Arun Khetarpal IAS: Inspiring Journey, Career Achievements & Leadership Legacy

Year	Award/Recognition	Details
1971	10 Confirmed Tank Kills	India’s “Tank Ace of Aces”
1972	Param Vir Chakra	India’s highest military decoration (posthumous)
1972	Republic Day Honor	Father received PVC from President V.V. Giri
1988	DD National TV Series	Featured in Param Vir Chakra TV series (Episode 14)
2001	Enemy Commander Tribute	Brigadier Naser’s emotional meeting with father
2009	Balidan Stambh Memorial	Name inscribed at Jammu war memorial
2015	Amar Chitra Katha Graphic Novel	Story published for young readers
2017	Malayalam Film	Character inspired by him in “1971: Beyond Borders”
2019	Roli Books Graphic Novel	Dedicated biography by Ian Cardozo
2021	50th Anniversary Tributes	Nationwide commemorations
Ongoing	NDA Khetarpal Ground	Parade ground named in his honor
Ongoing	IMA Auditorium	Named after him
Ongoing	IMA Gate	Main gate bears his name
Ongoing	Tank Display	“Famagusta” displayed at Ahmednagar
Upcoming	Bollywood Film “Ikkis”	Biopic starring Agastya Nanda, directed by Sriram Raghavan

SECOND LIEUTENANT ARUN KHETARPAL, POONA HORSE (IC-25067)

On 16 December 1971, the Squadron Commander of ‘B’ Squadron, the Poona Horse asked for reinforcement as the Pakistani Armour which was superior in strength, counter attacked at Jarpal, in the Shakargarh Sector. On hearing this transmission, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal who was in ‘A’ Squadron, voluntarily moved along with his troops, to assist the other squadron.

En route, while crossing the Basantar river, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and his troops came under fire from enemy strong points and RCL gun nests that were still holding out. Time was at a premium and as critical situation was developing in the ‘B’ Squadron sector, Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, threw caution to the winds and started attacking the impending enemy strong points by literally charging them, overrunning the defence works with his tanks and capturing the enemy infantry and weapon crew at pistol point.

In this action the commander of his troop was killed. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal continued to attack relentlessly until all enemy opposition was overcome and he broke through towards the ‘B’ Squadron position, just in time to see the enemy tanks pulling back after their initial probing attack on this squadron.

He was so carried away by the wild enthusiasm of battle and the impetus of his own headlong dash that he started chasing the withdrawing tanks and even managed to shoot and destroy one. Soon thereafter, the enemy reformed with a squadron of armour for a second attack and this time they selected the sector held by Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and two other tanks as the points for their main effort.

A fierce tank fight ensured ten enemy tanks were hit and destroyed of which Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal accounted for four himself. In this tank battle, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was severely wounded. He was asked to abandon his tank but he realised that the enemy though badly decimated was continuing to advance in his sector of responsibility and if he abandoned his tank the enemy would break through, he gallantly fought on and destroyed another enemy tank.

At this stage, his tank received a second hit which resulted in the death of this gallant officer.

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was dead but he had, by his intrepid valour saved the day; the enemy was denied the breakthrough he was so desperately seeking. Not one enemy tank got through.

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal had shown the best qualities of leadership, tenacity of purpose and the will to close in with the enemy. This was an act of courage and self-sacrifice far beyond the call of duty.

What the Param Vir Chakra Represents

The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for:

• “Most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice”
• “In the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air”

Arun Khetarpal fully embodied these criteria:

• Conspicuous Bravery: His refusal to abandon his tank despite wounds
• Daring Act: Charging enemy positions and pursuing withdrawing tanks
• Valor: Destroying 10 enemy tanks in fierce combat
• Self-Sacrifice: Choosing death over abandoning his responsibility

As of 2025, only 21 individuals have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra, making Arun Khetarpal part of India’s most elite group of war heroes.

Detailed Biography: The Complete Story

Early Life: A Soldier in the Making (1950-1967)

Arun Khetarpal was born on 14 October 1950 in Pune, Maharashtra, into a family where military service was a tradition and honor. His father, M.L. Khetarpal, was serving as an officer in the Indian Army, and young Arun grew up in the disciplined environment of military cantonments.

From childhood, Arun Khetarpal displayed the qualities that would later define his military career: courage, leadership, and an unwavering sense of duty. He was an active, energetic boy who loved outdoor activities and sports. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, he witnessed India’s growth as a young nation and the Indian Army’s evolution into a professional force.

His parents ensured that he received the best education possible while instilling strong values of integrity, honor, and national service. The Khetarpal household was one where dinner table conversations often revolved around military history, strategy, and the responsibilities of those who serve in uniform.

Education at Lawrence School, Sanawar

Arun Khetarpal’s formal education began at Lawrence School, Sanawar, one of India’s most prestigious boarding schools. Established in 1847, this institution had a long tradition of producing leaders for the Indian armed forces.

At Sanawar, Arun Khetarpal thrived in the structured environment. He excelled in:

• Academic subjects, particularly history and mathematics
• Sports, especially athletics and team games
• Leadership roles in student activities
• Character development through the school’s value system

The school’s motto, “Never Give In,” became deeply embedded in Arun Khetarpal’s character. His teachers remember him as a determined student who approached every challenge with enthusiasm and tenacity.

National Defence Academy: The Foundation (1967-1970)

In 1967, at the age of 17, Arun Khetarpal joined the National Defence Academy as part of the 61st Course. The NDA, located in Khadakwasla near Pune, is where India’s future military leaders undergo rigorous training for three years before being commissioned into the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

At NDA, Arun Khetarpal underwent comprehensive training that included:

Academic Education:

• Bachelor of Arts degree program
• Military history and strategic studies
• Leadership and management principles
• International relations and geopolitics

Military Training:

• Infantry tactics and field craft
• Weapon training and handling
• Physical conditioning and endurance
• Drill and ceremonial procedures

Character Development:

• Leadership exercises and command tasks
• Team building and cooperation
• Ethics and military values
• Stress management under pressure

Arun Khetarpal distinguished himself as a cadet who embodied the NDA’s ideals of “Service Before Self.” His peers remember him as someone who led by example, never asked others to do what he wouldn’t do himself, and maintained high standards in all activities.

Indian Military Academy: The Final Polish (1970-1971)

After successfully completing three years at NDA, Arun Khetarpal moved to the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun for the final stage of pre-commissioning training. The IMA focuses on converting cadets into commissioned officers ready for operational service.

During his time at IMA, Arun Khetarpal:

• Specialized in armoured corps operations
• Mastered advanced tactical concepts
• Developed command and leadership skills specific to leading troops in combat
• Underwent intensive physical and mental conditioning

On 13 June 1971, Arun Khetarpal was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Indian Army. His choice of regiment was the prestigious 17 Poona Horse, an armoured regiment with a history dating back to the early 19th century.

Six Months of Service: June-December 1971

Arun Khetarpal’s active military career, though tragically brief, was marked by rapid learning and preparation for combat.

June-November 1971: Training and Preparation After commissioning, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal joined his regiment and underwent:

• Specialized training on the Centurion tank
• Integration with B Squadron, 17 Poona Horse
• Tactical exercises and war games
• Bonding with his troop and squadron

His commanding officers quickly recognized his potential. Despite being fresh out of military academy, Arun Khetarpal displayed maturity beyond his years and a natural aptitude for armoured warfare.

December 1971: The Test of Fire

On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched pre-emptive air strikes on Indian air fields, marking the beginning of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. The 17 Poona Horse was deployed to the Shakargarh sector in the western front, one of the critical battlegrounds of the war.

Arun Khetarpal, commanding a troop of three Centurion tanks, was about to face the ultimate test of his training and character.

The Battle of Basantar: 16 December 1971

The Battle of Basantar, fought on December 16, 1971, would become one of the most significant tank battles in military history and the defining moment of Arun Khetarpal’s life.

The Strategic Situation: The Pakistani forces were attempting a major armoured thrust to break through Indian defenses in the Shakargarh sector. The objective was to cut off Indian forces and potentially threaten key positions. The Indian Army’s task was to not only stop this thrust but to inflict maximum damage on the enemy armoured formations.

B Squadron’s Role: B Squadron of 17 Poona Horse was positioned to counter any Pakistani armoured advance. Arun Khetarpal, as a troop commander, was responsible for three Centurion tanks and their crews.

The Battle Unfolds:

Morning, December 16: As dawn broke, Pakistani Patton tanks began their advance toward Indian positions. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, alert in his tank, spotted the enemy movement first. Without hesitation, he engaged the lead Pakistani tank, destroying it with accurate fire. His quick action alerted the entire squadron to the threat.

The Main Engagement: As more Pakistani tanks advanced, a fierce battle ensued. Arun Khetarpal maneuvered his tank skillfully, using terrain to advantage while maintaining aggressive fire on enemy positions. His crew—gunner, loader, and driver—worked with precision, reflecting their commander’s training and leadership.

Tank after tank fell to Arun Khetarpal’s accurate gunnery. The Centurion tanks, though fewer in number, were proving superior to the American-supplied Pakistani Pattons, especially with officers like Arun Khetarpal commanding them.

The Critical Moment: During the intense firefight, Arun Khetarpal’s tank took a hit. The shell damaged the tank’s mobility, making it a static target. Standard military doctrine in such situations is clear: a disabled tank is extremely vulnerable, and the crew should abandon it to fight another day.

Arun Khetarpal was wounded by shrapnel from the hit. His commanding officer, Major Daljit Singh Narang, seeing the danger, radioed him: “Arun, your tank is hit, you are wounded, abandon your tank and move out.”

The Immortal Response: What came back over the radio would echo through Indian military history:

“No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards.”

In that moment, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, at age 21, with only six months of service, made the decision that would define his legacy and inspire generations.

The Final Stand: Arun Khetarpal continued engaging enemy tanks from his immobilized position. His exposed tank drew concentrated enemy fire, but he refused to stop fighting. His gun continued to roar, destroying more Pakistani tanks.

Finally, a direct hit from a Pakistani tank struck Arun Khetarpal’s turret. The young officer was killed instantly, but not before he had destroyed multiple enemy tanks and broken the momentum of the Pakistani attack.

The Aftermath: Inspired by Arun Khetarpal’s sacrifice and example, B Squadron and the entire regiment fought with renewed determination. The Battle of Basantar ended in a decisive Indian victory. The Pakistani armoured thrust was not only stopped but destroyed. India went on to win the war decisively, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.

Recognition and Honor

Param Vir Chakra: On 26 January 1972, Republic Day, Arun Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration for valor. His father, Lieutenant General M.L. Khetarpal, received the award from President V.V. Giri in a ceremony that moved the entire nation.

Impact on 17 Poona Horse: The regiment’s battle honors include the Battle of Basantar, and Arun Khetarpal remains the regiment’s most celebrated hero. His photograph adorns the officers’ mess, and his story is told to every new officer who joins the regiment.

Final Tribute

In the pantheon of Indian military heroes, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Param Vir Chakra, occupies a special place. His youth, his brief service, his extraordinary valor, and his supreme sacrifice embody everything that is noble about military service.

Arun Khetarpal didn’t just fight a battle; he demonstrated what it means to be a warrior. He didn’t just follow orders; he exemplified leadership. He didn’t just die in combat; he chose honor over life in a conscious, deliberate act of supreme courage.

More than five decades after that December day in 1971, Arun Khetarpal remains alive—in the hearts of his regiment, in the curriculum of military academies, in the inspiration he provides to young Indians, and in the eternal gratitude of a nation he died defending.

His tank may have fallen silent on December 16, 1971, but his voice—saying “No Sir, I will not abandon my tank”—echoes still, calling every generation to duty, honor, and sacrifice.

Jai Hind! Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Param Vir Chakra—Present!

A grateful nation salutes its immortal warrior.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What was Arun Khetarpal’s current position?

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was serving as a Troop Commander in B Squadron, 17 Poona Horse, when he was martyred on December 16, 1971.

2. Was Arun Khetarpal married?

No, Arun Khetarpal was unmarried at the time of his martyrdom. He was only 21 years old.

3. What was Arun Khetarpal’s UPSC rank or educational qualification?

Arun Khetarpal was not a civil servant. He was a military officer who graduated from the National Defence Academy (61st Course) and the Indian Military Academy. He did not appear for UPSC civil services examinations.

4. What is the Param Vir Chakra?

The Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy. Arun Khetarpal received this honor posthumously in 1972.

5. How long was Arun Khetarpal’s military service?

Arun Khetarpal served for only six months, from his commissioning on June 13, 1971, to his martyrdom on December 16, 1971.

6. What was the Battle of Basantar?

The Battle of Basantar was a major tank battle fought on December 16, 1971, during the Indo-Pakistan War. It took place in the Shakargarh sector and resulted in a decisive Indian victory. Arun Khetarpal played a crucial role in this battle.

7. How many enemy tanks did Arun Khetarpal destroy?

While exact numbers vary in different accounts, Arun Khetarpal destroyed multiple Pakistani Patton tanks during the Battle of Basantar, significantly contributing to the Indian victory.

Read More: Anjana Krishna IPS

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