New Delhi, July 27 – Post-retirement, Lt Gen (Retd) Mohinder Puri stays fit and busy by playing golf, but 25 years ago, he led the crucial 8 Mountain Division in the Kargil War. This division played a key role in securing and restoring the Line of Control (LoC) and capturing strategic heights in the challenging terrain of Ladakh.
On Friday, the nation celebrated the silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas with patriotic fervor in Dras. Lt Gen (Retd) Puri and several other Kargil veterans who played decisive roles in the 1999 war were honored by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan in Delhi.
Speaking at the ‘Kargil Diwas Honours’ hosted by TV9 Network to mark the 25th anniversary of the war, CDS Chauhan emphasized the importance of learning the right lessons from the war’s aftermath.
Reflecting on his war memories, Lt Gen (Retd) Puri highlighted the first success as his most significant memory, alongside the disturbing recollections of the officers and men lost. He praised the bravery, courage, and determination of his young officers and men in the 8 Mountain Division, which played a fantastic role in the war. He encouraged the youth of India to develop the discipline represented by the Army, even if they do not join it.
Capt (Retd) Yashika Tyagi, who served in the logistics unit, also shared her experiences from the war. Pregnant at the time, she recalled the resilience and human spirit she witnessed. She recounted a poignant moment when her commanding officer instructed her to keep 25 coffins ready at all times. However, her team of carpenters refused to make coffins in advance, as they did not want to anticipate the death of their soldier brothers.
Brig BM Cariappa, another Kargil hero from the 5 Para Regiment (Special Forces), emphasized the need to be fit and prepared for any eventuality. He recounted how his team navigated through landmines laid by the enemy.
Special honors were posthumously conferred on two Kargil war heroes. Neha Dwivedi, daughter of Maj CB Dwivedi, received the honor on behalf of her family. Co-author of “Vijyant At Kargil: The Biography of a War Hero,” Dwivedi reflected on the mixed emotions of pride and sadness as she remembered her father and other bravehearts who contributed to the victory in the Kargil War. Despite the passage of 25 years, she recalled her father’s presence vividly and spoke of processing and retelling his story over the years.
