Khetarpal House – Bhartiya Sainik School, Sikar
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Param Veer Chakra
Born : 14 October 1950, Pune, Maharashtra
Died : 16 December 1971 (aged 21), Battle of Basantar, Shakargarh Sector
Service : Indian Army
Unit : 17 Horse (Poona Horse)
Award : Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous)
Father : Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (Retd)
Brief Profile
Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Param Veer Chakra, was born into a
military family and grew up with a strong sense of duty and patriotism. After excelling at Lawrence School,
Sanawar and the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the 17 Poona Horse, one
of the Indian Army’s most decorated armored regiments, in June 1971.
Just six months into service, during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Khetarpal was called
from his Young Officers’Course to the front at the Battle of Basantar. On 16 December 1971,
when Pakistani forces launched a major armored assault at Jarpal, Khetarpal responded to a
desperate call for reinforcements. Displaying exceptional courage, he led his troop through a minefield, overran
enemy positions at close quarters, and personally destroyed several enemy tanks despite being heavily outnumbered.
Even after his tank was hit and set ablaze, and despite severe wounds, he refused to abandon his position, continuing
to fight until he was killed in action. His actions were instrumental in halting the enemy advance and securing a crucial
victory for India.
For his unparalleled bravery, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was posthumously
awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor. He remains an enduring symbol of valor and selfless service in the Indian Army.
"No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working and I will get them." – 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal
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