Friday, April 5, 2019
Biography of Arun Khetarpal:
Arun Khetarpal was a decorated officer in the Indian Army and a posthumous recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration for acts of valor in the face of the enemy. He is remembered for his bravery and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
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| Arun Khetarpal |
Here is a brief biography of Arun Khetarpal:
Early Life of Arun Khetarpal:
Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, Maharashtra, India, to Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal. His family had a strong military background, and Arun chose to follow in his family's footsteps by joining the Indian Military Academy (IMA).
Military Career:
Arun Khetarpal was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse of the Indian Army. The 17 Poona Horse is a tank regiment, and Arun served as a Second Lieutenant.
Arun Khetarpal in Indo-Pak War of 1971:
During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Arun Khetarpal was deployed in the Shakargarh sector in the western front. On December 16, 1971, his troop was assigned the mission to thwart the enemy's advancement in the Battle of Basantar.
Despite being outnumbered and facing intense enemy fire, Arun Khetarpal displayed extraordinary courage and leadership. He destroyed several enemy tanks and vehicles, inflicting heavy casualties on the Pakistani forces. His tank was hit multiple times, but he continued to fight until his tank was immobilized.
Param Vir Chakra to Arun Khetarpal:
During the intense battle, Arun Khetarpal's tank was surrounded by enemy tanks. Refusing to abandon his post, he continued fighting until the very end. When his tank finally caught fire, he leaped out of it and continued engaging the enemy with a machine gun, killing several more Pakistani soldiers.
Arun Khetarpal's gallantry and determination in the face of overwhelming odds were recognized with the award of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor. He posthumously received this honor for his exceptional bravery and selfless sacrifice during the Battle of Basantar.
Legacy of Arun Khetarpal:
Arun Khetarpal's bravery and sacrifice have become legendary in the annals of Indian military history. He is remembered as a symbol of valor and patriotism. The Battle of Basantar, where he made the ultimate sacrifice, is considered one of the significant tank battles in the history of warfare.
A memorial named "Arun's Pillar" was erected at the Poona Horse Regimental Centre to honor his memory. Every year, on December 16, the Indian Army pays tribute to Arun Khetarpal and other soldiers who fought in the 1971 war.
Arun Khetarpal's legacy lives on, inspiring generations of military personnel and civilians alike to uphold the ideals of courage, dedication, and selflessness in service to the nation.