Arun Khetarpal: The Real Hero of Ikkis
Youngest Param Vir Chakra Awardee
Arun Khetarpal was a 21-year-old Indian army officer who received the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Family Background
He was born on 14 October 1950 in Pune, Maharashtra. His father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, also served in the Indian Army.
Education and Early Life
Khetarpal studied at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, and later joined the National Defence Academy (NDA), followed by the Indian Military Academy (IMA).
Posting in the Indian Army
He was commissioned into the Poona Horse Regiment of the Indian Army in June 1971, just months before the outbreak of the Indo-Pak War.
Heroic Role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War
During the Battle of Basantar, Khetarpal commanded a tank troop and destroyed several enemy tanks despite being under heavy fire.
Supreme Sacrifice
Even after his tank was hit, he refused to retreat and continued fighting until he succumbed to his injuries on 16 December 1971, just a day before war ended.
Legacy of Courage
His story is celebrated as a symbol of extraordinary valor and patriotism in the Indian Army. Institutions and memorials across India honor his name.
8 Cute Aditi Rao Hydari & Siddharth Pics