A Story Of Courage

A Story Of Courage

Here is the story of a brave soldier, 2/Lt Arun Khetarpal, Param Vir Chakra.

He was born on 14 Oct 1950 in Pune to a Punjabi Hindu Khatri family with a proud military tradition. His father, Lt Col ML Khetarpal, served in the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers. Military service ran deep in the family and strongly influenced Arun from an early age.

He studied at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, where he lived by the school motto “Never Give In.” Arun was an excellent sportsman and a capable student. He cleared the National Defence Academy examination in his first attempt and joined NDA in Jun 1967. He belonged to Foxtrot Squadron and rose to become the Squadron Cadet Captain of the 38th Course. Under his leadership, Foxtrot Squadron emerged as champions.

After completing three years of rigorous training at NDA, he joined the Indian Military Academy. In his final term, he had the honour of carrying the President’s Colours.

On 13 Jun 1971, Gentleman Cadet Arun Khetarpal was commissioned as 2Lt Arun Khetarpal and was allotted to 17 Poona Horse, an armoured regiment with a distinguished record in the 1965 Indo–Pak War, including actions at Phillora. He was assigned a Centurion tank named ‘Famagusta’, after a historic port city in Cyprus.

Young officers are required to complete the Young Officers Course, but due to rising tensions on the Western Front, 2Lt Arun's course was prematurely terminated and he returned to his regiment just before the outbreak of war. 

17 Poona Horse, part of 47 Infantry Brigade, was deployed to the Shakargarh Bulge, a strategically important area where Pakistan aimed to cut off Jammu from the rest of India.

Since 2Lt Arun had not completed his mandatory tank course, his Commanding Officer, Col Hanut Singh Rathore was hesitant to send him to the frontline. Determined to join his regiment in battle, 2Lt Arun underwent a crash course in the regiment and repeatedly requested Col Hanut, for permission. After testing him rigorously at the unit, the Commanding Officer finally approved his participation.

On 16 Dec 1971, during the Battle of Basantar, Pakistani forces launched a major armoured counter-attack near Jarpal Village. The terrain was flat and open, ideal for tank warfare. During the battle, two Indian tanks ahead of him were knocked out. 2Lt Arun, commanding the lead operational tank, moved forward fearlessly under intense fire.

When his tank was hit and caught fire, his Squadron Commander ordered him to abandon it. 2Lt Arun famously replied:

“No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards.”

He continued to engage the enemy, destroying several Pakistani Patton tanks by constantly changing position. Eventually, his tank was hit again at close range and was completely destroyed. Even in his final moments, he remained conscious and asked his gunner for water. Before help could arrive, 2Lt Arun Khetarpal was martyred, fighting till his last breath.

For his extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice, 2Lt Arun Khetarpal was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, becoming one of its youngest recipients. The NDA Parade Ground is named ‘Arun Khetarpal Parade Ground’ in his honour.

His life remains a timeless symbol of courage, leadership and devotion to duty. His story continues to inspire generations of young Indians to serve the nation with honour and selflessness

Cadet Aashvi Singh

YTA 10