WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY.


             A people may think that to secure a first class at an examination is beyond his reach ; an engineer may feel that the harnessing of the tidal sea-wave to run the machine is impracticable ; a medical researcher may be of the opinion that a particular diseases is incurable. But if each one of these makes a firm resolve to achieve his goal and applies himself to it wholeheartedely, it is almost certain that success will crown his resolute efforts. History often bears out the truth of this assertion. There was a time when flying in the air orbitting the earth, travelling in the space and sending speech over impossible thing have become possible. The aeroplane spaceship, the radio, the television are now realities.

           How have these impossibilied been achieved ? The answer is clear and simple. By man's supreme will power, determination and dedication. The great doer is never a pessimist or a defeatist. He is a staunch optimist confident of ultimate success. Nothing can stop him, daunt him and can deflect him from his avowed purpose. He knows fully well that where there is a will, there is a way. He has the will to win, so he finds out ways and marches through to ultimate victory. A man of will explorers the earth's impassable deserts and impenetrable forests, scales Mount Everest, sails to the North Pole and the South Pole ; plumbs the depths of oceans, conquers space ; and one by one conquers the forces of nature and dreadful diseases. Nothing is impossible for him ; his inventive genius is the crown of creation.

           Let us cultivate a strong will, a keen desire and a determination to achieve our ideals for where there is a will, there is a way. If there's no way we will make one. Victory is bound to be ours.

PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!! --- PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!! --- PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!!

       CUT YOUR CLOTH ACCORDING TO THE CLOTH

           This is an important maxim giving us necessary wisdom to live our lives. The literal meaning of the proverb is that we must cut our coat, or anything we want to stitch, according to the length of the cloth we have. Similarly, we must incur expenditure in such a way that it does not exceed our income. In short, it is important to live within our means.

           There are many people who want to live in a luxurious life even if that means living beyond one's means. People indulge in borrowing loans even if it means to be immersed in debts for a major part of their lives. Such people don't bother that if anything goes wrong with them, what would befail their family ? Children should be thought the value money and the significance of saving it, else they would grow up learning the wrong values. Gandhiji's statement in " My Experiments with My Truth " is very apt : " Buy only when you need it ". We should give a thought to this. Even the government of a country has to keep in mind the total resources while spending. If the government keeps borrowing recklessly from others foreign countries, it may also become bankrupt one day.

           This proverb can be applied universely. It teaches us how to be frugal rather than a spendthrift. If we learn wisdom from it, we might be able to live respectable lives and never have to face embarrassment and ruin ever again.

PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!! --- PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!! --- PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!!

            A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE

         This is well known proverb " A Stitch in Time Saves Nine " literally refers to the mending of clothes before they become irreparable. What is true of clothes is true for anything that needs mending. The advantage of a stitch in time does not limit fabrics alone. Figuratively, it refers to health, medicine, morals, education and politics. We have often heard a doctor telling his patient that an earlier consultation would have avoided the patient painfull suffering. A popular story of the son who had turned into a thief and finally went to the prison. He wished his mother had used the ' timely stitch ' . On a larger perspective, the French Revolution could have been avoided had the French bureaucrats been intelligent enough to appease the people in time. In our personal lives, too, the timely stitches are of immense value. Before our wayward tendencies can turn into confirmed habits, let us apply the stitch in time.
       Our ancestors must have realized the importance of ' timely stitches ' and store their wisdom in this proverb for us to benefit by it. They have done their duty. Let us do ours.


PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!! --- PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!! --- PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!!
 

                  KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

      The literal meaning of "Knowledge is Power" is that power that can be obtained or experienced through knowledge. If one has enough knowledge about something or anything, it helps you become powerful. One can command the others as the less knowledgeable have to depend on you for help.

      A highly qualified person is self-sufficient in his profession and can manage a high profile job efficiently. Similarly, a housewife who is trained in all aspects of running the house will not need anyone's advice, for she can manage things smoothly. People who are found of reading gain immense knowledge about various things. They are silent listener too. These habit helps them tremendously to gain vast knowledge which work in their favour. A good leader must have knowledge to be able to control his followers. The followers will look up to him as they lack the knowledge possesses A well read, clever student will respect by his classmates as well as his teachers.

      Just like kings and emperors where powerful due to the vastness of the armies, there weaponry and the strength of the armies, ordinary humans can also become powerful through hardwork, dedication, determination and an ambition to be powerful in the field they have skills and talent. Truely as Bacon says, " KNOWLEDGE IS POWER " ...

PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!! --- PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!! --- PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!!

    LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

      In an age where man does not find time to think about himself, laughter can be considered as a good agent of relaxation. In today's mechanized and busy life, people don't get enough time to socialize. As a result there is no relaxation. Laughter serves as stress-buster as it releases positive energy. It fills the person with enthusiasm and zeal and he is ready to face the world again.

      Nowadays, we can see many laughter clubs coming up in big cities. These clubs function mainly because of the drudgery of human life in today's world. People take anti-anxiety drugs for relaxation. These drugs have far-reaching effects which are damaging for the kidneys and other organs of the body.

      Instead of taking these medicines if people interact with their family members and friends and have a hearty laugh then they would be more relaxed. They will get new energy for their and it will enhance their performance. Laughter is certainly the best medicine which has only favourable effects. When a person cracks a joke, we laugh. When we laugh, the blood circulation within our body improves and as a result our face glows with radiance.

      So, next time, you feel low, have a hearty laugh and feel the difference. You'll feel refreshed and replenished with new vigour and enthusiasm.

PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!! ---- PLZ CLICK ON ADS !!!

FAILURES ARE THE STEPPING STONES TO SUCCESS

      This title is just perfect and it applies to each and every person. We all want to be successful but it is not always that we succeed, than what ? Does it mean that it is the end of the world ? No, definitely not. Infact ones cannot always be successful in everything we do. During such times it is the belief in ourselves that makes us try to do the same thing repeatedly inspite of failures in this constant striving translates into success one day.

      What we have learnt in that never feel if we have failed ones. We are not good enough or we are a fault. Infact we should take failures in our stride and walk towards once coming them. The success that we achieve towards the end in the most beautiful fruit. Once should never be disheartened by failures. It is the equation of the failures and success that make our life so fascinating and wonderful. The only thing we should learn in is "NEVER GIVE UP" and always consider that

                       " Failures are the stepping stones to Success "

 

 

PLZ CLICK ON ADS ---- PLZ CLICK ON ADS ---- PLZ CLICK ON ADS

                               I love India

       I take pride in being a citizen of India and in being called an Indian. India is a country which can boast of a glorious and a rich past. Its contribution to the world in different fields of arts and architecture, maths and science is laudable. The yoga philosophy which is a way of life has helped people not only in physical health but also spiritually.

      There are diverse religions, diverse languages and diverse customs. Yet amidst all this we have unity. To whatever religion we may belong, at the end of the day we are Indians. India is a secular country. It has welcomed all the religions to coexist and thus this makes it a largest democratic nation in the world. I am proud to be an Indian. I love India.

                       WORK IS WORSHIP


    All human beings need to live a more meaningful life than the one they are born with. Work is natural to man. It is a work that adds meaning to life. No matter how adverse the circumstances be, if one continues to work diligently witout losing faith and hope, then his duties take the form of worship.
    If we keep busy working with full diligence and sincerity, we experience a sense of contentment that a devotee does. God is pleased if we do our duites. Therefore work is as good as worship. At the end of the day if the time has been utilised productively, we have a sense of satisfaction which help us physically and mentally healthy. Think how life would be if there had been no work. Work therefore gives us a definite goal and draws nearer to God.

     PLZ CLICK ON THE GOOGLE ADS ! ----- PLZ CLICK ON THE GOOGLE ADS !

  A LITTLE LEARNING IS A DANGEROUS THING

      The above line is an opening line of one of the important speeches by the Pope. Many times we come across people who don't have in depth knowledge of whatever they have learnt. People try to gain just general knowledge about particular subjects by doing short term courses. But remember shortcuts are never a sure way to success. If are take up something we must attain in depth knowledge of that aspect.

      There are examples of quack doctors who get their education completed by unfair means but in the process stake the lives of so many people. Students take up short term courses which ensure jobs. But in the long run they realize that their jobs are not lucrative as the ones held by people who complete their degrees.

      The value of learning has been greatly diminished in our society and this is very sad. People have no thirst for knowledge. If the trend does not stop, it will lead to a great downfall of the human race. Probably the recent "recession" is the result of little knowledge of the vagaries of the market ! 

PLZ CLICK ON THE GOOGLE ADS !                PLZ CLICK ON THE GOOGLE ADS !

                 Ardeshir Burzarji Tarapore

Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzarji Tarapore was born on 18 August 1923 in Bombay , Maharashtra . He joined the Hyderabad State Force in 1942 and saw active service in West Asia during World War-II. He was commissioned in Poona Horse on 01 April 1951. The biggest tank battle of the 1965 Indo-Pak War took place at Phillora in the Sialkot sector. During the southern thrust of the Indian Army on the Kaloi-Phillora axis the 17 Horse commanded by Lt. Col. A B Tarapore advanced on the right flank. On 11 September 1965, the regiment was assigned the task of delivering the main armoured thrust for capturing Phillora. It decided upon launching a surprise attack on Phillora from the rear. To achieve the surprise, when the regiment was thrusting forward between Phillora and Chawinda, it was suddenly counter-attacked by the enemy's heavy armour from Wazirali.
Lt. Col. A B Tarapore defied the enemy's charge, held his ground and gallantly attacked Phillora with one of his squadrons supported by an Infantry battalion. Though under continuous enemy tank and artillery fire, he remained unperturbed throughout this action. When wounded, he refused to be evacuated. On 14 September 1965, he led his regiment to capture Wazirali. Unmindful of his injury, he again led his regiment and captured Jassoran and Butur-Dograndi on 16 September 1965. In this battle his own tank was hit several times. But despite the odds, he maintained his pivots at both these places and thereby helped the supporting infantry to attack Chawinda from the rear. Inspired by his leadership, the regiment fiercely attacked the enemy armour and destroyed approximately sixty enemy tanks, suffering only nine tank casualties. However, Lt. Colonel A B Tarapore tank was in flames and he died a hero's death. The valour displayed by him in this action, lasting 6 days, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzarji Tarapore was awarded with the highest war-time gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.  


CITATION

              LIEUTENANT COLONEL A.B TARAPORE, 
                POONA HORSE (17 HORSE) (IC-5565) 

On 11 September 1965, the Poona Horse Regiment under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzarji Tarapore was assigned the task of delivering the main armoured thrust for capturing Phillora in the Sialkot Sector in Pakistan .  As a preliminary to making a surprise attack on Phillora from the rear, the regiment was thrusting between Philloira and Chawinda when it was suddenly counter attacked by the enemy’s heavy Armour from Wazirali.  Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Tarapore who was then at the head of his regiment, defied the enemy’s charge, held his ground and gallantly attacked Philloira with one of his squadrons supported by an infantry battalion.  Though under continuous enemy tank and artillery fire, Lieutenant Colonel  A B Tarapore remained unperturbed throughout this action and when wounded refused to be evacuated. 
On 14 September 1965, though still wounded he again led his regiment to capture Wazirali.  Such was his grit and determination that unmindful of his injury, he again gallantly led regiment and captured Jassoran and Butur-Dograndi on 16 September.  His own tank was hit several times, but despite the odds he maintained his pivots in both these places and thereby allowed the supporting infantry to attack Chawinda from the rear.
            Inspired by his leadership, the regiment fiercely attacked the enemy heavy armour destroying approximately 60 enemy tanks at a cost of only 9 tank casualties, and when lieutenant Colonel A. B Tara pore was mortally wounded the regiment continue to defy the enemy.
             The valour displayed by lieutenant Colonel A.B. Tarapore in this heroic action, which lasted six days, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

                     Havildar Abdul Hamid

Company Quarter-Master Havildar Abdul Hamid was born on 1 July 1933, in Uttar Pradesh. He was enrolled in the 4 Grenadiers on 27 December 1954. During his Army service he earned the Sainya Seva Medal with Clasp J&K, the Samar Seva Medal and the Raksha Medal. During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, 4 Indian Division was entrusted with a two-fold responsibility - capture Pak territory East of Lchhogil Canal and contain possible enemy attack on Kasur-Khem Karan axis. The 4th Indian Division succeeded in reaching Ichhogil but the powerful Pakistani offensive forced it to fall back on Asal Uttar. The 4 Indian Division settled here to meet the enemy assault.In the new defence plan of the Division, 4 Grenadiers occupied a vital area ahead of Chima village on the Khem Karan-Bhikhiwind road. A firm hold on this area was considered essential to sustain the divisional plan of defence. On September 8th night, the enemy made repeated probing attacks on Grenadiers positions but was frustrated in all the attempts. The most serious threat, however, developed when the enemy attacked with a regiment of Patton tanks at 0800 hours on September 10th. The attack was preceded by intense artillery shelling so much so that a shell littered every yard of ground occupied by the battalion.By 0900 hours, the enemy tanks had penetrated the forward company positions. At this critical juncture, Hamid was commanding a recoilless gun detachment. Seeing the gravity of the situation, he moved out to a flank with his gun mounted on a jeep. Intense enemy shelling and tank fire did not deter him. From his new position, he knocked out the leading enemy tank with accurate fire. Then he changed his position and knocked out another enemy tank. By this time the enemy who had spotted his position brought down concentrated machine gun and high explosive fire on him.But he kept on firing. As he fired to hit yet another enemy tank, he was mortally wounded by a high explosive shell. Throughout this action, CQMH Abdul Hamid inspired his comrades to put up a gallant fight to beat off the enemy tank assault. His sustained act of bravery and disregard for personal safety, in the face of constant enemy fire, were a shining example, not only to his unit but also to the whole division and were in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid was honoured with the highest war time gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.

CITATION 

COMPANY QUARTERMASTER HAVILDAR ABDUL HAMID  
                      4 GRENADIERS (NO 2639985)

 

At 0800 hours on 10 September 1965 Pakistan forces launched an attack with a regiment of Patton tanks on a vital area ahead of village Cheema on the Bhikkiwind road in the Khem Karan Sector.  Intense artillery shelling preceded the attack.  The enemy tanks penetrated the forward position by 0900 hours.  Realising the grave situation, Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid who was commander of a RCL gun detachment moved out to a flanking position with his gun mounted on a jeep, under intense enemy shelling and tank fire.  Taking an advantageous position, he knocked out the leading enemy tank and then swiftly changing his position, he sent another tank up in flames.  By this time the enemy tanks in the area spotted him and brought his jeep under concentrated machine-gun and high explosive fire.  Undeterred, Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid kept on firing on yet another enemy tank with his recoilless gun.  While doing so, he was mortally wounded by an enemy high explosive shell.
Havildar Abdul Hamid’s brave action inspired his comrades to put up a gallant fight and to beat back the heavy tank assault by the enemy.  His complete disregard for his personal safety during the operation and his sustained acts of bravery in the face of constant enemy fire were a shining example not only to his unit but also to the whole division and were in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. 

                                Piru Singh 

Company Havildar Major Piru Singh was born on 20 May 1918 in Rajasthan. He was enrolled in the 6 Rajputana Rifles on 20 May 1936. During the Jammu & Kashmir operations in summer of 1948, Pakistani raiders mounted a strong counter offensive in the Tithwal sector. The enemy also forced the Indian Army to vacate their forward positions across river Kishanganga. After the setback, Indian troops took position on the Tithwal ridge. At this juncture, 6 Rajputana Rifles was moved from Uri to Tithwal to strengthen the 163 Bde in its impending offensive in the sector. The Indian offensive commenced on 11 July 1948. The operation went on well till July 15th. The reconnaissance reports, however, revealed that the enemy was holding a high feature in the area and that its capture was essential for making any further progress. Further ahead lay another feature also held in strength by the enemy.
The 6 Rajputana Rifles was assigned the task of securing these two features. The ‘D’ Company was to secure the first feature. The ‘C’ Company was to capture the second feature after the ‘D’ Company had carried out its task. The ‘D’ Company launched its attack on the objective at 0130 hrs on July 18th. The path to the objective was about one metre wide with deep ravines on either side. Overlooking this narrow path were the hidden enemy bunkers. The company was subjected to heavy fire and with half an hour it suffered 51 casualties. During this battle, CHM Piru Singh was with the leading section of the company, more than half of which was mowed down by the devastating fire of the enemy. He rushed forward to deal with the enemy medium machine gun post, which was playing havoc with his troops. Enemy grenade splinters ripped open his clothes and wounded several parts of his body. But this did not deter him. He still continued the advance, shouting the battle cry, “Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai”. Rushing forward he bayoneted the crew of the enemy MMG, with his own sten gun, silenced the menacing gun and occupied the post. By this time all his companions lay behind either dead or wounded.
The responsibility of clearing the enemy from the hill feature lay with him alone. Bleeding profusely he inched forward to attack the second enemy MMG post. At this juncture a grenade wounded him in the face. The blood dripping from his face almost blinded him. By now all the sten gun ammunition with him had been spent. He courageously crawled out of the occupied enemy trench and hurled grenades at the next enemy post. CHM Piru Singh then jumped into another trench and bayoneted two enemy soldiers to death. As CHM Piru Singh, emerged out of the second trench to charge on the third enemy bunker, he was hit in head by a bullet and was seen dropping on the edge of the enemy trench. There was an explosion in the trench, which showed that the grenade had done its work. By then CHM Piru Singh’s wound had proved fatal. “He paid with his life for his singularity brave act, but he left for the rest of his comrades a unique example of single-handed bravery and determined cold courage. The country is grateful,” wrote Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Mrs. Tarawati, 75-year old mother of Company Havildar Major Piru Singh, “for this sacrifice made in the service of the Motherland, and it is our prayer that this may give you some peace and solace.” Company Havildar Major Piru Singh was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.

CITATION

                Company Havildar Major Piru Singh  
6th BATTALION THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES (NO 2831592) 

South of Tithwal, ‘D’ Company, of which No 2831592 Piru Singh, was Havildar Major was detailed to attack and capture an enemy occupied hill feature.  The enemy had well dug in positions and had sited his MMGs so as to cover all possible approaches.  As the attack advanced, it was met with heavy MMG fire from both flanks.  Volleys of grenades were hurled down from enemy bunkers.  Company Havildar Major Piru Singh was then with the forward most Section of the company.                                                                                                                        
Seeing more than half of the Section killed or wounded, he did not lose courage.  With battle cries he encouraged the remaining men and rushed forward with great determination onto the nearest enemy MMG position.  Grenade splinters ripping his clothes and wounding him at several places, he continued to advance without the least regard for his safety.  He was on top of the MMG position wounding the gun crew with Sten gun fire.  With complete disregard to his bleeding wounds he made a mad jump on the MMG crew bayoneting them to death, thus silencing the gun. 
By then he suddenly realized that he was the sole survivor of the section, the rest of them either dead or wounded.  Another grenade thrown at him wounded him in the face.  With blood dripping from his face wounds in his eyes, he crawled out of the trench, hurling grenades at the next enemy position 

Naik Jadunath Singh

 Naik Jadunath Singh, was born on 21 November 1916 in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He was enrolled in the 1 Rajput on 21 November 1941. During the Jammu & Kashmir operations in the winter of 1947, the capture of Jhangar on December 24th, by the Pakistani raiders, placed them in an advantageous position in the Naushahra sector. Being in full comand of the communication lines from Mirpur to Poonch, they could now build up their forces for attack on Naushahra. The Army was alive to this threat. In January 1948, they conducted operations to prevent the enemy build up in the area and in the process occupied Kot village to the Northwest of Naushahra. In any case an attack on Naushahra was imminent. Brigadier Usman of the 50 Para Brigade had made adequate preparation to thwart this attack by establishing strong pickets on possible enemy approaches. One of these approaches lay to the north of Naushahra through Tain dhar.
The expected enemy attack came on the foggy morning of February 6th, at 0640 hrs. The enemy started the attack by opening fire from their pickets on the Taindhar ridge on an Indian patrol. Simultaneously, the whole of Tain dhar and the surrounding hills became live with bursts of machine gun and crunches of mortar fire. Meanwhile under the cover of darkness the enemy crept up to the Indian pickets. In the first light of dawn the men on the post saw thousands of hostiles creeping up to them. On the crucial day of February 6th, Naik Jadunath Singh was in command of a forward post of picket No.2 at Taindhar. 9 men garrisoned the post.
The enemy launched their attack in successive waves to take this post. At this juncture Naik Jadunath Singh displayed great valour & superb leadership and used his small force in such a manner that the enemy retreated in utter confusion. When four of his men were wounded he re-organised the battered force for meeting another onslaught. The post did not give in despite its being outnumbered. When all men including him were wounded, he personally took over the bren gun from the wounded bren-gunner. The enemy was now right on the walls of the post. Naik Jadunath Singh, unmindful of personal safety encouraged his men to fight. His fire was so devastating that what looked like a certain defeat was turned into a victory. Thus the post was saved a second time.
By now all men of the post had turned into casualties. The enemy put in his third and final attack determined to capture the post. Naik Jadunath Singh, wounded and alone, rose to give a battle for the third time. He came out of the Sangar and firing his sten gun charged on the advancing enemy. The surprised enemy fled in disorder. He met a gallant death, in this third and last charge, when two enemy bullets pierced him in the head and the chest. At a most critical stage in the battle for the defence of Naushahra, he saved his picket from being overrun by the enemy. Naik Jadunath Singh was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.

CITATION

                       NAIK JADUNATH SINGH  
                          1 RAJPUT (NO 27373)

At No 2 picquet on Taindhar on 6 February 1948, No 27373 Naik Jadunath Singh was in command of a forward section post, which bore the full brunt of the enemy attack.  Nine men against overwhelming odds garrisoned the little post.  The enemy launched its attack in successive waves and with great ferocity to overcome this post.  The first wave swept up to the post in a furious attack.  Displaying great valour and superb qualities of leadership Naidk Jadunath Singh so used the small force at his disposal that the enemy retired in utter confusion.  Four of his men were wounded but Naik Jadunath Singh again showed his qualities of good leadership by reorganizing the battered force under him, for meeting another onslaught.  His coolness and courage were of such an order that the men rallied and were ready for the second attack which came with greater determination and in larger number than the preceding one.  Though hopelessly outnumbered, this post under the gallant leadership of Naik Jadunath Singh resisted.  All were wounded, and Naik Jadunath Singh, though wounded in the right arm, personally took over the Bren gun from the wounded Bren gunner.  The enemy was right on the walls of the post but Naid Jadunath Singh once again showed outstanding ability and valour of the highest order in action.  By his complete disregard for his personal safety and example of coolness and courage, he encouraged his men to fight.  His fire was so devastating, that what looked like impending defeat was turned into a victory and the enemy retreated in chaos leaving the dead and wounded littered on the ground.  With this act of supreme heroism and outstanding example of leadership and determination, Naik Jadunath Singh saved the post from the second assault.  By this time, all men in the post were casualties.  The enemy put in his third and final attack in undiminished numbers and determination to capture this post. Naik Jadunath Singh, now wounded, prepared literally single-handed to give battle for the third time.  With great courage and determination, he came out of the sangar and finally with the Sten gun, made a most magnificent single-handed charge on the advancing enemy, who, completely taken by surprise, fled in disorder. Naik Jadunath Singh, however, met his gallant death in his third and last charge when two bullets hit him in the head and chest.  Thus, charging single-handedly at the advancing enemy, this Non-Commissioned Officer, performed the highest act of gallantry and self-sacrifice and by so doing saved his section-nay, his whole picquet from being overrun by the enemy at the most critical stage in the battle for the defence of Nushera.  

                           Vikram Batra

Captain Vikram Batra, 13 JAK Rifles, and his Delta Company was given the task of recapturing Point 5140. Nicknamed Sher Shah for his unstinting courage, he decided to lead the attack from the rear as an element of surprise would help stupefy the enemy. He & his men ascended the sheer rock-cliff and as the group neared the top, the enemy opened machine gun fire on them, pinning them on to the face of the bare rocky cliff. Captain Batra along with five of his men climbed on regardless and after reaching the top, hurled two grenades at the machine gun post. He single handedly engaged three enemy soldiers in close combat and killed them. He was seriously injured during this combat, but insisted on regrouping his men to continue with the given task at hand. Inspired by the extraordinary courage displayed by Captain Batra, the soldiers of 13 JAK Rifles charged the enemy position and captured Point 5140 at 3:30 a.m. on 20 June 1999. His company is credited with killing at least 8 Pakistani soldiers and recovering a heavy machine gun.
The capture of Point 5140 set in motion a string of successes like Point 5100, Point 4700, Junction Peak and Three Pimples. Captain Batra led his men to even more glorious victories with the recapture of Point 4750 and Point 4875. He was tragically killed, when he tried to rescue an injured officer during an enemy counterattack against Point 4875 in the early morning hours of 07 July 1999. His last words were, "Jai Mata Di." For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and junior leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest medal for gallantry, posthumously. His father, Mr. G.L. Batra, received the award from the President of India, on behalf of his brave son.

CITATION

                            CAPTAIN VIKRAM BATRA  
          13 JAMMU AND KASHMIR RIFLES (IC 57556)   

 

During ‘Operation Vijay’, on 20 June 1999, Captain Vikram Batra, Commander Delta Company was tasked to attack Point 5140.  Captain Batra with his company skirted around the feature from the East and maintaining surprise reached within assaulting distance of the enemy.   Captain Batra reorganized his column and motivated his men to physically assault the enemy positions.  Leading from the front, he in a daredevil assault, pounced on the enemy and killed four of them in a hand-to hand fight.  On 7 July 1999, in another operation in the area Pt 4875, his company was tasked to clear a narrow feature with sharp cuttings on either side and heavily fortified enemy defences that covered the only approach to it.  For speedy operation, Captain Batra assaulted the enemy position along a narrow ridge and engaged the enemy in a fierce hand –to-hand fight and killed five enemy soldiers at point blank range.  Despite sustaining grave injuries, he crawled towards the enemy and hurled grenades clearing the position with utter disregard to his personal safety, leading from the front, he rallied his men and pressed on the attack and achieved a near impossible military task in the face of heavy enemy fire.  The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries.  Inspired by his daredevil act, his troops fell upon the enemy with vengeance, annihilated them and captured Point 4875.  
Captain Vikram Batra, thus, displayed the most conspicuous personal bravery and leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. 

                            Sanjay Kumar

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles, was the leading Scout of a team tasked to capturing Area Flat Top on 04 July 1999 being held by Pakistani-backed militants.  Having scaled the cliff, the team was pinned down by machine gun fire from an enemy bunker, 150 meters away. Rifleman Kumar, realizing the magnitude of the problem and the detrimental effect this bunker would have in the capture of Area Flat Top, displayed extraordinary courage. Without concern for personal safety, he crawled alone up the ledge, along a flank, and charged towards the enemy bunker, through a hail of automatic fire. Almost instantly he took two bullets in his chest and forearm.
Bleeding profusely from the bullet wounds, he continued the charge towards the bunker. Unhesitant, he then picked up the enemy machine gun and crept towards the second enemy bunker. Three enemy soldiers, taken completely by surprise were killed by him on the spot. Inspired by his dare devil act the rest of the platoon, emotionally charged, assaulted the feature and captured Area Flat Top. For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and gallantry of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India 's highest medal for gallantry.  

CITATION

                          RIFLEMAN SANJAY KUMAR
            13 JAMMU AND KASHMIR RIFLES (13760533)


Rifleman Sanjay Kumar volunteered to be the leading scout of the attacking column tasked to capture area Flat Top of Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley on 4 July 1999.  During the attack when enemy automatic fire from one of the sangars posed stiff opposition and stalled the column, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar realizing the gravity of the situation and with utter disregard to his personal safety, charged at the enemy.  In the ensuing hand-to- hand combat, he killed three of the intruders and was himself seriously injured.  Despite his injuries, he charged onto the second sangar.  Taken totally by surprise, the enemy left behind a Universal Machine Gun and started running. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar picked up the UMG and killed the fleeing enemy.  Although bleeding profusely, he refused to be evacuated.  The brave action on his part motivated his comrades and they took no notice of the treacherous terrain and charged onto the enemy and wrested the area Flat Top from the hands of the enemy. 
 Rifleman Sanjay Kumar displayed most conspicuous gallantry, cool courage and devotion to duty of an exceptionally high order in the face of the enemy.

                      Yogender Singh Yadav

Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav of 18 Grenadiers, was part of the Commando 'Ghatak' Platoon tasked to capture three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill on the night of 3/4 July 1999. The approach was a vertical cliff face, snowbound at 16,500 feet. Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav, volunteering to lead the assault, was climbing the cliff face and fixing the ropes for further assault on the feature. Halfway up, an enemy bunker opened up machine gun and rocket fire. His Platoon Commander and 2 others fell to the heavy volume of automatic fire. Realising the enormity of the situation, he continued to scale the cliff face alone through a volley of fire. In spite of having been hit by three bullets in his groin and shoulder, displaying superhuman strength and resolve, he climbed the remaining 60 feet, all by himself and reached the top. With rare grit and courage, he crawled up to the bunker critically injured and lobbed a grenade killing four Pakistani soldiers and neutralising enemy fire. This act was directly instrumental in facilitating the rest of the platoon in climbing up the cliff face.
Grievously injured, but with reckless disregard to personal safety, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav now charged on to the second bunker and neutralised it, with two of his colleagues in an extremely fierce hand-to-hand combat, killing three Pakistani soldiers. This extraordinarily gallant act motivated the rest of the platoon which quickly traversed the treacherous terrain and braving hostile fire, charged onto the enemy to capture Tiger Hill, a vital objective. Throughout this operation, from scaling the vertical cliff face by rope for destruction of 2 Pakistani bunkers in succession, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav displayed indomitable spirit, determination and action beyond the call of the duty. For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and gallantry of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India 's highest medal for gallantry. 

CITATION
               GRENADIER YOGINDER SINGH YADAV
                       18 GRENADIERS (2690-572)

Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav was part of the leading team of a Ghatak Platoon tasked to capture Tiger Hill on the night of ¾ July 1999.  The approach to the top was steep, snowbound and rocky.  Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav, unmindful of the danger involved, volunteered to  lead and fix the rope for his team to climb up.  On seeing the team, the enemy opened intense automatic, grenade, rocket and artillery fire killing the Commander and two of his colleagues and the platoon was stalled.  Realising the gravity of the situation, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav crawled up to the enemy position to silence it and in the process sustained multiple bullet injuries. Unmindful of his injuries and in the hail of enemy bullets, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav continued climbing towards the enemy positions, lobbed grenades, continued firing from his weapons and killed four enemy soldiers in close combat an silenced the automatic fire.  Despite multiple bullet injuries, he refused to be evacuated and continued the charge.  Inspired by his gallant act, the platoon charged on the other positions with renewed punch and captured Tiger Hill Top. Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav displayed the most conspicuous courage, indomitable gallantry, grit and determination under extreme adverse circumstances

                       Manoj Kumar Pandey

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, PVC (25 June 1975, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh - 2/3 July 1999, Kashmir),was an officer of the Indian Army of the regiment 1/11 Gurkha Rifles, posthumously awarded the India's highest military honour, Param Vir Chakra for his audacious courage and leadership during adverse times. He died during the attack on Jubar Top, Khalubar Hills in Batalik Sector, Kargil.

Personal life

IC 56959W Lieutenant Manoj Pandey,PVC belonged to Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh.He was the son of Sh.Gopi Chand Pandey,a small time businessman living in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow-Uttar Pradesh. He was eldest in his family. He was educated at Uttar Pradesh Sainik School Lucknow. He had a keen interest in sports, and Boxing and Body Building in particular. He passed out from national defence academy in 90th course and stayed in MIKE squardon. He always wanted to join Gurkha Rifles and got commissioned in the 1/11 Gurkha Rifles of the Indian Army.

In his Services Selection Board (SSB), the interviewer asked him "Why you want to join the Army"? He Immediately replied "I want to win the Param Vir Chakra." True to his words, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey did win the country's highest gallantry honour but posthumously.

Kargil War
He forced back the intruders on June 11, 1999 at Batalik Sector in the Kargil war. He led his men to capture the Jubar top which was considered as important due to its strategic location. Quickly sizing up the situation, the young officer led his platoon along a narrow, treacherous ridge that led to the enemy position. While still short of the objective, the enemy fired upon the Indian soldiers effectively stalling the Indian attack. Displaying great courage, he surged ahead of his troops and charged at the enemy with a full throated battle cry through a hail of bullets.

Although wounded in the shoulder and leg, he pressed on his solitary charge with grim determination, until he closed in on the first bunker. Then in ferocious hand-to-hand combat, he killed two of the enemy and cleared the first bunker. It was the turning point. Inspired by their leader's spontaneous valour, the troops charged at the enemy and fell upon them. Unmindful of his grievous wounds, he rushed from bunker to bunker urging his men on. Critically injured, he collapsed at the final bunker and finally succumbed to his injuries. But by this time he had already captured the bunker with his men.

Operation Vijay
Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey took part in a series of boldly led attacks during Operation Vijay; forcing back the intruders with heavy losses in Battlik including the capture of Jabbar Top.

On the night of 2/3 July 1999 during the advance to Khalubar as his platoon approached its final objective, it came under heavy and intense enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Lieutenant Pandey was tasked to clear the interfering enemy positions to prevent his battalion from getting day lighted, being in a vulnerable position. He quickly moved his platoon to an advantageous position under intense enemy fire, sent one section to clear the enemy positions from the right and himself proceeded to clear the enemy positions from the left.

Death
Fearlessly assaulting the first enemy position, he killed two enemy personnel and destroyed the second position by killing two more. He was injured on the shoulder and legs while clearing the third position. Undaunted and without caring for his grievous injuries, he continued to lead the assault on the fourth position urging his men and destroyed the same with a grenade, even as he got a fatal burst on his forehead.

His last words were "Na chhodnu" ("Don't Spare Them" in Nepali language). This singular daredevil act of Lieutenant Pandey provided the critical firm base for the companies, which finally led to capture of Khalubar. The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, thus, displayed most conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Legacy
Manoj Kumar Pandey was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest medal for gallantry, posthumously. His father, Mr. Gopichand Pandey, received the award from the President of India on the 52nd anniversary of Indian independence. Manoj Pandey is considered a martyr for his sacrifice to his country. He remains as a role model to people everywhere.

The Army Welfare Housing Organization (AWHO) designed and constructed an apartment complex for veterans in Ghaziabad district, Uttar Pradesh and named it for Pandey as Manoj Vihar. The army quarters near the Cardio Thoracic Center(CTC) hospital in Pune is named after Martyr Capt Manoj Pandey as 'Capt. Manoj Pandey Enclave' The National Defence Academy named the science block as the 'Manoj Pandey Block'.


His Diary

Manoj used to maintain a personal dairy, where he penned down everything he learnt. In his personal diary he wrote "Some goals are so worthy, it's glorious even to fail". On several instances, he poured his heart out. The poetry he wrote in the memory of his doting mother read: "She is the star which shines brightly in the darkness, some one who will always give and bless."

Just below the poem, are the four lines written in bold letters, which shows the metal, out of which Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey's Param Vir Chakra was carved: "If death strikes before I prove my blood, I promise (swear), I will kill death."

Citation
                    LIEUTENANT MANOJ KUMAR PANDEY
                            1/11 Gorkha Rifles (IC 56959W)

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Panday took part in a series of boldly led attacks during ‘operation Vijay; forcing back the intruders with heavy losses in Batalik including the capture of Jabbar Top. On the night of 2/3 July 1999 during the advance to Khalubar as his platoon approached its final objective, it came under heavy and intense enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Lieutenant Pandey was tasked to clear the interfering enemy positions to prevent his battalion from getting day lighted, being in a vulnerable position. He quickly moved his platoon to an advantageous position under intense enemy fire, sent one section to clear the enemy positions from the right and himself proceeded to clear the enemy positions from the left. Fearlessly assaulting the first enemy position, he killed two enemy personnel and destroyed the second position by killing two more. He was injured on the shoulder and legs while clearing the third position. Undaunted and without caring for his grievous injuries, he continued to lead the assault on the fourth position urging his men and destroyed the same with a grenade, even as he got a fatal burst on his forehead. This singular daredevil act of Lieutenant Pandey provided the critical firm base for the companies, which finally led to capture of Khalubar. The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries.

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, thus, displayed most conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.


 


 

                    Ramaswamy Parameswaran

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, was born on 13 September 1946, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was granted Short Service Commission in the Mahar Regiment on 16 January 1972. He took part in a number of operations undertaken by the Indian Army and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration, for his bravery.

Military Action
Under the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement many Indian Army units were dispatched to Sri Lanka to maintain law and order there. The Mahar Regiment, Major Parameswaran's unit, was also sent to Sri Lanka to participate in Operation Pawan. On 25 November 1987, Major Parameswaran was returning with his column from a search operation late in the night. Suddenly, his column was ambushed by a group of militants.

With great presence of mind he encircled the militants from the rear and boldly charged them. This completely surprised the enemy. During the hand-to-hand combat that followed, one militant shot him in the chest. Undaunted by his grave injury, he snatched the rifle from a militant and shot him dead. Though critically wounded he continued to give orders and inspire his command until he breathed his last. The ambush was finally cleared. In this action, five militants were killed and three rifles & two rocket launchers were captured. For the most conspicuous bravery & supreme sacrifice, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.

Citation
                   MAJOR RAMASWAMY PARAMESWARAN
                        8 MAHAR REGIMENT (IC-32907)

On 25 November 1987, when Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran was returning from search operation in Sri Lanka, late at night, his column was ambushed by a group of militants. With cool presence of mind, he encircled the militants from the rear and charged into them, taking them completely surprise. During the hand-to-hand combat, a militant shot him in the chest. Undaunted, Major Parameswaran snatched the rifle from the militant and shot him dead. Gravely wounded, he continued to give orders and inspired his command till he breathed his last. Five militants were killed and three rifles and two rocket launchers were recovered and the ambush was cleared .

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and thought nothing of dying at his post.
 

                 Naib Subedar Bana Singh

Naib Subedar (Later Subedar Major & Honorary Captain) Bana Singh, PVC was born on 3 January 1949 into a Sikh family, at Kadyal in Jammu and Kashmir. He enrolled in the Indian Army on 6 January 1969 into the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI). He was trained at the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg (in Kashmir) and also at another school at Sonamarg. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry medal in India.

During June 1987, the 8th Jammu & Kashmir LI, was deployed in the Siachen area. It was then found that a large number of Pakistani infiltrators had intruded over the Siachen Glacier. The ejection of these infiltrators was considered difficult but necessary and a special task force was, constituted for the purpose. Naib Subedar Singh volunteered to join this force.

The Pakistani intrusion had taken place at a height of 6500 metres, the highest peak in the Siachen Glacier area.From this feature the Pakistanis could snipe at Indian army positions since the height gave a clear view of the entire saltoro range and siachen glacier. The Pakistanis called this post 'Quaid post' after their founder Quaid-e-azam Md Ali Jinnah. The enemy post was virtually an impregnable glacier fortress with ice walls, 457 metres high, on either side. Naib Subedar Bana Singh led his men through an extremely difficult and hazardous route. He and his men crawled and closed in on the adversary. Lobbing hand grenades, charging with a bayonet and moving from trench to trench, he cleared the post of all intruders.

Final Assault
A total of 62 people participated to the final operation. Two officers, 3 JCO and 57 jawans were selected. The operation was conducted in three phases on June 23, June 25 and June 26, 1987. A first platoon was sent under Major Varinder Singh on 23 june but unfortunately they had to come back. Two soldiers were killed. The second platoon led by Subedar Harnam Singh with 10 jawans made an attempt on June 25. At that time, there was no problem with the rope, but due to some communication gap with us, the mission had to be aborted. The next day, on 26, Bana Singh and his team were told that they will try another attack and capture the Post from the enemy today itself. A message was passed from the Major General who was the Task Force Commander and they got the green light. The assault was in daylight and there was a heavy snowfall.There was a single bunker on the top.At the end, a total of six Pakistanis were killed. Their bodies were brought back and were later handed over to the Pakistanis authorities during a flag meeting in Kargil. The entire operation was completed by 5 pm.

Naib Subedar Bana Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry medal in India, for conspicuous bravery and leadership under most adverse conditions on January 26, 1988.The peak which he captured was renamed Bana Top in his honour. At the time of the Kargil War, he was the only PVC awardee who was still serving in the Army.

CITATION
                                  NB SUB BANA SINGH
                                  8 JAK LI (JC-155825)

Naib Subedar Bana Singh volunteered to be a member of a task force constituted in June 1987 to clear an intrusion by an adversary in the Siachen Glacier area at an altitude of 21,000 feet. The post was virtually an impregnable glacier fortress with ice walls, 1500 feet high, on both sides. Naib Subedar Bana Singh led his men through an extremely difficult and hazardous route. He inspired them by his indomitable courage and leadership. The brave Naib Subedar and his men crawled and closed in on the adversary. Moving from trench to trench, lobbing hand grenades, and charging with the bayonet, he cleared the post all intruders.
Nb Subedar Bana Singh displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and leadership under the most adverse conditions.''
 

                            Hoshiar Singh
Brigadier Hoshiar Singh, PVC (May 5, 1937 - December 6, 1998) was born in Sisana village, Rohtak district, Haryana to Choudhary Hira Singh. He served in the Indian Army with dedication, retiring as a Brigadier. He died on 6 December 1998 of natural causes.

Background

His father was a Jat farmer and his mother Mathuri Devi, a housewife. Brig Hoshiar Singh married Dhanno when he was still studying in the 7th standard. They had three sons. After his schooling and one year's study at the Jat College, Rohtak, he joined the Army.

He was commissioned in The Grenadiers Regiment of the Indian Army on 30 June 1963.

His first posting was in NEFA. In the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, he saw some action in the Rajasthan sector.


Honoured with Param Vir Chakra

During the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971, the 3rd Grenadiers was given the task of establishing a bridgehead across the Basantar River in the Shakargarh Sector from 15 - 17 December 1971. The river was covered with deep minefields on both sides and protected by well-fortified defence by the Pakistani army. Major Hoshiar Singh, commander 'C' Company, was ordered to capture the Pakistani locality of Jarpal. The Pakistani Army reacted and put in sharp counter attacks. Major Hoshiar Singh went from trench to trench, motivating his command and encouraging his men to stand fast and fight as a result his company repulsed all the attacks inflicting heavy casualties on the Pakistani army. Though seriously wounded, Major Hoshiar Singh refused to be evacuated till ceasefire. Throughout this operation, Major Hoshiar Singh displayed most conspicuous gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit and leadership in the highest traditions of the Army. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery and leadership. He was also Mentioned-in-Despatches.

Citation

                         MAJOR HOSHIAR SINGH
                         3 GRENADIERS (IC-14608)

On 15 December 1971 a battalion of the Grenadiers was given the task of establishing a bridgehead across the Basantar river in the Shakargarh Sector. Major Hoshiar Singh was commanding the left forward company and he was ordered to capture the enemy locality of Jarpal. This was a well-fortified position and was held in strength by the enemy. During the assault, his company came under intense shelling and effective crossfire from enemy medium machine guns. Undeterred, he led the charge and captured the objective after a fierce hand-to hand fight. The enemy reacted and put in three counter attacks on 16 December 1971, two of them supported by armour, Major Hoshiar Singh unmindful of the heavy shelling and tank fire went from trench to trench, motivating his command and encouraging his men to stand fast and fight. Inspired by his courage and dauntless leadership, his company repulsed all the attacks inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Again, on 17 December 1971 the enemy made another attack with a battalion supported by heavy artillery fire. Though seriously wounded by enemy shelling, Major Hoshiar Singh again went from trench to trench moving about in the open with utter disregard to his personal safety when an enemy shell landed near the medium machine gun post injuring the crew and rendering it inoperative. Major Hoshiar Singh, realizing the importance of machine-gun fire, immediately rushed to the machine-gun pit and though seriously wounded himself, manned the gun inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. The attack was successfully repulsed and the enemy retreated leaving behind 85 dead including their Commanding Officer and three other officers. Though seriously wounded, Major Hoshiar Singh refused to be evacuated till the ceasefire. Throughout this operation, Major Hoshiar Singh displayed most conspicuous gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit and leadership in the highest traditions of the Army.


 

                           Arun Khetarpal

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC (14 October 1950 - 16 December 1971) born in Pune, Maharashtra, was an officer of the Indian Army and a posthumous recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration for valour in face of the enemy. 2nd Lt Khetrapal fell in the Battle of Basantar or Battle of Barapind during the Bangladesh war where his actions earned him his honour.

Early life

Arun Khetarpal was born in Pune, Maharashtra on 14 October 1950. His father M.L. Khetarpal was serving in the Indian Army  (retired as Brigadier) and his family traced a long history of service. Attending the Lawrence School in Sanawar he distinguished himself both as an able student and sportsperson. Khetarpal joined the National Defence Academy in 1967 and subsequently went on to join the Indian Military Academy. In June 1971, Khetarpal was commissioned to the 17 Poona Horse.

1971 War

During the Bangladesh war, the 17 Poona Horse was assigned to the command of the 47th Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army. Through the duration of the conflict, the 47th Brigade saw action in the Shakargarh sector in the Battle of Basantar.

Battle of Basantar

Among the tasks set for the 47th Brigade was to establish a bridgehead across the River Basantar. By 2100hr of 15 December, the brigade had captured its objectives. However, the place was extensively mined, which prevented the deployment of the tanks of the Poona horse, and the engineers clearing the mines were halfway through their tasks when Indian troops at the bridge-head reported alarming activity of the enemy armour, asking for immediate armour support. It was at this critical juncture that the 17 Poona Horse decided to push through the mine-field. The regiment was able to establishe a link-up between the armour and the infantry at the bridge-head by first light the next day.

Bridge-head
At 0800hr on 16 December, Pakistani armour launched the first of their counter-attacks under the cover of a smokescreen at the pivot of the 17th Poona Horse at Jarpal. Heavily outnumbered against Pakistani armour and infantry, the commander of the "B" Squadron called for urgent reinforcements. This call was taken up by 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, stationed close to the squadron, with his detachment of two tanks and troops. Khetarpal wheeled to meet the Pakistani armour and launched right into the Pakistani attack. With his troop he was able to run over the enemy advance with his tanks and even captured some of the enemy infantry and weapon crews at gunpoint. However, the commander of the second tank was killed in this attack. Alone in charge, Khetarpal continued his attack on the enemy strongholds until he had overwhelmed the Pakistani positions Emboldened by the success he pursued the retreating Pakistani troops and artillery gunning down a Pakistani tank in the process. However Pakistani  forces regrouped and counterattacked. In the ensuing tank battle ten enemy tanks were hit and destroyed of which Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal accounted for four.

Death

The skirmish however took its toll on the Lieutenant as he was hit by enemy fire, but instead of abandoning the tank he fought on destroying one final tank before he was finally overwhelmed by Capt. Khwaja Mohamad Naser. However, his actions had denied a vital breakthrough for Pakistani forces and instead put the Indians  in a stronger position in the Shakargarh bulge. His final words over the radio to a superior officer who had ordered him to abandon his burning tank were, "No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards." Then he set about destroying the remaining enemy tanks. The last enemy tank, which he shot, was barely 100 metres from his position. At this stage his tank received a second hit and he was mortally injured. The officer met his death denying the Pakistani Army the intended breakthrough. Khetarpal's tank "Famagusta" was restored and is on display now.

For his conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy, 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously and is remembered in India for his bravery.

Citation
                          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 troop, to assist the other squadron. En route, while crossing the Basantar River, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and his troop 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 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 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 gallantry 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.

Tribute
In recognition of the gallant sacrifice the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun has named a building as Khetarpal through which the young cadets pass out and become officers.