Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was born on 14th October 1950 in Pune to a renowned military background family.
Discipline, courage, and patriotism were infused in him from a very young age. His great-grandfather had fought the British, his grandfather fought in World War I, and his father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, had served with distinction in the Indian Army.
As was the family custom, Arun Khetarpal joined the premier Lawrence School, Sanawar, where he excelled academically and as a leader. His unbreakable spirit was shaped by the school motto, “Never Give In,” a motto that would prove to mark his brave position on the battlefield.
In 1967, he joined the 38th Course at the National Defence Academy (NDA), where he was part of Foxtrot Squadron and later became Squadron Cadet Captain. After completing his training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), he was commissioned into the 17th Poona Horse regiment on 13th June 1971.
Only six months into his service, war broke out between India and Pakistan on 3rd December 1971, and he was mobilized to the frontlines. His regiment was deployed for the Battle of Basantar in the Shakargarh Sector, a decisive battle that would shape the outcome of the war.
On 16th December 1971, the Pakistani forces made a heavy counterattack at Jarpal against the Indian positions. 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal, who was in command of a tank called “Famagusta,” was directed to support the troops under siege.
Without any fear, he and his team led a bold charge, destroying several enemy positions. During the ferocity of the battle, he single-handedly destroyed four enemy Patton tanks. In spite of his own tank being damaged, he did not retreat. His final message on the radio was, “No, Sir, I am not leaving my tank. My primary gun is functional, and I will get these bastards.”
Despite being mortally injured, 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal continued to fight, knocking out another enemy tank only 100 meters away before he died of his wounds. His unflinching spirit and sacrifice guaranteed that the enemy push was stopped, winning the battle for his regiment. For his unmatched gallantry, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, India’s highest gallantry award.
Arun Khetarpal’s legacy lives on, inspiring generations with the ideals of courage, honor, and selflessness. His name is forever recorded in the pages of history as one of India’s greatest war heroes, a soldier who sacrificed his life for his nation.
