16 December - Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal death anniversary

 

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal is one of India's most celebrated war heroes, remembered for his extraordinary bravery during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military honor for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

Early Life and Military Career

Arun Khetarpal was born on 14 October 1950, in Pune, Maharashtra, into a family with a proud military tradition. He joined the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and later graduated from the Indian Military Academy (IMA). Commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse, an armored regiment of the Indian Army, he quickly established himself as a courageous and disciplined officer.

The Battle of Basantar

During the Battle of Basantar in the Shakargarh sector in December 1971, Khetarpal played a pivotal role in repelling a major Pakistani counterattack. On 16 December 1971, his squadron was tasked with establishing a bridgehead across the Basantar River under intense enemy fire. Despite being vastly outnumbered and facing heavy opposition from Pakistani tanks, Khetarpal displayed remarkable leadership and courage.

When his tank was hit and caught fire, he refused to abandon his position. Fighting to his last breath, Khetarpal destroyed several enemy tanks, significantly crippling the enemy’s assault. His actions were instrumental in ensuring a decisive victory for his unit, but he succumbed to his injuries during the battle.

Legacy

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s valor and sacrifice are immortalized in Indian military history. He was just 21 years old when he laid down his life for the nation. His Param Vir Chakra citation reads as a testimony to his indomitable spirit, fearlessness, and supreme sacrifice.

Today, he is remembered as a symbol of courage and patriotism. Memorials in his honor include:

• The Arun Khetarpal Hall at NDA.
• A tank at the Indian Military Academy named "Famagusta", after his heroic tank.
• Streets and institutions bearing his name across India.

Arun Khetarpal remains an enduring inspiration to countless Indians and serves as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers in defense of their motherland.