Lt Gen Mohinder Puri, is an alumni of La Martinere College, Lucknow, Delhi Public School, National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy. In the Kargil War 1999, he commanded 8 Mountain Division which spearheaded the Indian counter offensive against Pakistan, capturing Tololing and Tiger Hill which became household names during the War. He superannuated in April 2006 as the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff. He has written a book “Kargil: Turning the Tide” which is a first hand account of the War and captures the emotions and sentiments of a soldier; the apprehensions and fears of the leaders and finally the joy and ecstasy of a hard won victory, which cost the Division 268 killed in action, while being awarded three Param Vir Chakras and eight Mahavir Charas.
Post retirement, he has delivered a number of motivational and leadership talks, the important ones are enumerated as under:-
- While on the Board of Advisors with Inspire One, a motivational company, delivered lectures to young corporate leaders.
- Delivered talks on motivation and leadership at:
- Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun.
- United Services Institution, New Delhi.
- Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi.
- Rotary Clubs of Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon and Bengalaru.
- Chinmaya Missions at New Delhi and Amritsar.
- In Dec 2015 released Book, “Kargil: Turning the Tide”, a first hand account of the Kargil War. The book was released by Gen VP Malik with Barkha Dutt as a panelist.
- Book discussion at the Kasauli, Bhopal and Chandigarh Literature Festivals.
- Was in a Group Discussion on leadership during Kargil War at the Radiant Cash Management’s Seminar with Barkha Dutt at Chennai, Brookings India and Young Presidents Organisation.
- Delivered the keynote address at the Indian Paints Association Convention in Jan 2023, attended by approximately 700 delegates.
- Attended a number of TV panel discussions on conduct of the Kargil War.
- Interviewed by a number of organisations on leadership and conduct of Kargil War. Videos available on YouTube.
