60 Glorious yrs of India’s Independence - Page 8

http://features.ibnlive.com/features/2007/risingindia/

Please go through below mentioned facts, which will make you proud to be INDIAN.

Who is the co-founder of Sun Microsystems?
Mr. Vinod Khosla
Who is the creator of Pentium chip (90% of the today's computers run on it)?
Mr. Vinod Dham
Who is the third richest man on the world?
According to the latest report on Fortune Magazine, He is Premji who is the CEO of Wipro Industries. The Sultan of Brunei is at 6th position now.
Who is the founder and creator of Hotmail (World's No. 1 web based E-Mail program)?
Mr. Sabeer Bhatia later on sold to Microsoft.
Who is the president of AT & T-Bell Labs (AT & T-Bell Labs is the creator of program languages such as C, C++, UNIX to name a few)?
Mr. Arun Netravalli
Who is the GM of Hewlett Packard?
Mr. Rajiv Gupta
Who is the new MTD (Microsoft Testing Director) of Windows 2000 , responsible to iron out all initial problems?
Mr. Sanjay Tejwrika
Who are the Chief Executives of Citibank, Mckensey & Standard Charted ?
Mr. Victor Menezes, Mr. Rajat Gupta and Mr. Rana Talwar

We Indians are the wealthiest among all ethnic groups in America , even faring better than the whites and the natives:

There are 3.22 Millions of INDIANs in USA (1.5 % of population).
o YET, 38% of doctors in USA are INDIANs.

o 12% scientists in USA are INDIANs.

o 36% of NASA scientists are INDIANs.

o 34% of Microsoft employees are INDIANs.

o 28% of IBM employees are INDIANs.

o 17% of INTEL scientists are INDIANs.

o 13% of XEROX employees are INDIANs.

Quotes about India :

"We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made"

--Albert Einstein.

"India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great grand mother of tradition"

--Mark Twain.

"If there is one place on the face of earth where all dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India"

--French scholar Romain Rolland.

You may know some of the following facts:
These facts were recently published in a German Magazine, which deals with WORLD HISTORY FACTS ABOUT INDIA

India never invaded any country in her last 1000 years of history.

India invented the Number system. Aryabhatta invented zero.

The world's first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. More than 10500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects.

The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century BC was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.

According to the Forbes magazine, Sanskrit is the most suitable language for computer software.

Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans.

Although western media portray modern images of India as poverty stricken and under developed through political corruption, India was once the richest empire on earth and will again be one in future.

The art of navigation was born in the river Sindh 5000 years ago. The very word "Navigation" is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH.

Budhayana first calculated the value of pi, and he explained the concept of what is now known as the Pythagorean Theorem. British scholars have last year (1999) officially published that Budhayan's works dates to the 6th Century, which is long before the European mathematicians.

Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus came from India . Quadratic Equations were by Sridharacharya in the 11th Century.

The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Indians used numbers as big as 1053.

According to the Gemological Institute of America , up until 1896, India was the only source of diamonds to the world.

USA based IEEE has proved what has been a century-old suspicion amongst academics that the pioneer of wireless communication was Professor Jagdish Bose and not Marconi.

The earliest reservoir and dam for irrigation was built in Saurashtra.

Chess was invented in India ..

Sushruta is the father of surgery. 2600 years ago he and health scientists of his time conducted surgeries like caesareans, cataract, fractures and urinary stones.

Usage of anesthesia was well known in ancient India .

When many cultures in the world were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindhu Valley ( Indus Valley Civilization).

The place value system, the decimal system was developed in India in 100 BC.

India conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border" Hu Shih (former Chinese Ambassador to USA) If we don't see even a glimpse of that great India in the India that we see today, it clearly means that we are not working up to our potential, and that if we do, we could once again be an ever shining and inspiring country setting a bright path for rest of the world to follow.

Sorry if This post doesnt belongs to this topic😊

Arun Khetarpal

2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (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 during the Bangladesh war where his actions earned him his honour.

2nd Lt Khetrapal joined the 17 Poona Horse of the Indian Army on 13 June 1971. He died a martyr after a valiant fight at the Battle of Basantar during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour.

Military Action

On 16 December, as Indian forces were forcing their way across the Basantar river and bridging it, Pakistan launched a counter attack. 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and his men decided to launch right into the attackers. 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. 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 ensuring tank battle ten enemy tanks were hit and destroyed of which Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal accounted for four. 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 going down in a blaze of glory. He had thus 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 bas***ds." 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. The brave Officer met his death denying the Pakistani Army the intended breakthrough.

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.

The Commander of the Pakistan tank battalion is said to have met the Indian battalion commander after the battle and make enquiries about 2nd Lieutenant Khetarpal's tank since he was very impressed with the gallantry of 2nd Lieutenant Khetarpal. In 2001 Arun's Father decided to go on a visit to Pakistan to see his ancestral place. A Pakistani brigadier named Khawja Mohammad Naser, acted as a host & took proper care of Mr M L Khetarpal. Just a fortnight before his departure to India, Mr Khetarpal got aware of his host's past. Major Nasir like a true soldier mentioned what happened on that faithfull day between him & Arun in the following words "'Sir there is something that I wanted to tell you for many years but I did not know how to get through to you. Finally fate has intervened and sent you to me as an honoured guest. . However on that fateful day, your son and I were soldiers, unknown to one another, fighting for the respect and safety of our respective countries. I regret to tell you that your son died in my hands. Arun's courage was exemplary and he moved his tank with fearless courage and daring, totally unconcerned about his safety. Tank casualties were very high till finally there were just two of us left facing one another. We both fired simultaneously… it was destined that I was to live and he was to die.

It is only later that I got to know how young he was and who he was. We are trained to fight and kill without mercy or remorse. We do in war what we have to without thinking too much about it. However we are humans too and sometimes war takes a personal turn and makes an impact on the inner self.

Though M L khetarpal didn't say anything, but when they left they took photographs and even mentioned it was him who wanted to meet him personally after the war, but Mr Khetarpal was not interested. However after reaching Delhi, Mr Khetarpal, received the photograph with the words of bravery from Major Nasir.

Citation

The citation for the Param Vir Chakra awarded to him reads:
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.

Firms with British roots

Companies with British roots



One hundred and fifty years ago, the first war of Indian independence in 1857 resulted in the curtailment of the untrammelled freedom of the rapacious East India Company. But there also arose another group of British companies, of which Dwarakanath Tagore - unquestionably the most influential Bengali during the heyday of Bengal, had this to say "Twenty years ago the Company (The East India Company) treated us as slaves. Who raised us from this state but the merchants of Calcutta?... It was to the merchants, agents, and other independent English settlers that the natives of Calcutta were indebted for the superiority they posses over their countrymen".

Almost all the modern day industrial groups (Tata, Birla, Wadia…) trace their origins from those days, started as being agents and brokers to British companies. The strong foundation laid during the British era has enabled Indian companies maintain their growth trajectory.

1

Forbes



The Forbes Group is among the first companies founded in 1767 by John Forbes from Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

The Forbes management has a glorious history of been passed on from Forbes family to the Campbells, to the Tata Group and finally at present held by the well-known Shapoorji Pallonji Group of Companies, which is among the premier business houses in India since 1865. The current name of the company is Forbes & Campbell.

2

The Imperial Bank of India



The SBI's origins lay in Calcutta - the then capital of British India - when it was born as the Bank of Calcutta on June 2, 1806, mainly to fund General Wellesley's wars against Tipu Sultan and the Marathas. It was renamed Bank of Bengal on January 2, 1809. Similar joint stock banks, the Bank of Bombay and Bank of Madras, came up in 1840 and 1843, respectively.

Gradually, the Bank of Bombay and Bank of Madras came up in 1840 and 1843, respectively. In 1921, these banks with their 70 branches were merged to form the Imperial Bank of India. After Independence, several state-owned banks were merged with the Imperial Bank of India to form the State Bank of India in 1955. It is still known as State Bank of India.

3

Bird & Co



Founded by Sam Bird, who came to India in 1858 as a labour contractor for the railways, it soon became to dominate the jute industry that was almost completely controlled by the British till the 20th century.

It also owned coal and other mineral interests and was in general a very efficient and profitable run company. After independence, it was nationalised under a special Parliamentary act -- Tthe Bird & Company Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings and other properties) Act, 1980.

Currently, it is known as Bird group of companies, under administrative control of the Government of India.

4

Andrew Yule


Founded in 1863 by a Scotsman Andrew Yule who came to India in 1863 and began his career as an agent for some British Indian companies. It grew very rapidly with interests in jute, tea, cotton, coal, inland shipping, engineering, and even a small engineering company.

After independence, the group became a public limited company in 1948 and became a central public sector enterprise in 1979 with diverse business interests in power, telecom, engineering & environment, electrical, lubricants, industrial electronics, tea, turnkey contracts, financial services and printing. While the parent company, Andrew Yule & Company Limited, is a Government of India Enterprise, the group companies are in the private sector with widely distributed shareholding. It is currently known as the Andrew Yule group of companies.

5

EID Parry



Started in 1789 by Thomas Parry as an agency trading bills, real estate and Madeira wines, it grew in chequered fashion with many owners and partners and was by far the leading managing agency house of the southern part of India.

It had a finger in almost every pie ranging from imports, shipping, leather, indigo, sugar, potteries and a range of other ventures.

Thomas Parry was held in high esteem by the 'native' Indian population and as a result ran afoul of the East India Company for supporting the Nawab of Carnatak and the other for exposing the extreme rapacity of the East Indian company officials - as a result of which he had to take refuge in Ceylon to escape the wrath of the East India officials. EID Parry became a member of the Murugappa group in 1981. Currently, E. I. D. Parry has evolved into one of the largest business groups in the country.

6

Arbuthnot & Co



The company's beginnings were in 1800 when George Arbuthnot, 1st of Elderslie, an Aberdeenshire Scot, arrived in Madras and joined the firm of Francis Latour & Co, established in 1777, and on his death in 1821 it became Arbuthnot & Co.

The firm invested lavishly in daring enterprises, such as searching for gold in the Nilgiris and Anamalais, investing in American railway projects and new South African goldfields, and in the plantation crops of the West Indies, amongst other ventures.

When it failed in 1906 its liabilities, to almost everyone who was anyone in Madras, including Governor Sir Arthur Lawley, amounted to Rs 2.7 crore. This was the biggest crash in Indian banking history till then. This was not a crisis; this was a south Indian disaster that was to have ramifications in many other colonies where South Indians played a major role as financiers. It is currently known as Gillanders Arbuthnot & Co Ltd.

7

James Finlay



James Finlay & Company's Sir John Muir acquired concessions for the North and South Sylhet Tea Companies in 1893. The Consolidated Tea and Lands Company was established to take over these interests. Finlay's 2,500 acres and other estates were acquired in 1897 by the Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company, which was named after the prominent geographical feature in North Travancore.

Tatas formed the Tata Finlay joint venture with in 1964 to develop value-added tea, beginning with instant tea. The company took over James Finlay's operations in 1976 and in 1983 it bought out the Finlay Group, forming Tata Tea Ltd. At the time, the industry was slogging through a global depression. It is currently known as Tata Tea.

8

Williamson & Magor



The history of the Williamson Magor Group dates back to 1866. In that year, Captain J H Williamson, who was already involved in the management of tea estates in Assam, met R B Magor, an assistant with the Great Eastern Hotel in Calcutta and led to the signing of the First Partnership Deed of the company in 1869.

The fortunes of the Williamson Magor Group grew along with the boom in the Indian tea industry. By the turn of the century, the company was handling the affairs of 44 tea estates. The Group also became involved in other businesses, including coal.
In 1961, a crisis loomed over the company when B Bajoria, an investor, acquired nearly 25% stake in the Bishnauth Tea Company, the flagship in the Williamson Magor Tea Estates. The Khaitan family provided the money to buy out Bajoria's stake. B M Khaitan was invited to join the board of the company and later, in the face of stiff resistance, went on to become Managing Director of the Group.

9

Crompton Greaves



The history of Crompton Greaves goes back to 1878 when Col. R.E.B. Crompton founded R.E.B. Crompton & Company. The company merged with F.A Parkinson in the year 1927 to form Crompton Parkinson Ltd (CPL). Greaves Cotton and Co (GCC) was appointed as their concessionaire in India. In 1937, CPL established, it's wholly owned Indian subsidiary viz. Crompton Parkinson Works Ltd., in Bombay, along with a sales organisation, Greaves Cotton & Crompton Parkinson Ltd, in collaboration with GCC.

In 1947, the company was taken over by Lala Karamchand Thapar, an eminent Indian industrialist. Crompton Greaves is headquartered in a self-owned landmark building at Worli, Mumbai.

10

Crompton Greaves



Greaves Cotton Ltd, established in 1859, is one of India's leading and well-diversified engineering companies. It manufactures a wide range of industrial products to meet the requirement of core sectors in India and abroad. The company's core competencies are in diesel/petrol engines, gensets, agro equipment and construction equipment. The operations of the company are divided into various business groups strategically structured to ensure maximum focus on each business area and yet retain a unique synergy in the operations. At present, Greaves has 6 manufacturing units located all over the country.

11

ICI



The ICI India story began way back in 1911 when Brunner Mond & Co, one of the four companies that combined in 1926 to form ICI in UK, opened a trading office in Calcutta to sell alkalis and dyes. In 1923, it became Brunner Mond & Co (India) and in 1929 the name was changed to Imperial Chemical Industries (India) Ltd. This was followed by a period of sustained expansion, diversification and growth.

Red Salute to our

INDIAN SOLDIERS


In Batalik, you can't breathe normally. There is less oxygen there. The air is rarified. The lungs scream for oxygen. The blood vessels cry for oxygen. At 15000-ft, you are not normal. You cannot be. The human body is attuned to a certain altitude.

And that's where our soldiers are. Fighting the enemy. Facing the bullets. Dying alone in the snow. Falling to death from the high ridges. No one hears their scream. It's such a lonely death. A tiny piece of metal is all what it takes to die.

They are our infantrymen. The finest in the world. No other soldier has ever fought at these heights. At 15000ft, they can't move with ease. In Batalik, there are no tracks. Climb. Clamber. Crawl. A soldier carries a week's ration, ammunition, a 5.56mm assault rifle or a mortar or a rocket launcher. He carries over 20 kgs on his back as he pulls himself up on this rugged, cruel terrain.

He doesn't sleep. He doesn't have time to eat. He doesn't have time to urinate. Life is not what it is. Life is a shell. It is the terror of death. It is the courage of facing it. It is fear, raw, unalloyed, unrelenting.... the enemy is up there, somewhere hidden. It can see you, can track you down like a rat, can pick you out so effortlessly...and yet these men move, slowly but with determination to fight for the nation. To die for the nation.

You know how it feels to be up there in the cold, cold mountains, carrying a heavy backpack with a gnawing fear that you will never see your eight-year-old daughter. That sweet little thing with a ponytail and a smile that lights up your world. You may not hear her giggles, see her climb your shoulder, run around, throw her dolls in anger, paint the walls in doodles.... You will not be there for her.

You know what fear is. That is the fear. Not being there. Death is not what matters. What matter is that you will not matter anymore. And yet the soldiers go up the hills, like the charge of the light brigade, never asking questions, never expecting an answer. They know they have a duty, they have a pledge, they have a promise to keep. Their tryst with destiny.

It is not easy to imagine a soldier, an infantry man's life up there in Batalik, where the wind can sear your windpipe, chill your brains, make your eyes weep with pain and lungs cry out in sheer exhaustion. Brave. That is what these soldiers are. Brave in the face of death. Brave in the face of fear. Facing bullets. One hundered & Eighty of them are dead. Many more will die. Let not their death go waste, unacknowledged.

great thought out there Raksha.

some poignant stuff towards the end of this article.

-----------------------

May 30 2007

The story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal
(as told by Brig Pt Hangadharan)

Strange Sequel


My son goes to Sanawar, a school up in the Himalayas. It used to be a Military school (154 years old) and like any old school, Sanawar has its fair share of heroes amongst its old students.

One such hero from that school that I want to write about is 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, son of Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal. He was born on 14 October 1950, in Pune, Maharashtra. He was commissioned in the 17 Poona Horse on 13 June 1971, just a few months before the Indo- Pakistan 1971 war. The story of his heroism is as follows.

During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the 47 Infantry Brigade, with the 17 Poona Horse under command, was ordered to establish a bridge-head across the Basantar river in Shakargarh sector. The 47 Inf. Bde. completed the task by 2100 hours on December 15th. It was now for the engineers to breach the Pakistani mine-fields and make a safe lane for the induction of the 17 Poona Horse in support of the bridge-head. While the engineers were half way through their task, the Indian troops at the bridge-head reported alarming activity of the Pakistani armour.

They requested immediate tank support. But the mine-field had been cleared only partially by that time. At this critical juncture, the 17 Poona Horse decided to push through the mine-field come what may. By first light on December 16th, the regiment established a link-up between the armour and the infantry at the bridge-head.

At 0800 hours, the Pakistanis made a counter-attack with an armour regiment, under the cover of a smoke-screen. The target was the regimental pivot at Jarpal. As the Indians troops were heavily outnumbered, the Commander of 'B' Squadron requested reinforcement. At that time, 2nd Lt. Khetarpal was positioned close to the squadron with his troops in two tanks. He answered the call and moved out to face the Pakistani attack. On the way, his troops came under fire from Pakistani strong points and recoilless gun nests, in the bridge-head zone.

2nd Lt. Khetarpal fiercely attacked these strong-points, over-ran Pakistani defences and captured many Pakistani soldiers and recoilless guns at gun point. During one of these attacks, the commander of his second tank was killed on the spot leaving him alone. But he continued attack on the Pakistani strongholds single-handed, until all the Pakistani positions were overwhelmed. He then raced to the 'B' Squadron position. By the time he reached there, the Pakistani tanks were on the retreat. He pursued and destroyed one of these tanks. The 'B' Squadron Commander could persuade him to fall back in line after great difficulty.

The Pakistanis soon reformed for a second attack. This time they chose the sector held by 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal and two other Officers, for the main attack. The Pakistani employed a complete armoured squadron against these three tanks in order to achieve a breakthrough. A fierce tank battle followed. As many as ten Pakistani tanks were destroyed and of these 2nd Lieutenant Khetarpal alone destroyed four. In the thick of the battle, two of the three Indian tanks became casualties - one was hit and another suffered mechanical failure.

The third tank, which was 2nd Lt. Khetarpal's tank, also received a shot and burst into flames. The Commander of the tank troops ordered 2nd Lt. Khetarpal to abandon the burning tank. But realising the useful role of his tank in preventing a breakthrough he communicated the following message to his Commander: "No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these guys."

Then he set about destroying the remaining Pakistani tanks. The last Pakistani tank which he shot was barely 100 metres from his position. At this stage his tank received a second hit. The brave Officer met his death denying the Pakistani the intended breakthrough. For his conspicuous gallantry in the face of the Pakistani, 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.

He was the youngest Indian to win this highest award. The Indo 'Pakistan war of 1971, nearly 33 years ago is history for most of us.

However a strange sequel was to follow for the Khetarpal family.

Many years later, India and Pakistan established 'people to people' contacts between both the nations. This was also known as 'Twin Track Diplomacy'.

Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, father of 2nd Lt. Khetarpal started receiving messages that a certain Brigadier from the Pakistani army was keen to meet him. However since he did not know this particular Brigadier, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal did not do anything to encourage the meeting.

In 2001, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal now 81 years old felt a strong desire to visit his birthplace, at Sargodha, now in Pakistan. It was a wish that he thought that would never materialize, but when he voiced it to some friends engaged in the Twin Track Diplomacy, they arranged all his papers, visas, travel and staying arrangements in Pakistan so that he could go for the visit.

At Lahore airport, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was met by Brigadier Khawja Mohammad Naser, who took it upon himself to be Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal host and guide. Brigadier Naser really went out of way to ensure that Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal had a satisfying and nostalgic visit to his old house in Sargodha. Upon his return to Lahore he was once again the guest of Brigadier Naser for three days.

Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was overwhelmed by the extreme kindness, deference, courtesy and respect bestowed upon him by Brigadier Naser, all the members of his family and his many servants. As the countdown for the departure progressed, the bonds of friendship between the guests and the host grew stronger and stronger. However Brigadier Khetarpal felt that something was amiss but could not make out what it was. Was it the long silences that punctuated their animated conversation or was it the look of compassion in the eyes of the women in the family. He could not make out.

However what was certain was that he would always remember the hospitality, warmth and affection of this Pakistani family who treated him as someone very very special.

Finally at the last night before Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal's departure, Brigadier Naser said 'Sir there is something that I wanted to tell you for many years but I did not know how to get through to you. Finally fate has intervened and sent you to me as an honoured guest. The last few days we have become close to one another and that has made my task even more difficult. It is regarding your son who is of course a national hero in India. However on that fateful day, your son and I were soldiers, unknown to one another, fighting for the respect and safety of our respective countries. I regret to tell you that your son died in my hands. Arun's courage was exemplary and he moved his tank with fearless courage and daring, totally unconcerned about his safety. Tank casualties were very high till finally there were just two of us left facing one another. We both fired simultaneously' it was destined that I was to live and he was to die.

It is only later that I got to know how young he was and who he was. We are trained to fight and kill without mercy or remorse. We do in war what we have to without thinking too much about it. However we are humans too and sometimes war takes a personal turn and makes an impact on the inner self.

I had all along thought that I would ask your forgiveness, but in telling the story I realize that there is nothing to forgive. Instead I salute your son for what he did at such a young age and I salute you too, because I know how he grew into such a young man. In the end it is character and values that matter."

Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was silent as he did not know how to react. To be faced with the person who killed his son, and also to be enjoying his hospitality and being his guest is a confusing feeling. However Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal immediately realized that Brigadier Naser was genuinely wanting, in some way to compensate for something that he did only in the line of duty. The soldier must do what he has been trained to do unhesitatingly, and with full resolve and determination.

Both the Brigadiers retired for the night deep in thought. There are never any victors in war, both sides lose and it is the families that have to pay the price and suffer the most. As someone once said ' Wars are created by politicians, compounded by bureaucrats and fought by soldiers.

The next day photographs were taken and Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal returned back to Delhi. Later the photos reached Delhi along with a note from Brigadier Naser that said:

With Warmest regards and utmost sincerity,

To:
Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, father of Shaheed Second Lieutenant Arun. Khetarpal, PVC,who stood like an unsurmountable rock, between the victory and failure, of the counter attack by the 'SPEARHEADS' 13 LANCERS
on 16 December 1971 in the battle of "Bara Pind' as we call it
and battle of "Basantar' as 17 Poona Horse remembers.

Khawja Mohammad Naser, 13 Lancers
02 March 2001
Lahore, Pakistan

very touching story Rahul!!! The following lines touched me deeply:

Originally posted by: chatbuster

There are never any victors in war, both sides lose and it is the families that have to pay the price and suffer the most. As someone once said ' Wars are created by politicians, compounded by bureaucrats and fought by soldiers.

@Rahul and Raksha: Thanks for sharing Lt. Khetrapal's story with us. Makes us so proud to be an Indian😊

Originally posted by: #1EijazFan

All these posts makes me so proud to be an Indian! 😭 😭

you bet!!! they sure make us proud😊

Originally posted by: Gauri_3

very touching story Rahul!!! The following lines touched me deeply:

@Rahul and Raksha: Thanks for sharing Lt. Khetrapal's story with us. Makes us so proud to be an Indian😊

it's a story even before one's childhood😊