Wreaked havoc on Pakistan’s tanks… Who was Arun Khetrapal, on whom the film ‘Ikkis’ will be made?

The film ‘Ikkis’ will be made in the name of Indian Army’s Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal.

In the history of the Indian Army, the name of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal is synonymous with indomitable courage, unwavering loyalty and extraordinary leadership. His bravery in the Indo-Pak war of 1971 not only defeated the enemy but also set an ideal of bravery for the coming generations. He sacrificed his life for the country at the age of just 21. The Government of India posthumously awarded him the Param Vir Chakra, the country’s highest gallantry award. He became the youngest Param Vir Chakra winner. Now the film ‘Ikkis’ based on his life will be released in theaters in December this year. The new generation will be aware of his bravery and will be proud.

Let us try to understand some important incidents related to the life, training, war exploits and personality of that brave warrior in the name of this film.

Why join the army?

Arun Khetrapal was born in a military-cultured family. Discipline, patriotism and devotion were the cornerstones of his personality. Father was a Brigadier in the Indian Army while Baba and Parababa also served the Indian Army. During his school and college days, he had a distinct identity among his peers due to his leadership ability, physical efficiency and outspokenness. These qualities led him to the Indian Military Academy, where he honed his steely will and tank-armored combat skills during rigorous training.

warrior of the reserves who reached the first line

In 1971, when the situation was changing rapidly in the Sialkot-Shakargarh sector on the Western Front. Khetrapal was posted as a young tank commander in 17 Horse Regiment. In the initial plan, his contingent was kept in reserve, but seeing the seriousness of the front, he soon got deployed in the front line. This change was both a challenge and an opportunity for him. He accepted it as an honor and entered the enemy territory with his troop without any fear.

Basin Morcha i.e. the stage of decisive battle

The area called Basin within Shakargarh Bulge was very important from strategic point of view. If the Indian Army had weakened there, the balance of the front could have shaken. In this area, the Pakistani Army had prepared a strong defense with modern tanks and anti-tank resources like M-48 Patton. In such a situation, Khetrapal’s determination and promptness as a young officer proved to be decisive. They fought a lot. Made the enemy’s teeth sour. They wreaked havoc on the Pakistani army.

Veer Arun kept fighting like this

• First Encounter: Khetrapal’s troop saw the movement of enemy tanks moving towards Basi. As soon as contact was made, Khetrapal without wasting time ordered to fire on the enemy. Many enemy tanks were damaged in the first blow due to accurate shooting. This swift reaction broke the enemy’s momentum.
• Close Collision: In the heat of battle the distance diminished. It was not easy to penetrate the thick armor of the enemy tanks, but Khetarpal changed his strategy and continued firing from the tank. This was proof of his training and immediate decision-making ability.
• Breakthrough Bet: In the midst of the encounter, his tank also suffered a direct hit. A message came over the radio from superiors that if possible the strategy should be changed. But Khetrapal assessed the situation and said that retreating would give the enemy a chance to reorganize. He maintained the advance and targeted more enemy tanks. His fighting spirit increased the morale of his troop manifold.
• Last Attack: During the intense fighting his tank was seriously damaged and even caught fire. Still he did not leave the tank. Amidst fire, smoke and shelling, they continued to deliver their final attack. It is said that by targeting many enemy tanks with his tank, he turned the tide towards India. This moment was the pinnacle of his indomitable courage, where nationalism was above personal safety.

A great quality of Arun Khetarpal was his clear communication even in the turmoil of war. He gave short, clear and effective instructions over the radio. Everything very clear regarding target, distance, angle and cover. Due to this his group continued moving forward in harmony. Momentary decisions in the midst of battle, when to attack, when to regroup, when to change cover, all he did with extraordinary precision. This was the reason that despite numerical and resource challenges, his platoon maintained the lead.

supreme example of devotion to duty

Mission first is a principle in military life. Khetrapal realized this through his conduct. Even when his tank was on fire, he did not leave the battlefield. Many soldiers would have vacated the tank in such a situation and chosen a safe place, but Khetrapal continued to hit the target. This decision was proof of his utmost courage, devotion to duty and responsibility towards his comrades. This is what made him immortal.

Film announced

Arun was of calm but firm nature

His contemporary soldiers and officers considered him to be of a calm but firm nature. During practice, he would personally assume the role of every driver-gunner and explain, so that there would be no confusion during war. He did not run away from risk but instead understood the risk mathematically and adopted a strategy to minimize it and maximize results. This practical leadership instilled extraordinary confidence and cohesion in his troop.

Paramveer Chakra put the seal of bravery

The Paramvir Chakra received by Arun Khetrapal is not just a medal, but a document of his indomitable spirit and loyalty to the nation. The meaning of this decoration is that he ensured a decisive victory even by sacrificing his life, and that too at a time when leaning in any direction could have changed the outcome of the war. His story shows that young age does not mean lack of experience, but also energy, determination and quickness of learning.

The story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal is not just a story of bravery, but an embodiment of the soul of an Indian soldier, where duty, courage, discipline and patriotism live together. His final battle on the Bassein front proves that the real hero is the one who does not back down even in the most difficult times. This young warrior decorated with Paramvir Chakra will always be a source of inspiration for the coming generations. The film Ikkis will further broaden this inspiration, so that every Indian can know that being a warrior like Arun Khetarpal means being loyal and dedicated to the cause of the nation.

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