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.
Arun Khetarpal’s story is one of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism. His life is an inspiration to many, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by the Indian Army and the nation as a whole. In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Arun Khetarpal, his achievements, and the impact he had on the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Early Life and Education
Arun Khetarpal was born to Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal and Mrs. Veenie Khetarpal in Pune, Maharashtra. His family had a strong military background, with his father being a serving officer in the Indian Army. This exposure to the military from a young age instilled in Arun a sense of discipline, duty, and patriotism.
Khetarpal completed his schooling from the Lawrence School in Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh. The school, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in India, played a significant role in shaping Arun’s personality and character. He was an avid sportsman and excelled in various extracurricular activities, including boxing, horse riding, and swimming.
After completing his schooling, Arun joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967. The NDA, which is the joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces, provided Arun with the ideal platform to pursue his dream of becoming an officer in the Indian Army. He graduated from the NDA in 1971 and was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse, a renowned cavalry regiment of the Indian Army.
The 1971 Indo-Pak War
The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a pivotal moment in Indian history, with the country facing a major challenge from its neighbor, Pakistan. The war, which was sparked by the Bangladesh Liberation War, saw the Indian Army playing a crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistani rule.
Arun Khetarpal, who was just 21 years old at the time, was part of the 17 Poona Horse, which was deployed in the Shakargarh sector of the Pakistan-India border. On December 16, 1971, Arun’s unit was tasked with capturing the strategic town of Basantar, which was heavily defended by the Pakistani Army.
As the Indian Army launched its attack, Arun’s unit came under heavy fire from the Pakistani forces. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Arun showed exceptional bravery and leadership, charging forward with his tank and destroying several enemy positions.
In the ensuing battle, Arun’s tank was hit by an anti-tank missile, and he was severely injured. However, he refused to abandon his tank and continued to fight, despite being wounded. His courage and determination inspired his fellow soldiers, who were able to capture the town of Basantar and secure a crucial victory for the Indian Army.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Arun Khetarpal’s bravery and selflessness came at a great personal cost. He succumbed to his injuries on December 16, 1971, and was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military honor.
The Param Vir Chakra is awarded to soldiers who show exceptional bravery and courage in the face of the enemy. Arun’s citation for the PVC reads: “Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, 17 Poona Horse, showed exceptional bravery, gallantry, and determination in the face of the enemy. His actions inspired his fellow soldiers and contributed significantly to the success of the operation.”
Legacy
Arun Khetarpal’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians. His bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism are an example to us all, and his story is a reminder of the importance of serving one’s country.
The Indian Army has honored Arun’s memory by naming a number of institutions and infrastructure after him. The Arun Khetarpal Auditorium at the NDA, the Arun Khetarpal Memorial at the Lawrence School in Sanawar, and the Arun Khetarpal Marg in Pune are just a few examples of the many tributes paid to this brave young officer.
Conclusion
Arun Khetarpal’s story is one of inspiration, courage, and sacrifice. His life and achievements are a reminder of the importance of serving one’s country and upholding the values of patriotism, duty, and honor.
Agastya Nanda’s portrayal of Arun Khetarpal in the film ‘Ikkis’ is a fitting tribute to this brave young officer. The film, which is based on Arun’s life and experiences, is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian history and the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
As we remember Arun Khetarpal’s sacrifice and bravery, we are reminded of the importance of honoring our heroes and preserving their legacy for future generations. Arun’s story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of promoting peace and understanding between nations.
News source: https://www.youtube.com/watch
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