On 17th February 1967, Flight Lieutenant Minoo Vania was on a paratrooping sortie, when he was informed by the Captain of the aircraft that a “hang up” had occurred in the aircraft flying ahead. He saw the dangling paratrooper released about 4.5 miles from the dropping zone. Apprehending that the paratrooper was probably injured by being buffeted against the aircraft fuselage and would sustain further Injuries during landing and would not get any immediate medical aid because of the inaccessible terrain, Flight Lieutenant Vania requested his Captain to drop him in that area. On landing by parachute, he found the paratrooper bleeding profusely from the right wrist where the hand had been completely severed. He managed to stop bleeding and nursed him till medical assistance became available after about 40 minutes. But for his timely help, the paratrooper would probably not have been saved.

Flight Lieutenant Minoo Vania displayed courage and Initiative.

In the autumn of 1981, the Army organized an expedition to Nanda Devi. The main task assigned to the expedition was to attempt the highest twin peaks of Nanda Devi Main 25,645 ft and Nanda Devi East 24,391 ft., which amounted to launching two major expeditions on separate axis i.e., then West and East, respectively. Flight Lieutenant Pazhangat Venugopalan was specially selected to lead Sub Patrol No.2 of the West Patrol.

Throughout the expedition, Flt Lt Venugopalan displayed selfless devotion above and beyond call of duty and courage of very high order. On one occasion when one of the members absolutely exhausted, dehydrated and frost bitten was located after 8 days, Flt Lt Venugoplan took care of him and parted with one of his crampons and gave it to other members who had none and took the personal risk of escorting him down to Camp II with only one crampon covering the treacherous descent on the steep and hazardous cooks comb ridge. Survival of the said member is purely attributed to this quick evacuation.

Once again, Flt Lt Venugopalan displayed exceptional courage, dedication and selfless sacrifice when on the 16th October, 1981, just 400 ft. short of summit, he felt blurring of his vision and became totally blind. When NK Gyasi Ram was helping to climb the last vertical rock, the anchor of the rope that was fixed gave away and Flt Lt Venugoplan slipped about 100' but was lucky to survive certain death. Because of this miraculous escape and the fact that the expedition had already had four fatal accidents of similar nature, he would have been fully justified to call off the mission but instead he insisted and encouraged other members to complete the mission. In a state of total blindness knowing fully well that a single wrong step could be fatal, or if the weather had turned worse or the other members did not return he might be frozen to death, Flt Lt Venugopalan for the sake of success of the mission voluntarily chose to stay back alone and thus displayed courage of an exceptionally high order at the gravest risk to his life. He sustained very severe frost bite – as a result of which he lost parts of 6 fingers and 8 toes.

Flight Lieutenant Pazhangat Venugopalan displayed total dedication and devotion to duty, tremendous team spirit, selfless spirit of sacrifice, and exemplary courage.

Flight Lieutenant Dinesh Kumar Dhingra has been working as a Parachute Jumping Instructor since 1965. During this period he has made a record number of 564 jumps. He has the distinction of being the only officer in the Indian Air Force who has successfully completed 'Free Fall Basic Jump Master Courses' abroad. His professional skill is of a very high order. He has volunteered for pioneering and dangerous assignments, and has thus been a source of inspiration to his colleagues and subordinates. During the Airborne assault operations over Bangladesh on the 11th December, 1971, he was on board the leading aircraft.

Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Dinesh Kumar Dhingra displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty.

Master Warrant Officer Koliengod Narayana Venkatachalam is a very senior Parachute Jumping Instructor trained in 1946. He has completed 450 live descents which include water descents his altitude and experimental jumps from many types of aircraft using different types of parachutes. His excellent grasp of the requirementsents in Airborne Assault Operations combined with skill as a fast stenographier made him the natural choice for working with the planning team for operations in Bangladesh. He spent long and arduous hours with the planning team; it was largely due to his herculean efforts, that all plans were completed on schedule. He had both the energy and motivation, to fly and achieve the unique distinction of being the only Parachute Jumping Instructor to complete two operational sorties as Despatcher, in the Pathfinder aircraft during the final sorties of the Airborne Assault Operations, which were mounted over Bangladesh.

Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Koliengod Narayana Venkatachalam displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Master Warrant Officer Muckatira Ponnappa Muthana, Flight Engineer, has been serving with the Paratroopers' Training School since June. 1970. He has flown a total of 3,500 hours, of which 478 hours have been on operational missions in Northern and Eastern Sectors. At the Paratroopers Training School, he had to shoulder the entire responsibility of conversion courses for aircrew and remustering courses for flight engineers. During the airborne assault operations in December, 1971, he displayed high professional skill by helping in the rescue of a hung up paratrooper.

Master Warrant Officer Muckatira Ponnappa Muthana thus displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Warrant Officer Lawrence Cruz has been a Parachute Jump Instructor since 1947. He has the distinction of having more than 600 descents to his credit which is the highest record among the Senior Non­Commissioned Officers. He has carried out descents at high altitudes and has always been associated with the trials of indigenous parachutes and airborne equipment. In 1965, he was selected to undergo paratrooping training from AN-12 aircraft, and has been instrumental in training Army and Air Force personnel in jumping from that aircraft. During the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he was associated with the training of paratroopers who took part in the airborne operations. He also flew as a Despatcher during the paradrop over Tangail. He has trained over 1000 Army Paratroopers and a large number of Parachute Jump Instructors. This is the largest contribution by any individual instructor towards the paratrooper training.

Throughout, Warrant Officer Lawrence Cruz displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

253819 Warrant Officer Syed Qutubuddin Ground Training Instructor/Parachute Jumping Instructor is on the posted strength of Paratroopers' Training School, AF since June 67 and performing the duties of Parachute Jumping Instructor. He has been closely associated with all facets of para training during his tenure. He has to his crdit a total of 815 parachute descents including 605 free fall descents, which is the highest number of free fall descents carried out by an individual in the country at present.

In September 1984, four indigenously manufactured free fall parachutes were offered by Research and Development Establishment for live trials. Warrant Officer Syed Qutubuddin was amongst the first lot of Parachute Jumping Instructors who undertook this courageous task. This trial enabled ADR&DE to proceed with the free fall users trials. This act of WO Syed Qutubuddin has contributed to further the Research and Development activity in this field in the country. He has set an example of absolute devotion to duty, outstanding standard of professional skill and exemplary courage by undertaking this assignment.

For his outstanding acheivments in the field of parachuting and his selfless devotion to duty, the Presidnet is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Warramt Officer Syed Qutubuddin.

1224541 Master Warrant officer Anokha Singh Sandhu has been on the posted strength of Paratroopers Training School since Feb 80, and has been performing the duties of a Parachute Jump Instructor. He has to his credit a total of 1043 parachute descents including 460 free­fall descents. The free­fall descents constitute a record not matched by any other individual in the country at present.

He is among the first PJIs is who undertook the daring task of conducting live trials of the Free-Fall Parachute indigenously developed by the Aircraft Research & Development Establishment. For his outstanding ability and professional expertise he was the first to be chosen to undergo the Advance Free­Fall Course at Aviation Research Centre in 1978. During the course, he pioneered freefall descents during night. In the successful integration of advanced high performance strato cloud parachute at PTS, he has played an outstanding role. He has successfully trained the first batch of Army paratroopers on the recently high standard of professional skill, absolute devotion to duty and outstanding courage, have set an example for his junction to follow. His seniors are proud of him for his attributes as a PJI.

For his outstanding achievement in the field of free all parachuting and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Master Warrant Officer Anokh Singh Sandhu.

Wing Commander Mandhir Singh, a transport pilot, is posted as Flight Commander of Paratroopers Training School since 27 Aug 90.

Wing Commander Mandhir Singh has to his credit well over 9200 hrs of incident free flying, out of which 3300 hrs has been dedicated to AN-32 aircraft alone. He holds the signal credit of individual average of almost 730 hrs per year, in all types of terrain and adverse weather conditions. He holds the prestigious RHCP qualification on three different types viz. HS-748, C-46 and AN-32. His record of flying for 1300 hrs as Captain of AN-32 in perilous and treacherous terrain of Siachen proves his professional skill and constant pursuit to achieve perfection.

On 30 Jul 87, he commanded the first aeroplane to land at Jaffna airfield in a hostile environment and set up an indigenous Air Traffic Control. Only after this the subsequent fleet of transport aircraft carrying IPKF landed. His matchless skill made him an automatic choice on 9 Feb 90 to be the first pilot to carry out circuits and landings by night on the high altitude Leh airfield on an emergency flare path only. Amongst the numerous firsts to his credit, is also the distinction of being the Captain of the first AN-32 to land in Male airfield in Operation Cactus.

He was posted as Flight Commander at PTS at a time when the unit was bedeviled by unfortunate and avoidable flying incidents, he rose manfully to the onerous task of reorienting, motivating and reco-ordinating the aircrew to the challenging tasks ahead. By personal example, constant and persisted hard work, he resurrected the unit almostsphinx like from ashes and trained a total of 14 new, raw and non-ops pilots on type to be fully qualified on all roles operational and routine within an astonishingly short period of only eight months. Under his meticulous supervision, careful planning and smooth execution the aircrew of the unit achieved maturity and confidence.

As recognition of his stupendous personal flying record, unparalleled achievements and ability to lead and supervise by example in a period of crisis, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Mandhir Singh.

Flt Lt KVS Sai was commissioned on 06 Dec 85. Within a short span of service, he did more than 2600 hours of accident-free flying and attained the highest instrument rating status of Master Green on the twin engine Helicopter. He had flown more than 800 air maintenance sorties and other missions in the hazardous and inhospitable regions of Siachin Glacier.

Flt Lt Sai evinced very keen interest in Sky Diving. The officer carried out 376 jumps. Air Devils' team participated in the first National Sky Diving Championship in 1991 and won both the coveted first position and the Chief of Air Staff Trophy. Flt Lt Sai participated in many prestigious Sky Diving demonstrations throughout the country during the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of IAF. The 'Air Devils' was placed overall second during the National Sky Diving Championship in 1993. On 18 Sep 93, Flt Lt Sai, while preparing the 'Air Devil s' for the National Championship, met with the tragic end during a para descent.

Flt Lt Sai always rose beyond the call of duty and actively participated in adventurous activities and brought laurels to IAF. He displayed courage and determination and was the sheet anchor of the 'Air Devils', wherein he set exceptional standards and was a great source of inspiration.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Flt Lt KVS Sai.

MWO Raghbir Singh Shan has been on the posted strength of Parachute Training School, AF since 1966.

During his Chequered tenure of 27 years as PJI, he has creditably trained an incredibly high number of 5800 Paratroopers, 130 NCC cadets and 75 PJIs. His exceptional professional acumen was amply demonstrated, when during OP Pawan, he carried out IL-76 conversion training of 250 Special Task Commando troops of a para battalion, in a single day, thus ensuring immediate readiness of the troops for participation in the Airborne Operations.

MWO has more than 600 incident-free para descents to his credit which he achieved during 1300 hours of flying experience. Highly motivated, the MWO has always been in the forefront for trial jumps of new parachutes. He has been instrumental in induction of various indigenously fabricated parachutes for training and operational roles. He voluntarily carried out trial descents of indigenous High Altitude Parachutes, with airborne container for carriage of heavy arms. He is the first PJI to undertake perilous low level trials of parachutes at High Altitude Dropping Zones and low level parachute trials 500 feet AGL. The MWO even at the age of 49 continues to be in the forefront to undertake trials which demand exceptionally quick reflexes.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to MWO Raghbir Singh Shan.

Group Captain VS Govindarajan was commissioned on 20 December 1969 in the flying branch of IAF. He has been a Flight Commander, Chief Flying Instructor and Senior Flying Training Officer in the Training Command. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

Gp Capt VS Govindarajan was appointed the Commanding Officer of Paratroopers' Training School (PTS) on 08 December 1992. He was tasked to conduct trials and evolve a procedure for day formation by AN-32 aircraft (ac). He carried out trials within a short period of one month and also trained the supervisors of other units so that the first new formation para drop exercise by day could be carried out in April 1993 at a high altitude dropping zone in Northern Sector.

In June 1993 he was tasked to conduct trials for night close formation on AN-32 ac. Within one month he succeeded in evolving a detailed procedure and ensured requisite modification of the aircraft. In July 1993 he successfully flew as section of six aircraft in a new night formation profile.

In Feb 94 he was appointed type force commander for conducting a large scale Army airborne assault exercise by night. The safe and successful conduct of the exercise was due to the highest leadership qualities displayed by Gp Capt VS Govindarajan.

Under Gp Capt VS Govindarajan's leadership, the Akash Ganga skydiving team of PTS won the National Sky Diving Championship Trophy in 1993. The first ever Indian Combat Freefall Course was conducted in 1994. Para Jumping Instructors of PTS achieved a record freefall from 28,500 feet for the first time.

For exceptional devotion to duty the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Gp Capt Vrithamani Srinivasaaiyangar Govindarajan.

613179 Warrant Officer Narain Chandra Ghosh GTI/PJI was enrolled as Ground Training Instructor on 08 Nov 72 in the Indian Air Force.

WO NC Ghosh has been on the posted strength of Paratroopers Training School, Air Force since 08 Feb 82 and has been performing duties of Parachute Jump and Free Fall Instructor. WO Ghosh is one of the pioneers who have earned the distinction of carrying out 1089 parachute jumps, without an incident or injury, which includes 879 Free Fall Jumps and 210 static line jumps. He has jumped from 13 different types of aircraft using 12 types of parachutes. He is also a qualified Combat Free Fall Instructor. Due to his immense experience and skill he has participated in Malaysian Armed Forces Open Parachuting Championship held in Malaysia in May 95.

WO Ghosh has jumped from the highest altitude that is 30,000 feet AGL. This is an Indian record. It should not be out of place to mention that jump from such a high altitude demands extreme physical fitness and very high professional standards. He is also the founder member of Indian Air Force Sky Diving Team 'Akashganga'. He has participated in innumerable demonstrations put by the team at various places to mark important national events.

He is an expert in discipline of canopy formations, which includes making the Tricolour Stack and landing them inside stadia and restricted drop zones.

He has been part of the pioneer team of three who for the first time in the history of Indian Parachuting carried out Relative Work and Canopy Relative Work formation during the Night Free Fall.For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Warrant Officer Narain Chandra Ghosh.