Arun Khetarpal Age, Wiki and Bio

Arun Khetarpal

Quick Info

ProfessionArmy Personnel
NationalityIndian
Date of Birth14/10/1950
Age21 years (died on 16, Dec, 1971)
BirthplacePune, Bombay State (now Maharashtra), India
Marital StatusUnmarried
Death Date16/12/1971
Place of DeathShakargarh Sector, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Death CauseSeverely injured in the tank battle at the Battle of Basantar
Zodiac signLibra
HometownPune, Maharashtra, India
SchoolThe Lawrence School, Sanawar
College/University
  • National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla
  • Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
AddressC-31, Anand Niketan, New Delhi, Delhi – 110021, India

Family

FatherM. L. Khetarpal (a retired Brigadier)
MotherMaheshwari Khetarpal (a trained dietician)
SiblingsBrother - Mukesh Khetarpal (working as a management consultant in Delhi)

Career

ProfessionArmy Personnel
Famous ForBattle of Basantar (Indo-Pakistan War of 1971)
Military Service
Service/BranchIndian Army
RankSecond Lieutenant
Service Years13 June 1971 - 16 December 1971
Unit17 Poona Horse (Armoured Corps)
Service NumberIC-25067
Career RanksSecond Lieutenant (13 June 1971)
Awards, Honours, Achievements
  • The Param Vir Chakra
  • Parade ground at NDA has been named after him
  • A stadium has been named after him at his school, The Lawrence School Sanawar

Favourites

Bike CollectionHe owned a Jawa manufactured by Jawa Moto

Some Lesser Known Facts

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal received the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
Arun Khetarpal was a student and athlete at Lawrence School, Sanawar.
He came from a family with a military background, and his father also served in the Indian Army.
After excelling at the National Defence Academy, Arun joined the Indian Military Academy in 1970.
During the Battle of Basantar, Arun led the assault against Pakistani tanks, destroying 10 of them despite being severely wounded.
He refused to abandon his tank, named Famagusta, during the battle.
Arun Khetarpal's tank was the last one operational in his squadron.
His heroic actions prevented a breakthrough by Pakistani forces, as acknowledged even by a retired Pakistan Army officer.
Arun had a passion for music and played the saxophone in the NDA band.
A biographical film titled 'Ekkis' reportedly featuring Arun Khetarpal's story is expected to be made in 2024.