Ultimate Sacrifice: Professor Munish Chandra Puri – A Beacon of Courage Against Terror

On the evening of 28 December 2005, the serene campus of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore—one of India’s premier research institutions—was pierced by the terrifying roar of gunfire. An international conference on Operations Research was underway, gathering scholars from across the globe. Amid this chaos, one man left an indelible mark not just through his intellect, but through unmatched courage and selflessness: Professor Munish Chandra Puri.

An eminent mathematician from IIT Delhi and Professor Emeritus, Puri was attending the 38th Annual Conference of the Operations Research Society of India (ORSI). Around 7:30 pm, as delegates moved from the auditorium to a nearby hall for the general assembly, gunmen from Lashkar-e-Taiba opened fire with AK-series rifles and hurled grenades. Initial reports mistook the shots for celebratory fireworks, but Professor Puri immediately grasped the danger.

Displaying extraordinary presence of mind, he warned his colleagues, guided them to safety, and put himself in harm’s way. He took multiple bullets in the process, ultimately succumbing to his injuries en route to the hospital. In that first terrorist attack on Bangalore, he was the sole martyr, saving countless lives in his final moments. Among the injured were scholars like Professor Vijay Chandru of IISc, who survived.

Born in 1939, Professor Puri dedicated his life to education. A top-ranked graduate from Delhi University (B.Sc. & M.Sc.), he earned his Ph.D. in Operations Research in 1972. Renowned for work in combinatorial optimization, fractional programming, and network flows, he published extensively and mentored generations of students. For over 35 years, he was a pillar of ORSI and served on the editorial board of the journal OPSEARCH.

Eyewitnesses recall his calm demeanor and unwavering courage during the attack—qualities that helped many survive. The nation mourned deeply. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam expressed profound grief. IIT Delhi remembered him as a “dutiful, hardworking, and dedicated” scholar. Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat highlighted his “commitment to knowledge, sensitivity to social concerns, and humanitarian virtues.”

In his honor, ORSI established the Professor M.C. Puri Memorial Award, recognizing excellence in operations research, particularly contributions within India. His legacy continues through commemorative symposia and annual tributes at ORSI conferences, inspiring future generations.

Even twenty years later, Professor Puri’s story resonates: when terror attempts to intimidate knowledge and progress, a scholar’s quiet dedication and ultimate bravery illuminate the indomitable spirit of humanity. His sacrifice was not in vain—it continues to guide and inspire young minds, proving that courage, like knowledge, can light even the darkest moments.

On a personal note, I take immense pride in my connection to him. Professor Puri was the husband of my paternal aunt, Dr. Raksha Puri, a gold medalist in Hindi Literature and Professor at Kamala Nehru College, Delhi. I was present at his funeral, and the memories of that solemn day remain etched in my heart. To be his niece is an honor beyond words—his life and legacy are a beacon I will always cherish.