difficult Part About Writing For You?
A: Inexperience in typing memories overlapping.No knowledge about summerising a book in sequence and in chapter wise no knowledge about publishing. Completely clueless.
Q: What Does Success Mean To You? What Is The Definition Of Success?
A: Satisfaction but still more to achieve.life does not end here.look for the peak to climb further.determination should continue.
Q: How Important Is Research To You When Writing A Book?
A: I had to search for my old diaries my photo albums my news paper cuttings and recollections of old memories sometimes at bed time would get up to write if some memory came back lest I forget to add.
Q: Where Do You Get Your Greatest Ideas For Writing?
A: This has been my hobby to write my thoughts and after reading some good book note down good points. This all helped and encourage to dive into this big ocean.
Q: What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Authors?
A: Be authentic.knowledgeable and keep the readers interest in mind when writing a book readers satisfaction is the key to you success in writing a book.
This book is published by OrangeBooks Publication. All rights are reserved with the author & the publisher.
