Ardeshir Tarapore Biography 
Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Tarapore belongs to the family of General Ratanjiba who led the army of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Tarapore was one among the prominent 100 villages awarded by Shivaji to the family and hence known by the name. Ardeshir’s grandfather was relocated to Hyderabad, followed by his family and thereafter. On 11 September 1965, as a powerful leader, he fought against Pakistan with his troupe and was able to capture the positions of Wazirwali, Jassoran and Butur-Dograndi in the following days. Though his mission was successful, he faced a hero’s death. Later he was honoured with India’s highest war-time gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.
Ardeshir was born on August 18, 1923. He was known by the nick name – Adi. From a younger age, he has done heroic acts and once saved his sister from a family cow that had broken loose. He was only 6 or 7 years then. When he became 7, he was sent to Sardar Dastur Boys' Boarding School, Pune for studies. After completing his matriculation in the year 1940, he applied for army and got selected. He did his initial training in the Officers' Training School at Golconda and later sent to Bangalore. He was commissioned in the 7th Hyderabad Infantry as a Second Lieutenant.
Instead of joining the infantry, he was interested in an armoured regiment. With a heroic act with grenade, he impressed Major General Edroos and he used this situation to tell his wish to join armoured regiment. His wish was granted and he was transferred to the 1st Hyderabad Imperial Service Lancers, which later fought with The Poona Horse in Operation Polo. He witnessed Second World War also. After state formation, he was shifted to The Poona Horse in 1951. He became Commanding Officer and commanded his very own regiment in the Poona Horse in the 1965 war against Pakistan. Though his mission was successful he faced a brave death.
Published: N/A
Updated: March 07, 2014
