As 'Pippa' Releases, Here's How This Tank Got Its Name, Know Its Crucial Role In 1971 Indo-Pak War

At the heart of the Raja Krishna Menon film is the amphibious tank named 'Pippa', know how the tank got its name and its role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

File Photo of an amphibious PT-76 (Palavushi Tanka in Russian) tank

Source : Getty Images

With the release of the film "Pippa", directed by Raja Krishna Menon, the focus turns to the pivotal role of amphibious tanks in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta's book, "The Burning Chaffees," serves as the historical anchor for the upcoming film. The book, prompted by Mehta's battalion mates, resurrects the Battle of Garibpur, a prelude to the 1971 India-Pakistan War. At the film's heart is the amphibious PT-76 (Palavushi Tanka in Russian) tank named 'Pippa'.

The PT-76, featured in the film, is not a mere replica but an authentic tank explicitly resurrected for a realistic portrayal, according to the makers of the film that intends to weave a narrative of patriotism and heroism of the Indian Army, news agency IANS reported.

1971 India-Pakistan War: The Battle Of Garibpur

Delving into history, the Battle of Garibpur, fought on November 21, 1971, emerges as a significant theatre. The film is a retelling of this tank battle, which was fought in present-day Bangladesh, against Pakistani firepower with Lt-General A.A.K. Niazi, who eventually signed the surrender documents for a defeated Pakistan. The Battle of Garibpur was fought between India and Pakistan for the control of the village of Garibpur, which is now in Bangladesh.

On November 20, 1971, before India and Pakistan formally went to war, troops of the Punjab Regiment's 14th Battalion with 14 supporting PT-76 Russian-made tanks from the 45 Cavalry moved in to capture the areas around Garibpur in what was then East Pakistani territory, IANS stated.

'Pippa': PT-76 Amphibious Tanks In 1971 India-Pakistan War

The PT-76 amphibious tanks, as depicted in "Pippa," played a crucial role in crossing rivers during the 1971 war. These tanks proved effective against the M-24 Chaffee tanks of the Pakistan Army, showcasing the technological and strategic advantage of the Indian Armed Forces. The name 'Pipa' pays homage to Punjabi soldiers who affectionately likened the tank to a floating ghee tin when they saw it first.

Overlooked Yet Crucial - Battle of Kushtia

While the Battle of Garibpur is well-known, the tank ambush at Kushtia on December 9, 1971, provides a less-explored but crucial dimension in the Indo-Pak war, according to a report by Indian Express. Indian tankmen of the 45 Cavalry and infantry faced a Pakistani ambush, showcasing remarkable resilience. Second Lieutenants SR Chandavarkar and Abdul Mohsin Khalid Kark were the young officers who made the supreme sacrifice in this less-highlighted engagement. Kark died when his tank was shot while Chandavarkar was held, tortured, and subsequently killed by the Pakistani troops.

The detailed account of the tank ambush reveals the bravery of soldiers facing adversity. In the Kushtia conflict, Lance Dafadar Shankaran's tank played a pivotal role in destroying a Pakistani M-24 Chaffee tank, while Dafadar Cherian Abraham's tank broke the ambush, saving the lives of withdrawing troops, the report mentioned. The valor displayed by 1 and 3 Troops of 'A' Squadron of 45 Cavalry became a testament to their courage.