Who is Arun Khetarpal, inspiration for Agastya Nanda’s ‘Ikkis’?
The Indian film industry has recently witnessed a surge in movies based on real-life heroes, and one such film is ‘Ikkis’, which features Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, playing the role of Indian Army Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film is based on the life of Khetarpal, who played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, Khetarpal came from a distinguished military family and was destined for greatness.
Khetarpal’s early life was marked by a strong sense of discipline and duty, which was instilled in him by his family. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, was a retired army officer, and his mother, Mrs. Radha Khetarpal, was a homemaker. Khetarpal was the youngest of three siblings, and his family moved to various parts of the country due to his father’s transferable job. Despite the frequent changes, Khetarpal’s family ensured that he received a good education and was exposed to the values of courage, honor, and patriotism.
Khetarpal’s educational journey began at the prestigious Lawrence School in Himachal’s Sanawar, where he studied from 1962 to 1967. The school, known for its rigorous academic and extracurricular activities, helped shape Khetarpal into a confident and determined individual. During his time at Lawrence School, Khetarpal was an avid sportsman and participated in various activities such as boxing, swimming, and horse riding. He was also an excellent student and was known for his exceptional leadership skills.
After completing his schooling, Khetarpal joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967, where he underwent rigorous training to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. The NDA, located in Khadakwasla, Pune, is one of the premier military academies in India, and Khetarpal was among the selected few who made it to the institution. During his time at the NDA, Khetarpal excelled in various aspects, including academics, sports, and military training. He was a natural leader and was respected by his peers and instructors alike.
Khetarpal’s military career began in 1971, when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 17 Poona Horse, a prestigious cavalry regiment of the Indian Army. The 1971 Indo-Pak War was a crucial period in Indian history, and Khetarpal played a pivotal role in the conflict. On December 16, 1971, Khetarpal’s unit was tasked with attacking and capturing the Pakistani army’s position in the Shakargarh sector. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Khetarpal led his troops with courage and determination, and they managed to capture the enemy position.
However, during the battle, Khetarpal’s tank was hit by enemy fire, and he was severely injured. Despite his injuries, Khetarpal continued to fight and led his troops to victory. He died on the battlefield, but not before ensuring that his unit had achieved its objective. Khetarpal’s bravery and sacrifice were recognized by the Indian government, and he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
The Param Vir Chakra is awarded to soldiers who demonstrate exceptional courage and bravery in the face of the enemy. Khetarpal’s citation for the award reads: “Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was born on 14th October 1950, at Pune. He was commissioned in the 17 Poona Horse on 13th June 1971. On 16th December 1971, during the Indo-Pak Conflict, his unit, the 17 Poona Horse, was tasked to establish a bridgehead across the Basantar river in the Shakargarh sector. As the unit began to cross the river, it came under heavy enemy fire. Second Lieutenant Khetarpal, who was the second-in-command of his squadron, was ordered to capture the enemy position on the eastern bank of the river.”
The citation further states: “With utter disregard for his personal safety, he led the charge and captured the position. The enemy, however, put up a stiff resistance and Second Lieutenant Khetarpal’s tank was hit by an anti-tank missile. Despite being severely injured, he continued to fight and refused to be evacuated. He inspired his troops to fight on, and they finally managed to capture the enemy position. Second Lieutenant Khetarpal, however, succumbed to his injuries and died on the battlefield.”
Khetarpal’s story is an inspiration to millions of Indians, and his bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. The film ‘Ikkis’, which features Agastya Nanda playing the role of Khetarpal, is a tribute to the young officer’s life and legacy. The film aims to bring Khetarpal’s story to the big screen and to inspire a new generation of Indians to follow in his footsteps.
In conclusion, Arun Khetarpal’s life and legacy are an inspiration to all Indians. His bravery, sacrifice, and sense of duty are values that we can all learn from. The film ‘Ikkis’ is a fitting tribute to Khetarpal’s memory, and we hope that it will inspire a new generation of Indians to follow in his footsteps.
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