Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, is all set to make his Bollywood debut with the film ‘Ikkis’, where he plays the role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Khetarpal, who played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune into a distinguished military family. He studied at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar before joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Khetarpal, who lost his life in the war at a young age.
Arun Khetarpal was born to Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal and Mrs. Radha Khetarpal, a family with a long history of military service. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a decorated army officer who had served in World War II and the Indo-Pak War of 1947. Growing up in a military family, Arun was exposed to the values of discipline, duty, and patriotism from a young age. He was an outstanding student and athlete, and his parents encouraged him to pursue a career in the armed forces.
After completing his schooling at Lawrence School, Sanawar, Arun joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967. The NDA is a premier military academy that trains cadets to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Arun excelled at the NDA, graduating as a Second Lieutenant in 1971. He was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse, a renowned cavalry regiment of the Indian Army.
The 1971 Indo-Pak War broke out in December 1971, when Pakistan launched a surprise attack on Indian territory. The war was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India supported the Bengali nationalist movement against Pakistani rule. Arun Khetarpal, who was just 21 years old at the time, was deployed with his regiment in the Shakargarh sector of the India-Pakistan border.
On December 16, 1971, Arun’s unit was tasked with capturing the Pakistani post of Basantar, which was heavily fortified and defended by a large enemy force. Arun, who was commanding a section of tanks, led the charge against the Pakistani post. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Arun’s unit fought valiantly, and he personally destroyed several enemy tanks.
However, during the battle, Arun’s tank was hit by enemy fire, and he was severely injured. Despite his injuries, Arun continued to fight, refusing to abandon his post or his comrades. He single-handedly destroyed several more enemy tanks before succumbing to his injuries. Arun’s bravery and sacrifice inspired his comrades to fight on, and they eventually captured the Pakistani post.
Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military honor, for his exceptional bravery and selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds. The PVC is awarded to soldiers who demonstrate extraordinary courage and valor in the face of the enemy, and Arun’s actions on December 16, 1971, were a shining example of this.
The film ‘Ikkis’, which stars Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal, is a tribute to the young officer’s bravery and sacrifice. The film follows Arun’s journey from his childhood to his deployment in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, and it highlights the values of patriotism, duty, and honor that defined his life. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian military history or the story of a true hero who gave his life for his country.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal was a true hero of the Indian Army, who demonstrated exceptional bravery and selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds. His story is an inspiration to anyone who values patriotism, duty, and honor, and it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers in the line of duty. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a fitting tribute to Arun’s memory, and it is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian military history or the story of a true hero.
You can watch the trailer of the film ‘Ikkis’ on https://www.youtube.com/watch.
News Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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