Pune’s Salunke Vihar unites to create and name garden after war hero of 1971

In a bid to remember the martyrs,over 800 residents of Salunke Vihar Society have come together to create a garden that will be named after late Brig Arun Harolikar. The garden,spread over half an acre within Salunke Vihar Society will be named after Harolikar,a hero of the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war on Saturday. Harolikar is the only Maha Vir Chakra recipient who resided in the society till 2008 when he passed away.

Col (retd) Joglekar of Salunke Vihar Society said,”The general body of the society decides to name the garden after Harolikar because he was the second MVC after Salunke- after whom the society has been named. The garden will also include a children’s playing area.”

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Harolikar of 5th Gorkha Rifles was a Lt Colonel in 1971 operations and was decorated with MVC for his role in the eastern theatre during the Bangladesh operations. In today’s ceremony,Harolikar’s wife will also be present. “The society has resolved that we will be naming various other landmarks within the campus after the names of such gallent heroes- though only the recepients of MVC and above,” said Joglekar.