Lt. Gen. Ajay Chandpuria Speaks at PCTE Ludhiana : A Call to Leadership and Excellence

Ludhiana, August 8, 2025 : Punjab College of Technical Education (PCTE) successfully hosted an inspiring session titled “Insights and Perspectives” by Lieutenant General Ajay Chandpuria today at Crimson Hall, Campus 2. The address was attended by students, faculty members, and invited guests, all deeply engaged by the General’s compelling insights on leadership, national security, and modern warfare. The session offered a rich blend of real-world military experience and academic learning.

Lieutenant General Ajay Chandpuria is a highly decorated and distinguished officer of the Indian Army, known for his exemplary leadership, strategic acumen, and decades of dedicated service to the nation. A former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the elite 19 Infantry Division, Lt. Gen. Chandpuria has played a pivotal role in several key military operations, including the renowned Operation Sindoor in Punjab. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been widely recognized for his operational excellence, deep understanding of modern warfare, and commitment to national security. His ability to lead in high-stakes environments and his vision for integrating advanced technologies into military strategy have earned him immense respect within the defense community.

He began by encouraging the youth to engage in nation-building and self-empowerment, referencing the Korean concept of “Samuel Undo.” He stressed that programmes like Viksit Bharat 2047 require a focused mindset and urged students to pursue knowledge beyond academics. He emphasized that patriotism is different from nationalism and noted that the easiest way to acquire education is through travelling.

Addressing modern warfare, he spoke about how today’s conflicts are driven by hybrid methods and psychological influence rather than conventional military engagement. He highlighted the rising cost of defence, drone warfare, and cyber threats. He also pointed out both external and internal security challenges such as illegal activities, cross-border terrorism, cyber security, energy issues, and misinformation, referring to the constitution and national symbols as unifying forces.

He cited the operation sindoor case study to explain India’s response strategy, where the perpetrators were targeted without harming civilians or the Pakistani military. He stated that the aim was to hit terror networks, not cross-border populations, demonstrating India’s ethical approach in warfare. He mentioned that India’s strength lies in restraint and selective retaliation.

Concluding his address, Lt. Gen. Chandpuria said that every citizen is a soldier, whether in uniform or not and stressed the need for personal responsibility in national progress. He shared examples of officers who read extensively and travel widely, advocating continuous learning. He spoke about the butterfly effect and how small consistent efforts can lead to national transformation, urging students to contribute meaningfully to India’s future.

Dr. K.N.S Kang remarked , Events like these are essential in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world challenges. Lt. Gen Chandpuria’s insights provide our students with invaluable lessons in leadership and resilience.

This event is part of PCTE’s ongoing commitment to bringing influential leaders and professionals to campus, fostering a culture of learning that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms.