On the 4th December, 1991, there was a major fire at the Gwalior Rayon Mills which was caused by the explosion of a chemical boiler and bursting gas cylinders. Due to the explosion and fire, the building had collapsed and a number of people were buried under the debris. The Indian Air Force located there was called upon to assist the rescue work. Within half an hour, three DFTs and ambulance and a SCFT were sent to the site of fire. The Air Force managed to contain the fire despite the fact that there was no direct access to the site. After fire was contained it was noticed that there were a couple of gas cylinders around which were leaking. JWO Raju at grave risk to his own life and unmindful of the danger involved in going near the cylinders, took a chance and approached the cylinders and made them safe. Subsequently, despite the debris and smouldering fire, in total disregard to the danger to his life, he began the operation of clearing the debris and rescuing the people under the collapsed building. JWO Raju displayed courage above and beyond the call of his duty in undertaking a task which was dangerous to his own life.

Junior Warrant Officer Venkata Phani Raju Kala, SC, thus, displayed gallantry of a high order and set an example to others.

Squadron Leader Poockoty Govindan was commissioned on 18 Dec 71 and posted to Air Force Station, Gwalior as Station Adjutant. In Apr 78, he was appointed as Secretary, Air Force Sports Control Board at Air Headquarters. During his tenure as Secretary, Air Force Sports Control Board from 1976 to 1984, the Air Force teams performed extremely well and won nearly 8 Championships out of the 17 disciplines in which Inter-Services Championships were held. At the national level, Squadron Leader Govindan is presently the treasure of Indian Hockey Federation, Vice President of Indian Volleyball and Amateur Handball Federations of India. In 1982, he was appointed as the Competition Director for the Handball event in the IX Asian Games held at Delhi. He was also the Manger of the Indian Handball Team of its tour to East Germany in 1982, the Indian Hockey Team for the Four Nations Tournament at Dubai and Kuwait in 1986, Goodwill Games 1986 in the USSR and the Chief de Mission of the Indian contingent for the Champions Trophy at Karachi in 1986. He was a member of the jury in the X Asian Games 1986 at Seoul and VI World Cup 1986 at London.

In July 84 he was posted as the Joint Secretary, Services Sports Control Board. As Joint Secretary, SSCB, his dedication in the conduct, selection and training of service sportsmen in diverse sports disciplines for participation in the National Championships has been amply rewarded. Results shows that 53.3% of the total medals won by India in the X Asian Games at Seoul were by the Services sportsmen.

For his distinguished service in the field of sports in the three services over twenty years, constant dedication and tireless efforts to achieve positive results, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Poockety Govindan.

Group Captain Surinder Singh Chauhan (7853) AE (M) has been functioning as the Chief Engineering Officer of an operational wing since 20 Nov 86. This wing is the base for two Vajra Squadrons, one Chitra Sqn and a Chetak Flight.

Gp Capt Chauhan took over charge which the Vajra force was in the process of consolidation. To ensure that the force was able to carry out its frequently operational and training commitments outside its home command, it was essential that the second line maintenance back up at base for the airframe, engine and other components was geared up for immediate response for the needs of the detachments. He played a key roll in improving the serviceability of Vajra & Chetak aircraft based at his base. In addition, he has carried out modification roll on all Vajra aircraft and its engine in a most professional manner.

Gp Capt Chauhan has been a dynamic Chief Engineering Officer who has, through deep involvement, correct direction and excellent man management, established an exceptional standard of maintenance at the wing.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, outstanding dynamism and professional competence of the highest order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Surinder Singh Chauhan.

Wing Commander Arokiasami Balamohan (8533) Administrative/Air Traffic Controller has been on the posted strength of a Ground Control Approach Squadron since Apr 85.

As an Air Traffic Inspector of Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, and Air Force examiner between May 1980 and May 1984, he was responsible for setting new objective standards for testing and inspection, and in establishing procedures and practices which were instrumental in enhancing the operational efficiency of IAF bases. Through months of tireless hard work beyond the normal call of duty he single handedly completed the new Manual of Air Traffic Services.

As Commanding Officer of the unit he provided his immense organizational capabilities and dedication, in getting the radar system operational in a record time of 15 days after he moved the Squadron to a new Wing location. Subsequently, under severe constraints of shortage of spares and makes shift working conditions, he has been able to organize and motivate the personnel under him to achieve almost 100 percent availability of radar for flying.

For his outstanding achievements, professional competence of a very high order, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Arokiasami Balamohan.

Wing Commander Swaminathan Gopalakrishna has been on the posted strength of a vital operational wing of the Air Force since March 1985.

Wg Cdr Gopalakrishna has been trained abroad on both the variants of Mirage-2000 engines. Immediately after his posting to the present Air Force Station, he was specifically entrusted with the responsibility of setting up and commissioning of the ETB and the ERS. Unmindful of any personal consi derations of hardship, Wg Cdr Gopalakrishna led a small team of equally dedicated tradesmen and accomp lished the task within a very short time.

During this period, he was able to achieve major repair work on 134 engines and 167 engines were run up on the test bed without any incident or damage to equipment.

For his devotion to duty, exceptional professional knowledge and sustained hard work, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Swaminathan Gopalakrishna.

Squadron Leader Rajesh Mohan Sethi has been on the posted strength of an operational Wing of the Air Force since Mar 85.

Sqn Ldr Sethi was trained in France on the RDM System. On his return from abroad, he was entrusted with the task of setting up the elaborate and sophisticated second line/ extended second line facilities for servicing, snag rectification and maintenance of the RDM and its 'Line Replacement Units' (RLUs).

During his trials, he made a number of most accurate and valid observations. He also suggested possible solutions to the long outstanding problem of mutual interference between RDMs.

For displaying a high degree of professionalism, technical innovations and exemplary devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Rajesh Mohan Sethi.

Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Kaistha is on the posted strength of a vital Fighter base sine 22 Aug 1988.

Sqn Ldr Kaistha was given responsibility of setting up the servicing facilities for providing maintenance upto 3rd line for a sophisticated electronic system which had just been inducted in the Indian Air Force. The officer was also charged with the responsibility of making the new system operational and train pilots and technical personnel of the operating Squadrons.

With his vast professional knowledge and exceptional skill, he has been able to train a team of personnel who can independently diagnose and rectify every possible snag in the equipment in a very efficient manner.

For his professionalism, hard work and exemplary devotion, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Anil Kumar Kaistha.

Master Warrant Officer Amarjeet Singh has worked in front line fighter squadrons and operational wings in various capacities both as a worker and as an effective supervisor during his 33 years of service.

In 1985, MWO Amarjeet Singh was selected to go abroad and he was trained in electrical system of the Mirage-2000 aircraft. Since his return in Jul 85, he has been on the posted strength of one of the operational Wings. To conserve the life of the imported Ground Power Units (GPU), and to ensure its availability during detachments, a project was undertaken to fabricate a starting system utilising a converter driven by commercial supply. MWO Amarjeet Singh was assigned this task which involved wiring of control circuits and laying underground cables in the aircraft dispersal area. Being of an experimental nature money was not available. He prepared the circuit diagram and went onto complete the project in a record period of two weeks.

For his devotion to duty, professional knowledge innovative ideas, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to MWO Amarjeet Singh.

Gp Capt KS Sohanpal is on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Wings with effect from 01 Dec 89 as Chief Engineering Officer.

Due to his professional skill, involvement and dedication, a very high percentage of serviceability has been sustained at this Wing for Mirage aircraft and MT. He has not only led the technical personnel by personal example but was deeply involved in the development of expertise and skill of his subordinates. It is mainly due to his efforts that a very high level of expertise is available at this particular Wing.

Some of the major and important projects developed and operationalised by him are, design and fabrication of mains operated starting aggregates for Mirage and Avro aircraft, hardware modification of Mirage-2000 to permit carriage of assymetrical loads, circuit design given to Western Air Command facilitating conversion of normal 3 phase 50 Hz supply system into 400 Hz system in the blast pens for Mirage & Jaguar ops, configuring power supply system of P-18 radar for its operation from main power supply etc. All these projects were undertaken and completed at almost negligible cost. In majority of the cases, discarded and disused equipment were modified and put into operation. He was instrumental in design and fabrication of Mirage Engine Trolley which could be transported in AN-32 aircraft; the French supplied trolley could be carried only in AN-12/IL-76 aircraft and constraints in getting these type of aircraft posed a serious problem in supporting the Mirage detts. On Mirage-2000 aircraft itself and its various systems/testers, a number of innovations have been carried out which were well beyond the facilities available in India. He has thus not only helped save valuable foreign exchange but also contributed significantly in enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Air Force.

For his imaginative and innovative skill, devotion to duty, inspiring leadership in the best tradition of the Indian Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt KS Sohanpal.

Wing Commander K N Kumar (14627) AE (M) was commissioned in Engineering Branch of IAF on 15 July 76. He is on the posted strength of 40 Wing since September, 1990. He is the Senior Engineer (Mech) and has also worked in the Mirage mainten ance wing as Officer in Charge CR & SS and officer in charge Maintenance Control Centre.

His deep understanding of the maintenance philosophy of the Mirage aircraft and timely initiation has resulted in the introduction of 'Intermediate P Inspection' thus increasing the original manufacturers prescribed time period for major inspection from nine to twelve years.

As a leader of Major Modification Project (Integration of Counter Measure Dispensing System) designated by Air HQ, his extra ordinary abilities in coordination and management have resulted in successful completion of a prototype modification on a Mirage aircraft. This has enhanced the operational potential of the aircraft and the same modification is now being complied on the entire fleet under his direction. His professionalism has directly contributed to the station gaining the Best Maintenance Trophy three years in succession.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Wing Commander K N Kumar.

Wing Commander Navin Rattan (14242) Med was commissioned in the Medical Branch on 31 Aug 75. He is a post-graduate in Aerospace Medicine as well as in Internal Medicine. As a Specialist in Aerospace Medicine, he has held important appointments at Air Force Central Medical Establishment, Air Force Academy and the Institute of Aero space Medicine (IAM). He is also Postgraduate Examiner of Bangalore University. His research efforts have contributed in retrieval of a large number of medically grounded aircrew with ECG abnormality and development of an indigenous air sickness control programme wherein 60% cases of trainee aircrew with air sickness are being prevented from being wasted out. At IAM he excelled by restoring the serviceability of the long unserviceable Decompression Chamber the Institute effecting savings to the tune of over Rupees 35 Lakhs. His original and innovative research work in the field of flying clothing and oxygen systems was the pioneering effort towards indigeni sation, development and testing of the Life Support System of the Light Combatant Aircraft, a programme of national importance.

Wing Commander N Rattan, as Senior Medical Officer of Air Force Station, Gwalior has converted the conventional primary care medical establishment of Station Sick Quarters to a modern mini hospital. Medicare has been taken to the door step by establishing two new sub MI rooms in the domestic camps. He has, through foresight, vision and perseverance, created a new modern Family Welfare Centre from an old dilapidated building which now houses a Family Clinic, Dental Clinic, modern Physiotherapy Center, a Marriage-Counseling Cell and a Child Guidance and Development Clinic. The changes have resulted in lowering hospitalisation of Air Force personnel by over 30% resulting in saving of over 5000 manhours in a year. He has provided a new dimension to preventive health by writing booklets on Child Health, Development and Small Family Norms and has also initiated innovative preventive health programme including Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Cancer Detection and Village Health Camps.

For distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Navin Rattan.

Group Captain Simhakutty Varthaman VM (13606) F (P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 09 Feb 1974. In 27 years of distinguished service the pilot has flown 26 years, and accumulated 3800 hours of flying on 30 different types of aircraft. A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, he is an experienced test pilot and a qualified flying instructor. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1993 for distinguished service as a Chief Test Pilot of a large Base Repair Depot. He has commanded a MiG 21 fighter squadron, and was the Chief Test Pilot of the IAF flighttesting centre at Aircraft and System Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bangalore. He is now the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Air Force Station Gwalior.

Whilst commanding a MiG-21 fighter squadron in the East his unit achieved the singular distinction of having flown 9500 sorties without a single accident, while ensuring a very high quality training of pilots. As Chief Test Pilot at ASTE he was instrumental in the conduct and execution of crucial aircraft and weapon trials being inducted into the IAF. As the COO, this highly motivated and dynamic officer, coordinated the entire magnitude of operations of Kargil at Gwalior, sustaining an efficient operational environment and high morale of the Mirage fleet to achieve this air victory. In a short span of four months he created the only successful multitarget and multi-directional day/night Airto-Ground Range at Singpur, which gives realistic operational scenario for all types of aircraft in the IAF, thereby enhancing the operational potential of the IAF.

The officer supervised three Air Force level exercises and 12 electronic warfare exercises during the last two years, without compromising flight safety. In recognition of these achievements the air base was awarded the "Best in Operations" of Central Air Command for both the years consecutively under his leadership. With a wide perspective and progressive vision he has co-ordinated the induction of the Tactics And Combat Development Establishment into Gwalior.

For distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Simhakutty Varthaman.

Group Captain Rajagopal Sitaraman (14713) Administration was commissioned on 29 Dec 1976 in the Administrative branch of the IAF. During his 28 years of service he has held important field and staff appointments which include Secretary, Central Airmen Selection Board, Senior Administrative Officer of a Flying Base, Command Works Officer at Maintenance Command and Deputy Director of Works at Air HQ. He has completed Long Defence Management Course (LDMC). He has been awarded commendation by the CAS. Presently, he is posted to a major Fighter Base as Chief Administrative Officer with effect from 15 Jul 2002.

Since his commissioning, he has been demonstrating his professional approach and acumen while handling key portfolios entrusted to him. As the Secretary, Central Airmen Selection Board, he amply contributed towards planning, execution and implementation of automation of recruitment procedures. This earned the appreciation and commendation by Chief of the Air Staff in 1989. In Air HQ, as the Director Personnel (Officer), he was one of the officers instrumental in formulating the appraisal policy and revision of AR Forms. As Command Works Officer at Maintenance Command, he meticulously handled budgetary issues, critical land encroachment cases and the prestigious Mirage Engine Overhaul Project at Kanpur.

As Chief Administrative Officer, the administrative support provided under the guidance of Gp Capt Sitaraman enabled the flawless conduct of the first ever joint IndoFrench exercise Ex-'GARUDA' in Feb 03. He also formulated a SOP for conduct of such exercises. The SOP was highly appreciated by Command HQ and was circulated to other Stations as guidelines.

Planning and ensuring timely completion of works services has been the forte of Gp Capt Sitaraman. By applying his professional and administrative skill, he has enabled improvement of the quality of life at the Base. In Feb 2004, the Base was again tasked for conducting a joint Indo US Exercise. Once again he exhibited his high professional competence and organizational skills in ensuring the successful conduct of the exercise.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Rajagopal Sitaraman.