Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a young officer of the 17 Poona Horse Regiment of the Indian Army, emerged as a symbol of extraordinary bravery and sacrifice during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. His actions at the Battle of Basantar have etched his name in military history and in the heart of every Indian, earning him the nation’s highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.
Born on 14th October 1950 in Pune, Maharashtra, Khetarpal was a bright and spirited individual from a military background. His dedication and passion for serving his country were evident from a young age. After completing his training at the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, he was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse, an armoured regiment known for its gallant history.
The Battle of Basantar, a key engagement during the 1971 war, saw some of the fiercest tank battles. On December 16, 1971, when Pakistani armour launched a counter-attack at Jarpal, in the Shakargarh sector, Khetarpal, then just 21, led his squadron into the heart of the enemy. Despite being part of a different squadron, his immediate response and strategic assault were pivotal in thwarting the enemy’s plans.
Khetarpal, with his courage and tactical acumen, overran enemy defences, capturing infantry and weapons, even as his commander fell. When the enemy reformed for a second attack, targeting his sector, the situation turned dire. Despite suffering severe injuries, Khetarpal stood his ground, refusing to abandon his tank. His actions led to the destruction of numerous enemy tanks, significantly weakening their offensive.
His bravery was of such magnitude that even when instructed to abandon his tank as the enemy closed in, Khetarpal chose to fight on, eventually succumbing to his injuries. His final act of defiance and courage played a crucial role in the victory of the Indian forces in the battle.
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s heroism at the Battle of Basantar is a tale of unmatched courage and selfless dedication to duty. His story is not just of a soldier fighting a war; it is a saga that exemplifies the highest ideals of service and sacrifice for one’s country. His young life, dedicated and given for the nation, continues to inspire soldiers and civilians alike, embodying the spirit of bravery and patriotism.
Khetarpal’s legacy is a reminder that heroism is not bound by age or experience but is a testament to the strength of spirit and unwavering commitment to one’s duty and country. His life and actions during those defining moments of the war will forever be remembered as a benchmark of courage and sacrifice in the annals of the Indian Army.
