REMEMBERING PRAGYAN

Have u ever heard the NDA song " Purani Yaadein Academy Ki Yaar........"?An integral part of the song is Pragyan Bhattacharya,25411/F/98 .

The gallant Officer ,Major Pragyan Bhattacharya ,while working beyond the call of duty and bringing glory to the gallant family Of Arun Khetrapal ,scumbbed to bullet injuries in North East.

As the thoughts flow back to the days in Academy spent with Prajnan, I remember only a true FOXIE, a excellent singer,an loving coursemate,a keen footballer and above all a good human being.

A simple soul,he was the heart and soul of all Sqn activities ,actively involved everywhere and off course MISSING FROM NOWHERE(OG to the core).

With hand on our hearts ,we pray to the almighty to give his family the strength to bear the loss.

THE FOXTROT FAMILY

RAJAT MISHRA :AN INSPIRATION

Rajat Mishra , a foxie from 102 course has proved once again ,what metal are the we ,the descendants of ARUN KHETRAPAL made of.Shear determination and a lot of mental stamina is what one requires to stand where Rajat stands today.

After getting his commision in EME,met with a unfortunate accident during YO's and had to part with his olive greens but never the less by virtue of RED AND YELLOW courage,he made it to Indian School Of Buisness ,Hyderabad and IIM Ahemadabad.

Quoting from his blog

“Shit Happens”…once u realize this, Life actually goes on, you leave the
past behind and say… “Sh*t does happen…let me move on now…”We should live every
moment n enjoi everyday as the last day of our life n there’ll be no regrets
whtsoeva…thtz how mez gonna live I guess...Life goes on...n on...n
on...

We salute the spirit of Rajat Mishra

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SQUADRON HISTORY

Foxtrot Squadron- The Ballroom

Introduction
The Foxtrot squadron is the 2nd squadron of the 2nd battalion of the NDA. ‘ F’ stands for Foxtrot .
Unique Features
Foxtrot is the only squadron with two parade grounds.
History
The name of the squadron, ‘Foxtrot’ has been taken from an English ballroom dance, having the same name and meaning – “Advance with short and quick steps."
The monetary assistance for the squadron building was given by the ‘ORISSA’ state at the time of its foundation.
Traditions
A cadet is supposed to have pudding after dinner.
There are no punishments in ante – room for anybody.
The rival squadron of ‘F’ Squadron is ‘G’ Squadron and on 14th August we wish Pakistanis ('G' Squadron) Happy Independence Day.
‘Maharaja’ is not the Squadron tradition.
‘Rolling In Muftis’ is not the Squadron tradition
Foxtrot Achievers
Foxtrots have won many gallantry awards and have made the Squadron proud. In fact, they motivate the braves to follow in their footsteps. The alumni have not only made the Squadron proud but the whole nation proud . Some of the these are:
2Lt. Arun Khetrapal - PVC - 17 Pune Horse, 7498 / F / 38Awarded PVC (Posthumously), the highest gallantry award on 16th Dec, 1971 in the battle of basantar for outstanding valour and determination resulting in destruction of 5 enemy tanks He was mortally wounded and yet refused to leave the battle ground.
Air Chief Marshal AY Tipnis - 2309 / F / 15
Air Marshal VS Rai - 19th Course, Ex – Commandant. NDA
Lt. Gen. SK Jetly - CSM, F / 17, Ex- Commandant, NDA
Admiral Madhvendra Singh - Chief of Naval Staff, 3136 / F / 20

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THE STORY OF THE HERO

2nd Lt ARUN KHETRAPAL- Param Vir Chakra1962-66 - Nilgiri Boys (1950- 71) HERO OF THE NATION Second Lt Khetrapal came from a family with a long tradition of service in the Army. In Sanawar he distinguished himself both in academics and sports. In 1967 he joined the National Defense Academy and then went on to Indian Military Academy. Arun joined the Poona Horse in 1971. On 16 Dec 1971, Pakistan armor had counter attacked Jarpal in Shakargarh sector. On hearing this Second Lt Khetrapal moved along with his troops to assist the other squadron. En route he and his troops came under heavy fire from the enemy. Time was at a premium; that's when Arun threw caution to the winds and started attacking the impending enemy strong points by literally charging at them. He continued to attack relentlessly until all enemy opposition was overcome and he broke through towards the B squadron position. The enemy pulled back, only to be back, reformed with more armor. A fierce tank fight ensured 10 enemy tanks were destroyed (four by Khetrapal). Just then he was wounded and was asked to abandon his tank but he realized the enemy was continuing to advance. If he abandoned, then the enemy would break through. He gallantly kept fighting and destroyed another tank. At this stage his tank received a second hit which resulted in the death of this gallant officer. Second Lt Arun Khetrapal, by his valor, leadership and tenacity of purpose saved the day and the enemy was denied a breakthrough. This was an act of courage and self-sacrifice far beyond the call of duty. He was decorated posthumously by the highest gallantry award Param Vir Chakra

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