Air Commodore Saroj Jena (3157) was commissioned In the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1945. He has served in a number of squadrons and has commanded an operational squadron and two operational wings. A qualified Flying Instructor, he successfully completed light Bomber Conversion Training on Canberra aircraft in the U.K. He commanded the I.A.F. Canberra detachment in the Congo in 1962. For his outstanding achievements in flying assignments, he was awarded the Vayu Seva Medal in 1969.

He was appointed Joint director of Transport and Maritime Operations at Air Headquarters in June, 1970, and Director of Joint Operations (Planning) in July, 1971. In April, 1971 he was detailed to assist the Government of Ceylon in their operations against anti­national forces. He proceeded to Ceylon on 10th April 1971 for a study of on the spot situation and worked out details of the I.A.F. aid plan. Thereafter, an I.A.F. Helicopter Detachment landed in Colombo on 12th April, 1971 for operations. From 21st April, 1971 to 25th May, 1971 his services were placed at the disposal of the Indian High Commissioner in Ceylon. He made a major contribution towards the success of the operations in Ceylon. With his devotion to duty and exemplary behaviour and conduct, he earned goodwill for our country and the I.A.F in particular.

Air Commodore Jena has also had the task of revising the Air Headquarters War Book, which he accomplished quickly and thoroughly. He has also made a significant contribution towards the preparation of a history of the achievements of the Air Force during the Indo­Pakistan operations in December, 1971.

Air Commodore Saroj Jena VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore MOORAT SINGH AULAKH (1660) Flying (Pilot) Citaiton Not Available.

Group Captain Charuvassery Ittirarichan Nedungadi (2017) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1942. During his long service career, he had held a variety of appointments dealing with administrative, organisational and personnel matters. In all these appointments, he had left the imprint of his personal discipline, efficiency and devotion to service.

Group Captain Nedungadi took over the duties of the Officer Commanding, Air Force Record Office, on 30th December, 1970. At the time of taking­over these duties, there was a largo backlog of pension and gratuity cases, and numerous representations from retired airmen concerning settlement of their dues being received. By establishing personal contact and close liaison with the staff of the Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Allahabad, interviewing airmen retiring from the service, Group Captain Nedungadi was able to clear all arrears. The procedures have now been so laid down that no new arrears are allowed to accumulate.

Group Captain Nedungadi, within a few weeks of taking over command of the Unit, had an 'Airmen Discharge Booklet' printed which enabled retiring airmen to know all benefits due to them and the procedure to obtain these benefits, thereby eliminating most of their grievances.

By his personal example, and. single minded devotion the ideals of the service, Group Captain Nedungadi has forged a closely knit and efficient organisation capable of reacting and producing results in the quickest possible time.

Throughout, Group Captain Charuvassery Ittirarichan Nedungadi has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain KOYITHODYIL RAVINDRAN NAIR (3475) Flying (Navigator) Citaiton Not Available.

Group Captain Abhijit Kumar Gupta (3505) was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force in August, 1948. During his career, he has held a variety of important appointments both at Units and at operational Commands and is at present in Command of an Equipment Depot. He was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in January, 1971.

During his tenure as Commander of an Equipment Depot, Group Captain Gupta ensured successful completion of inspection, preservation and packing of a vast quantity of items received from another Equipment Depot which was closing down. He streamlined the internal procedures, achieving speedy and prompt supply of items required by the units, thus significantly enhancing the functional efficiency of the depot. In addition, he dedicated himself to the task of effecting economy in the use of stores. With untiring zeal and ingenuity he effected large savings of recurring expenditure. He geared up the supply organization which enabled the depot to maintain timely supply of stores to the units during the Indo-Pakistan conflict of December, 1971. In the field of administration, Group Captain Gupta has shown similar zest and acumen. The morale of officers and men under his command has been high.

Throughout his career, Group Captain Abhijit Kumar Gupta has worked with determination, tact and untiring energy and has achieved outstanding success in the discharge of his responsibilities. He has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain George Verghis joined the Indian Air Force in 1941 as a Wireless Operator and was commissioned in the Technical Branch in 1948. As an Air Signaller and subsequently as the Signals Leader in a Transport Squadron, he has done over 3000 hours of flying, most of which were on operational duties in the difficult terrain of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh areas. During his long service, he has held a variety of appointments and has earned a name for himself as an unassuming, tireless and efficient Technical Officer.

In 1968, when it was decided to establish a Medium Repair Facility in the Indian Air Force for Guided Weapons and Ground Radars, Group Captain Verghis was selected for the key post of Project Officer to implement this scheme. Planning and executing this project costing crores of rupees within a tight time schedule, was a formidable and challenging task. Group Captain Verghis tackled the task successfully with characteristic thoroughness and devotion to duty. By his personal example and leadership he built up a team of efficient and dedicated officers and airmen to implement the Project. By adopting modern management techniques, he has been continuously monitoring the progress to ensure that the Project is implemented as scheduled. When the Project is completed, the Air Force would have attained self-sufficiency in the overhaul of Guided Weapons and Ground Radar. The fact that this will be achieved within the stipulated time is due entirely to the meticulous planning and progressive leadership provided by Group Captain George Verghis.

Throughout his career, Group Captain George Verghis has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Prabhakar Shanker Dere (3883) was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1950. He has acquitted himself most creditably in a variety of operational, instructional and staff appointments.

Early in his career, Group Captain Dere qualified as a Flying Instructor and served in that capacity at the Air Force Academy. Later, as the Chief Flying Instructor of the Transport Training Wing, he was responsible for conversion training of a large number of pilots. He rendered commendable service as Deputy Director Personnel (Officers) at Air Headquarters, and served with distinction as Commander of a Tactical Air Centre.

In October, 1971, Group Captain Dere was appointed Group Captain Air II at Headquarters Eastern Air Command and was responsible for planning and execution of Air Operations of the Transport Force in the Eastern Sector. With his vast training experience and dynamic approach to his task, he soon organised and conducted intensive night flying training for all aircrew of various transport aircraft and helicopter. During the Indo-Pakistan operations in December, 1971, with his sound planning and direction, the Transport Force achieved most outstanding results in numerous missions undertaken by it in support of the Army and our own Fighter Force. At all stages of the operations, speedy deployment of our forces and vital logistic support in terms of spares, ammunition, explosives and other supplies were carried out effectively by air. Evacuation of casualties by air were also carried out promptly. Inspite of very heavy demands on the limited resources of Transport Force, Group Captain Dere utilized the aircraft and helicopters with maximum flexibility and achieved concentration wherever it was needed,

Group Captain Dere organised the para operations which were the biggest airborne operation in the history of the Indian Air Force. The outstanding success of the airborne operation earned laurels for the Indian Air Force. He also organised with great success the tactical airlift by helicopters of troops by day and night in the Brahmanbaria, Narsingdi, Daudkhandi and Bairab Sectors. This airlift enabled our ground forces to race against time in their advance to Dacca and renewed their confidence in the Air Force to provide them unprecedented mobility. The effective bombing raids over Dacca and Kurmitola were also organized by Group Captain Dere.

The outstanding success achieved by the Transport Force in the Eastern Sector was largely due to the sound planning and efficient direction of the Air Operations by Group Captain Prabhakar Shanker Dere.

Wing Commander Kyatnahally Najapa Ramaswamy (3771) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. During his career in the Air Force he has held a variety of important technical appointments and has left the imprint of his personal discipline, professional efficiency and devotion to service.

Wing Commander Ramaswamy joined the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 31st March, 1964. He has been associated with the Project relating to the manufacture of MiG engines right form the inception of the Factory. He has done exceedingly good work during the stages of planning and execution of the Project.

After retirement from the Air Force he was absorbed permanently in the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the post of Chief Production Engineer. In this sphere Wing Commander Ramaswamy exhibited qualities of leadership and technical perfection of a high order. He was also responsible for drawing up a coordinated plan for the establishment of production of the new engines required for fitment on MiG-21 aircraft.

Wing Commander Ramaswamy was largely responsible for the delivery of engines according to the fixed targets year after year, by exhibiting an extraordinary sense of devotion to duty and dedication. The degree of success which has been achieved by the Engine Factory at Koraput is a tribute to his acumen, leadership and professional ability.

Throughout his service, both in the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Wing Commander Kyatnahally Najapa Ramaswamy has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Kuldip Singh Bhatia was commissioned in the Technical Branch of the Indian Air Force in August, 1951. He attended Post Graduate Course abroad and also the Defence Services Staff College Course in India. After holding a variety of appointments at units, he was posted to a staff appointment at Air Headquarters. When Air Headquarters took up planning of a modern Air Defence Ground Environment System for India, he was selected to lead a team of officers to undertake this commitment. In this challenging task, he brought into play his varied experience and deep technical knowledge.

Under his able leadership and guidance, this planning team formulated the technical specifications of the Radar and Communication System required to meet the operational req­ AVSM 1973 uirements. On more than one occasion, he was deputed as Member of technical teams visiting factories abroad for the purpose of evaluating and selecting equipment required by the Air Force.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kuldip Singh Bhatia has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan (4572) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. During his career, he has held a variety of appointments and is at present in command of an operational Squadron. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his exemplary action in the Indo-Pakistan conflict of the 1965.

During the December, 1971 war, Squadron Leader Dhawan was in command of a fighterbomber squadron. He carried out 12 operational missions deep inside enemy territory including strikes on Hyderabad and Nawabshah airfields. He was also responsible for the destruction of an enemy troop train at Mirpurkhas Railway Station and non­directional beacon at Chor. All these achievements resulted in a major setback to the enemy. He always displayed high, organising ability and skill in ensuring that aircraft serviceability remained high throughout operations.

In the field of administration, Wing Commander Dhawan has displayed equal imagination and foresight. Under his command, the morale of his officers and men was always high,

Throughout, Wing Commander Ranjit Dhawan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

The late Squadron Leader Arun Keshav Sapre (4981) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Brach of the Indian Air Force in October, 1955. In the earlier part of his AVSM 1974 career, he served as a Pilot in Operational Squadrons. After successfully completing the Test Pilot's Course in the United Kingdom, he was employed as a Test Pilot. He made valuable contributions toward flight testing and also carried out important development trials on a variety of fighter aircraft. He was responsible for successful trials of an aircraft designed and built in India by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

In March, 1971, Squadron Leader Sapre was detailed to carry out gun firing trials on a fighter aircraft. Despite the fact that he encountered a dangerous control problem at a crucial stage, while firing the guns, he skillfully dealt with the situation and brought the aircraft under control averting a major disaster. On the basis of these trials, he made useful suggestions for improvement in the control system of the aircraft.

In November, 1971, he again carried out 3 successful sorties for the purpose of testing the gun firing system of the aircraft. However, during the fourth sortie, the aircraft went out of control. Squadron Leader Sapre, at great risk to his life, tried to bring the aircraft under control but could not succeed. The aircraft crashed in the sea and he was killed.

Throughout his career, Squadron Leader Arun Keshav Sapre rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Prasanta Chitta Santra (2809) was commissioned In the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force In February, 1944 and was transferred to the Logistics Branch In October, 1954. During his service of over 29 years he has had varied and valuable experience in, the administrative and logistics fields, and has held a variety of responsible appointments.

In his assignment as the Officer Commanding a major Equipment Depot in its formative stages, (then) Group Captain Santra showed outstanding leadership and professional ability in getting and, organising the Depot on sound lines, for which he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.

In 1968, Air Vice Marshal Santra was appointed Deputy Director General, Indian Supply Mission, London. In this capacity he was responsible for procurement of supplies for the Defence Services. By his painstaking efforts and tactfulness he developed excellent and cordial relations with various organisations of the United Kingdom and was able to make a positive contribution to the procurement of critically required spares and materials for the Defense Services.

On his return to India In February, 1973 Air Vice Marshal Santra was appointed Director of Maintenance Administration. In September, 1973 he was appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Logistics and Management). In both these appointments he has displayed remarkable acumen for staff work and because of his indefatigable efforts, devotion to duty, foresight and tact, he has been Instrumental in successfully tackling several logistics and management problems,

Throughout his career, Air Vice Marshal Prasanta Chitta Santra has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Harkrishan Lal Kapoor (2165) Administrative was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1943. Early in his career he passed the physical Fitness Course and served with distinction as physical Fitness Officer at various units, a Group Headquarters and Headquarters Training Command. He has successfully undergone the Defence Services Staff College Course and the Judge Advocate General (Air) Course. He served with great distinction as Aide­de­camp to the Chief of the Air Staff from December, 1960 to May, 1963 and as Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff from May, 1963 to August, 1967. He was appointed Judge Advocate General (Air) at Air Headquarters in June, 1970.

Air Commodore Kapoor has re­organised the Legal Branch of the Air Force and streamlined various legal procedures with vigour, drive and imagination. This has resulted in speedy and efficient finalization of legal and disciplinary cases at all units and formations. He is also the Chairman of the Air Force Sports Control Board, in which capacity, he has organised various sports championships most successfully and has been responsible for raising the sports standards. It is a tribute to his foresight, drive, determination and boundless energy that he has been able to discharge his duties in a most able and competent manner and has achieved outstanding success in all fields of his activities.

Air Commodore Harkrishan Lal Kapoor has displayed consistent loyalty, dedication, dynamism, extreme industry and steadfastness in the performance of duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. He has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Suraj Lall Mathur (2444) was commissioned as Navigator in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1943. He has held a variety of important appointments with distinction during his long service. Since July, 1971, he has been serving as the Senior Officer in-charge Administration of Central Air Command. He took over this appointment at a time when the reorganisation of the Air Force Commands was to be implemented. Central Air Command had to face enormous problems during the reorganization, since this Command had to take over a number of Air Force Stations. This had to be done in the shortest possible, time in order to ensure a smooth changeover. With his devotion to duty, utmost patience and untiring zeal, he accomplished this task speedily and efficiently

For December, 1971 war with Pakistan, Air Commodore Mathur had to organize move of units to their operational locations at very short notice. He personally supervised the distribution of a large number of personnel routed to this Command under the augmentation plan and ensured that it was done smoothly. This called for long hours of hard work and he was able to achieve this task in an admirable manner. His example was a source of Inspiration to his subordinates who gave of their best under his able guidance.

During the War with Pakistan, Air Commodore Mathur had to work round the clock ensuring that even the smallest administrative problems which had a bearing on the conduct of operations were solved in the shortest possible time. The cessation of hostilities did not provide any relief to this Air Officer who had to make administrative arrangements in connection with the prompt retrieval of units which had been deployed at operational locations. He had to look after the immediate needs and rehabilitations of war widows and dependents of missing personnel.

Earlier in his career, Air Commodore Suraj Lall Mathur had commanded two Guided Weapons Wings which he had formed himself. He was thus responsible for raising a large number of GW Squadron and bringing these to operational standard. Throughout his career, he had ably handled all the assignments given to him. His devotion to duty at all times has been a sterling example and has been in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Throughout, Air Commodore Suraj Lall Mathur has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Chand Parkash Mehra (2469) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force In June, 1943. During his service of over 30 years he has had varied and valuable experience in the administrative and logistic fields. He has held many important assignments including two in our Diplomatic Missions abroad, the latter being that of Deputy Air Attaché In Moscow.

In his assignment as the Officer Commanding an Equipment Depot, Air Commodore Mehra showed outstanding tact and leadership and established a rapport with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited which resulted in quicker turn round of our aircraft and rotables sent to them for overhaul and repair.

As Deputy Air Attaché, Moscow, Air Commodore Mehra's painstaking efforts and tactfulness, led to the development of excellent and cordial working relations with various organizations of the USSR. He was thus able to make a positive contribution to the procurement of critically required spares and materials and to enhance the operational capability of the Air Force.

On his return to India in November, 1971, he was appointed Joint Director Maintenance at Air Headquarters. In this appointment his main assignment was Data processing. He soon got to grips with the many and varied complicated problems confronting the Air Force in its scheme of computerizing inventory management functions. Through sustained hard work, he speeded up the process of computerisation. He also introduced the programmes for the Reportable Items Control System, thus giving the Air Force much needed management potential for controlling such costly and critical Items. Recently he has been directing a programme for using the computer in progressing outstanding contracts which in its wake will also eliminate the perpetual problem of unlinked invoices. By sheer determination, tenacity and single mindedness of purpose, Air Commodore Mehra has made a definite impact and a most valuable contribution in the field of Computerisation.

Air Commodore Chand Parkash Mehra has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore YESHWANT RAMCHANDRA AGTEY (2715) Flying (Pilot) Citation Not Available

Air Commodore Hemant Ramakrishan Chitnis (2964) was commissioned as a pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in July, 1944. After early years of service in Operational units, he was selected to undergo a Flying Instructors Course in the UK and on his return, he was utilised in various Flying Training Establishments. Thereafter he served with distinction in several staff appointments at Air Headquarters and as the Commander of two operational Wings.

Air Commodore Chitnis was appointed to the post of Director of Pay Commission and Job Evaluation Cell In July, 1970. His task was to formulate Air Force proposals for consideration by the Pay Commission. This was a very difficult task involving as it did a detailed scrutiny and analysis of every area of Air Force skills, but he tackled it in a remarkable manner and produced very sound proposals. He showed of tact originality, foresight and Immense drive and determination in finalising these proposals in a limited period.

Throughout his career, Air Commodore Hemant Ramkrishna Chitnis has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Jagdish Singh Sodhi (2179) was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force In January, 1943. During his long service he has held various important appointments in which he has acquitted himself creditably. He was awarded a certificate of appreciation for his valuable services on welfare matters by the Defence Minister, Government of India in the year 1953. In 1971, he was commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, while he was employed as Officer in-charge Administration at Air Force base for exceptional services in the field of administration.

Group Captain Sodhi took over the command of Air Force Administrative College in March, 1971. Immediately, on taking over his appointment, he set about the task of improving the tone of training as well as administration of the College with vigour, zeal and determination. He applied his vast experience and knowledge on works services to the task of improving the technical and non­technical accommodation of the station. Due to his indefatigable efforts and tenacity of purpose, now training schemes were introduced, which resulted in vastly superior output of trained personnel. He has also, been instrumental in revising the syllabus as well as précis for abinito and advanced courses giving more stress on the development of officers' ability to study, interpret and apply rules as also to think out effective solutions to problems and situations, as they arise. He has set a personal example by taking regular classes on 'works services' and 'works procedure' in which subjects he is considered an expert.

The exemplary manner in which Group Captain Jagdish Singh Sodhi has shouldered the heavy responsibilities as Commandant of Air Force Administrative College and the highly commendable way in he has carried out the varied task with high professional ability and inspiring leadership have been in the highest traditions of the Air Force.

Group Captain Achengaden John Chacko (3833) was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, I950. He served with distinction in various operational units. From May, 1970 to January, 1973, he was assigned the Command of an operational Wing. He had to build up the Wing from scratch and achieve operational readiness of two Combat and one Technical Squadrons and his Wing Headquarters in AVSM 1974-75 the shortest possible time. This he achieved within a period of six months and all his squadrons attained a very high state of operational efficiency despite working under very hard and trying living conditions. Undaunted by adversity, Group Captain Chacko led his men by sheer dedication to duty and hard work and had the distinction and satisfaction of seeing his Wing rated among the best in the Indian Air Force. His Wing has also carried out successful training of combat personnel from other Wings.

During the 1971 war with Pakistan he was always available round the clock at his complex keeping a personal watch on operational activities and maintained his complex at a very high state of operational readiness throughout.

Group Captain Chacko's untiring zeal, enthusiasm, hard work, leadership and unstinted devotion to duty have been in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Throughout, Group Captain Achengaden John Chacko has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Mandokollathur Gopalaswamy Ramachandra (4033) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force In January, 1951. He served with distinction in a number of operational units. During the Indo-Pakistan War 1971, he was the officer in-charge flying of an operational Wing. The achievements of the squadrons based at that Wing during the 1971 War are legendary and many aircrew of those squadrons have been decorated for their valour. To bring the Station up to such a high standard of operational readiness, Group Captain Ramachandra had to work day and night for meticulously planning every detail connected with the missions undertaken by the squadrons, in total disregard to his personal comforts. The measure of success achieved by the squadrons was mainly due to the tenacity of purpose, exceptional devotion to duty and professional competence of Group Captain Ramachandra.

Group Captain Ramachandra assumed the command of another operational Wing soon after the operations and had to face enormous problems as an aftermath of the War. He grappled with the situation readily and settled down to rebuilding his fighting machine up to an optimum level of efficiency, and this he has achieved in the shortest possible time. Although a bomber pilot himself, he was able to make a quick appraisal of the problems of the fighter squadron at his Wing and in solving them speedily. Concurrently, no detail with regard to the administrative and maintenance aspects of the Station has escaped his attention and he has been able to ensure that the maximum state of efficiency is maintained in these areas as well. It was due to his untiring efforts that the married accommodation project, which has been under consideration for nearly ten years, was finalised for execution in 1972. Immediately after taking over the Station, Group Captain Ramachandra organised and conducted various welfare schemes for augmentation of funds for the IAF Benevolent Funds.

These schemes are being followed up with great vigour due to the magnificent example set by him,

Group Captain Mandokollathur Gopalaswamy Ramachandra's professional skill, devotion to duty and leader ship have been in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. He has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Krishan Kant Saini was commissioned in as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force In January, 1953. He has been on deputation to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore Division since August, 1970 as a rotary wing test pilot. During his tenure he has done 980 flights comprising 879 hours on testing, evaluation and training of Helicopter pilots as Flight Inspectors. His efforts in this respect have been unrelenting and he has shown great devotion to duty. He has also shown high degree of skill and competence in his Job,

He was twice deputed to Aerospatiale in France. On the first visit, he was required to assess the vibration standards obtained on helicopters in France as this defect was resulting in extra test flights at Bangalore. The recommendations of Aerospatiale for remedial action to obtain acceptable vibration were very inte lligently applied by Wing Commander Saini and this resulted in the acceptance of helicopters without extra flights, thus saving infructuous expenditure. On the second visit in connection with production testing of the first fly away SA-315 (Cheetah), after an intelligent study of the Flight Manual he pointed out the feasibility of clearing the helicopter for operation at an all up weight of 1750 Kg instead of 1650 Kg at high altitude. This valuable suggestion was accepted by Aerospatiale engineers. This was highly commendable technical appreciation.

Wing Commander Krishan Kant Saini has worked beyond the call of duty and displayed courage, initiative and outstanding skill in discharge of his duties. He has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Davendra Nath Gupta was commissioned in the Medical Branch of the Indian Air Force in August, 1943. During his services career, he has distinguished himself not only by brilliant academic achievements, but also by outstanding professional competence and administrative abilities. Early in his career, as the medical officer of a Transport Squadron, he was closely associated with para­troopers training and casualty evacuation during the operations against Pakistani Aggression in J&K, 1947. In 1952, he became a Medical Specialist after completing the senior medical officers' course. Later, he obtained his membership of Royal College of Physicians, London and Edinburgh and was awarded the Greig Medal for his outstanding performance in the DTM&H Examination (1957) of Edinburgh University. His sustained efforts and high reputation as a specialist eventually won him the appointment in 1962 of the first Adviser in Medicine in the Indian Air Force. After a successful tenure at the newly acquired No.8 Air Force Hospital, Air Commodore Gupta commanded No. 7 Air Force Hospital from 1963 to 1967. It was during his stewardship that this hospital became one of the finest in the Armed Forces. For his painstaking efforts, high professional ability and great flair for organisation and administration, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff. After a six­year tenure with, the Army during which he held the appointment of ADMS, officiating Medical Adviser in the Indian High Commission in the UK and successfully completing the National Defence College Course, he has come back to the Air Force as the Principal Medical Officer of HQ, Western Air Command. As the Principal Medical Officer he inspired in his officers and men a positive participation by planning and effective execution relating to medical services, bringing about an all round improvement.

Throughout, Air Commodore Davendra Nath Gupta has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Walter Joseph Fernandes was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1943. After completing a tour of operational flying in Burma, he became a flying instructor. He holds the highest flying instructor's category and has held many staff and command appointments with distinction. He has been the Director of Systems Evaluation in Air Headquarters since early 1970. He has been responsible for the success of the Directorate and its contribution to increased effectiveness, economy and efficiency in various spheres of Air Force activity. He has also been responsible for a large number of studies ranging from the evaluation of Air Force effort during Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, the optimum constitution of a Fighter Squadron the optimisation of resources at flying wings and the rationalisation of organisation and establishments at Air Headquarters and the Commands. These studies have generated a systems approach in the Air Force and led to significant savings in manpower, material and other resources and to an increase in the operational potential of units. As a pioneer flying instructor and Officer Commanding of Flying Instructors School, he was instrumental in the implementation and success of the categorisation scheme which is the basic foundation of the high standards of flying instruction. At operational stations, he ensured very high level of operational efficiency of Squadrons and Signals Units.

Air Commodore Walter Joseph Fernandes has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Peter Dennis Antony Albuquerque was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has held with credit important staff appointments at Air Headquarters and has commanded a Base Repair Depot. Towards the end of 1972, a decision was taken to form the “Faculty of Management Studies and Advanced Technology" for imparting education in management science to senior Technical Officers of the Air Force. The instructional staff consisting of only four members of the directing staff, was provided in the establishment, although a variety of subjects is required to be taught on management science. The task of setting up this Faculty and to commence the first course in April, 1973 was assigned to Group Captain Albuquerque in February. 1973. He set about his task with great vigour and zeal and with the help of his three other officers, was ready to commence the first Senior Technical Officers' Management Course right on schedule in April, 1973. Undaunted by the heavy odds, particularly due to shortage of time and lack of a adequate funds and man­power he cheerfully led his team of officers, and worked for very long hours every day and gave concrete shape to the plans which he so methodically prepared to establish this first ever Air Force institution for modern management training. For this purpose, he had to maintain public relations with other management institutions in the country to draw upon their experience and expertise during this very vital formative period of the Faculty of Management Studies and Advanced Technology. Throughout the period of his tenure as Officer-in-Charge Faculty of Management Studies and Advanced Technology, he has been personally conducting and directing classes, discussions and lectures, and quite often going on tours with the participating officers, for heir project studies at far flung places, to give his personal guidance to them.

Group Captain Peter Dennis Antony Albuquerque has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Kanwar Krishan Ball was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has held a number of important appointments at units, Western Air Command and Air Headquarters and has acquitted himself creditably. He served as the Commanding Officer of a major Base Repair Depot from October, 1971 to June, 1974. During this period, he introduced various modern management concepts which have brought about marked improvement in production. A number of major development programmes, like installation of Dacca Doppler Navigational System, Radio Altimeter for aircraft, and AVSM 1975 production of Antenna Lifting Jacks, Compressor Test Rig and High Voltage Rectifiers for Radar have been successfully completed or progressed. Under his guidance, the Depot also embarked upon the project concerning Material Identification Classification and Inventory Reduction. Commendable results have also been achieved in the field of market research and indigenous substitution of signals spares and components. By his exceptional devotion to duty, sound professional ability and leadership, Group Captain Kanwar Krishan Bali has achieved outstanding results in production which have increase the operational potential of the units.

Group Captain Kanwar Krishan Bali has thus rendered distinguished service an exceptional order.

Group Captain Sanat Kumar Mitra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April, 1950. He served with distinction in a number of operational units and has commanded two operational Squadrons. He assumed command of an operational Wing in March, 1973. He has made determined efforts to raise the flying standard of the Wing. All flying tasks allotted to the Station have been accomplished with unqualified success. Under his dynamic leadership and able guidance, the Squadrons of the Wing have maintained a cent per cent categorised state of all aircrew. One of the Squadrons of the Wing won the Chief of the Air Staff's trophy for the best categorised squadrons for two years running i.e., 1972-73 and 1973-74. Except for one successful forced landing due to engine failure, the Station has maintained an accident­free record during his command. Aircraft serviceability of the Wing is of a very high order and it was only during his tenure that the Maintenance Control Centre and Central Repair and Servicing Section were organised and set up. This has resulted in reducing the 'down' time of aircraft due to inspection and rectification and thus considerably enhancing the Station's operational efficiency. Due to shortage of funds works services for preparation of football and hockey fields of his Station were held in abeyance. On a self-help basis, with extreme resourcefulness and initiative, he has successfully cleared up a jungle and has prepared hockey and football fields, all at no cost. This has saved the Government a sum of Rs. 70,000/ In addition to this, he has started, during his tenure, a Co­operative AVSM 1975-76 Store, a nursery school, Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, Gymnasium and Cinema. All these efforts for the well being of the Station personnel have raised their morale to the highest peak.

Throughout, Group Captain, Sanat Kumar Mitra has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Man Mohan Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1951. He has held with distinction, many important flying appointments including the Command of fighter Squadrons and an operational flying station. He was awarded Vir Chakra for his acts of gallantry during the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971. While commanding a Fighter Station, he set to work with commendable energy and perseverance in the face of numerous difficulties and brought his Squadrons to a high state of offensive preparedness. His dynamic leadership, personal endeavour and persistent efforts, have paid rich dividends. A Pilot of outstanding calibre, his unflagging zeal and understanding have earned an excellent inter­service support and co­operation. By his outstanding leadership in flying, administrative and technical preparations he has brought his Wing to a very high level of combat efficiency.

Throughout, Group Captain Man Mohan Singh has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Partha Kumar Dey was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1953. He has been on the posted strength of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment since February, 1973, as the Chief Test Pilot. He has been associated with Flight Testing assignments since 1958. As a test pilot, he has held many important posts such as the Indian Air Force representative Test Pilot with Folland Aircraft Ltd. for the Gnat Development and as Test Pilot with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the development of indigenous aircraft. He has participated in the flight test development of a number of prototype such as Gnat, Marut, Kiran, Pushpak, Krishak and Jet Packet. He has made an extremely valuable contribution to the design and development of aircraft and systems within the country. He has flown various types of aircraft which included evaluation of a number of supersonic advanced aircraft of widely varying designs. He has flown 1100 hours on flight testing of indigenous aircraft and equipment. During his tenures as test pilot he has been in a number of difficult and hazardous situations. He has coped successfully with the situations without a single incident of loss or damage to the aircraft and equipment under development. He has successfully commanded two operational squadrons. He has also been on the Directing Staff of the Defence Services Staff College. In the present appointment as the Chief Test Pilot, he has shown extreme devotion to duty and made an outstanding contribution to the aeronautical development in the country in general and flight testing in particular.

Throughout, Wing Commander Partha Kumar Dey has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Inderjit Singh Sandhu was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1954. He was employed on test flying duties from March, 1968 to May, 1974. During this period, he served as a Test Pilot in different establishments such as Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit, Base Repair Depot and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore and Nasik Divisions, and has served in a wide variety of assignments in test flying. In addition to aircraft evaluation, he has also participated in important development trials and user trials on various armament and avionics to ascertain the suitability of such hardware against the Air Force requirements. His flying standard has been consistently above the average and he has shown great depth of professional knowledge, maturity and balanced judgment in his assessment of various aircraft and systems tested by him. During his tenure at Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit he has actively associated with the development and flight evaluation of the Marut aircraft. During an incident, involving serious systems malfunction, he showed great presence of mind and devotion to duty. In order to save the aircraft and obtain vital information on the type of malfunctioning he stayed with the aircraft and tried to control it beyond the call of duty, sustaining injuries in the process. He abandoned the aircraft only when he had tried all available means to save it and has obtained information on the fault which later enabled remedial action. In his tenure at a Base Repair Depot, he tested wide variety of aircraft and brought to bear his excellent professional capabilities on improving the performance standards of the aircraft being delivered from the depot. During this tenure, he flew 400 hours in testing a wide variety of aircraft. He was posted to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore, from January, 1971 to April, 1972. During this tenure he participated in development as well as production of all aircraft designed and produced at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. He flew a total of 327 test flying hours during this short period. He was then posted to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Nasik Division from May, 1972 to May 1974. During this time he was one of the only two pilots who carried out all production and testing requirements. Throughout, Wing Commander Inderjit Singh Sandhu has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Lakshman Madhav Katre, AVSM (3117) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1945. He has commanded many operational squadrons with distinction during his service career and has also held important staff and training appointments both abroad and in India.

While commanding an operational flying station during the period 1966-68, he displayed outstanding qualities of leadership and manmanagement. By sheer drive and determination he was able to bring his station to operational readiness in a very short time. Through initiative, he developed effective “hide-outs" by local improvisations for his station aircraft. This ingenuity stood the test of stimulated air actions so well that the system was soon adopted by all other operational stations in the area as a regular feature. During the unprecedented floods In North Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan area in October, 1968, Air Commodore Katre was appointed the local commander for Air Force Flood Relief Work. In directing the relief operations, particularly in Bhutan and Goalpara areas, he earned the gratitude of hundreds of refugees, thus setting a high standard for others to emulate. In 1970, for his services he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Air Commodore Katre has been in-charge of the Air Force Academy as Commandant from 16th November, 1972. At this stage the major portion of the construction work in the Academy was yet to be completed. Air Commodore Katre, through his stimulated and invigorating direction, penchant for thoroughness and Imaginative planning, proceeded, with the task of not, only continuing with the remaining construction programme for Air Force Academy, but re-organising the entire function of the Academy on a highly rational basis. Inspired by his personal example and undiluted devotion to the task of establishing the Air Force Academy as an institution worthy its name, his officers and men voluntarily and cheerfully worked beyond the call of duty to assist in meeting the challenge. It is due to Air Commodore Katre's single minded efforts that the Academy has emerged as an institution not only of national but of international repute.

During the tenure of Air Commodore Katre as Commandant, the flying training programme was required to undergo radical change, with the withdrawal of the old aircraft and Introduction of jet trainer as a all through training aircraft. But for Air Commodore Katre's thorough planning and deep knowledge of training problems, the new training system may not have made such a successful beginning as it has made. With the introduction of new training pattern for pilots there was also requirement for formulation of new syllabus and adoption procedures and systems particularly in training methodology. On his insistence, innovations were introduced in the training pattern which has become an example for other units to follow. In October, 1975, the Air Force Academy was awarded the President's colour for meritorious service.

Air Commodore Lakshman Madhav Katre by his high organisational and managerial ability, outstanding qualities of leadership, un swerving devotion to duty and personal example has rendered service of the exceptional order.

Air Commodore Rajinder Nath Bakshi was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in February, 1943. As early 1945, he was mentioned in dispatches for his valuable service to the Air Force. In his long career, he has held key staff appointments as Command Organisation and Works Officer and as Senior Personnel Staff Officer with distinction at Headquarters Maintenance and Eastern Air Commands during their formative stages. As Command Organisation and Works officer at Headquarters Maintenance Command, he was largely responsible for the planning and execution of major works services at the various units and stations under the command. He made similar notable contribution, subsequently, as command Organization and works Officer, to the Stations under Headquarters Eastern Air Command. He was appointed bear his qualities of exceptional zeal, drive and devotion to duty, and succeeded in inculcating a new spirit in the functioning of the Provost Organisation in the Air Force. He has personally conducted various enquiries on very complicated and delicate problems with integrity, tack and high sense of duty and brought them to successful conclusion in a most commendable and exemplary manner.

Throughout, Air Commodore Rajinder Nath Bakshi has rendered distinguished services of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Balwant Wickram Chauhan (3352) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned In the Air Force in 1946. He was graded above the Average as a pilot on completion of his flying training and started his flying career, on Transport Aircraft. He has so far flown 25 different types of aircraft including jets.

Air Commodore Chauhan spent the early years of his flying career in Air Headquarters Communication Squadron where he was engaged in flying VVIPs within and outside India. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian Air Force Officer to obtain A-1 category on transport aircraft. He is also the only officer of the Indian Air Force who has served with the Queen's Flight of the Royal Air Force. He was the leader of Team for Supply Dropping Trials from AVRO 748 aircraft in J&K and Ladakh. Air Commodore Chauhan is also a Qualified Flying Instructor having finished the course at the Central Flying School of the Royal Air Force. He holds an A2 Category and has over 2000 hours of instructional flying to his credit. He has taught pupils on such different types of aircraft as the Tiger Moth, Harvard, AN ­12, etc.

Air Commodore Chauhan has held various other Command and staff appointments with credit. As a member of the Aircrew Examining Board in the early days after its formation, he applied his professional skill and knowledge of aircraft in evolving sound testing procedures for aircrew, thereby ensuring the highest standards of flying amongst the flying crew of the Indian Air Force.

He has also served with distinction at an important establishment where in addition to his normal duties involving supervision of operations, technical, equipment and administrative departments of his organisation, Air Commodore Chauhan undertook a number of difficult and risky operations, particularly in the 1971 operations against Pakistan when he flew 34 hours on special operational missions. At present, he is holding the important appointment of Director of Intelligence at Air Headquarters.

Over this prolonged period of time as a pilot and as a Staff Officer, Air Commodore Chauhan has established1 himself as a leader of men, an organiser and an administrator of a very high ability. He has always worked with a spirit of dedication and exemplary devotion to duty. Air Commodore Balwant Wickram Chauhan has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Vettakkorumakankav Sivarama Narayanan, VSM (3549) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Engineering­Branch of the Air Force on 27th December, 1948. From April, 1968 to January, 1971 as Joint Director of Missiles in the Air Headquarters, Air Commodore Narayanan initiated and supervised a number of development programmes in rocketry and missiles with a view to self-reliance. One of these projects, the Rocket Assisted Take Off Motor has tremendous potential in increasing the operational efficiency and payload of the fighter bomber and interceptor aircraft. He also prepared the ground for the indigenisaion of the large scale Missile system with a view to self-sufficiency and build­up of competence in Missiles in India.

From February, 1972 onwards, as Director, Defence Research and Development Laboratory and Project Officer of one of the largest Research and Development Projects in India for the development of medium range Surface­to­Air Missile, he built up the Defence Research and Development Laboratory virtually from scratch into an outstanding and premier institution in the Research and Development, and competence in Rockets and Missiles. The Laboratory has now a comprehensive and wide ranging infrastructure of fabrication facilities, test facilities, rocket test beds, test range equipment and a very, advanced competence level in Solid and Liquid Propulsion technology and Inertia Systems technology. He has harnessed and cocoordinated the various sister Research and Development Laboratories, and manufacturing agencies towards Missile Development and Production. He has built up in Defence Research and Development Laboratories the competence to manage large missile projects. He has above all, built up, encouraged and AVSM 1976 developed an outstanding team of motivated young scientists in the various areas of Missile Technology. He has, thus, founded, a solid and creative base for self­reliance in Missiles in our country. He is today one of the top Missile Technologists in India.

Air Commodore Narayanan has, thus, shown brilliant and outstanding qualities of leadership, organisation, technical competence and application, management, dedication and determination, and rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Jagdish Raj Bhasin, VM (3591) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in July, 1949. During his long service career he has held a variety of Command and Staff appointments. In the varied posts held by him, he has distinguished himself not only by professional competence but also by outstanding administrative ability.

Early in his career, he qualified as an all purpose Flying Instructor and was employed on instructional duties from December, 1950 to September, 1955. His instructional experience extends from elementary flying training to supersonic aircraft. As an Instructor, he attained the highest possible professional standard and holds 'A' Flying Instructors' category. As Officer Commanding of a fighter Squadron from September, 1957 to May, 1961, he accomplished high rate of aircraft serviceability, enhanced operational preparedness and all round efficiency of his Squadron. Subsequently, as Officer Commanding another Squadron from April, 1966 to 1967 he was able to achieve the highest operational standards. For his painstaking efforts and high professionalism, Air Commodore Bhasin was awarded Vayu Sena Medal.

Air Instructors Bhasin took over as Air Officer Commanding of a big operational base in January, 1975. Within a very short time, he was able to integrate his Command of multi-Squadron force into an efficient team. His station had the lowest aircraft accident rate in his Command In 1975 while maintaining a high rate of serviceability and utilisation of aircraft.

In addition to heavy air maintenance tasks, his base was called upon to undertake relief operations after the devastating earthquake in Himachal Pradesh in January/February, 1975. The Helicopters of the Wing carried out 161 missions, and airl ifted 70 tonnes of essential supplies in the face of heavy odds and most inclement and unfavourable AVSM 1976 weather. Later, In August, 1975, the transport aircraft of his Wing were deployed for airlifting essential stores for flood, relief work. Round the clock operation was undertaken and more than 230 tonnes of supplies and equipments were airlifted. These additional tasks were undertaken without detriment to the other assigned tasks. The air effort in both these relief operations has won high acclaim and enhanced the prestige of the Air Force. This was possible because of the excellent planning and leadership displayed by Air Commodore Bhasin.

Air Commodore Jagdish Raj Bhasin, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Achuthan Viswanathan (3607) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1949. During his long service career, he has held with distinction various important appointments. He has been Officer Commanding of an Equipment Depot, Deputy Director of Armament Research & Development Establishment and Director of Armament at Air Headquarters.

As Director of Armament, he has achieved most commendable results in indigenisation of imported Explosives Stores and also in adaptation of Armament Stores to different types of aircraft. This, besides achieving standardisation, has resulted in increasing operational potential. He has persistently striven to get maximum shelf life out of explosive stores currently held in the inventory by planning and executing various reconditioning schemes. By his constant endeavour for indigenisation of imported stores and to obtain maximum life out of the existing stores, he has not only effected considerable savings in expenditure but also reduced foreign dependence.

Air Commodore Viswanathan was posted as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at Headquarters Eastern Air Command in September, 1974. From the time of his arrival and consistently thereafter, he applied himself with exemplary zeal and has shouldered the responsibility with a high degree of confidence. With his initiative and ability to organize, and with his high technical ability he contributed substantially towards improving the aircraft serviceability and operational potential. During this period, a number of aircraft which had been grounded for over two years have been recovered and made air­worthy. He was never deterred in his objective by short-fall of resources available to him.

With his exceptional professional ability, hard work, organizational skill, and leadership, Air Commodore Achuthan Viswanathan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Denis Anthony Lafontaine, VM (3844) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 15th April, 1950. During his service career, he has held a variety of Command, and Staff appointments. In the various posts that he has held, he has been extremely meticulous, where standards of flying training and operational preparedness are concerned.

He has commanded two fighter Squadrons and an operational Station. During these tenures, he had always been result­oriented and achieved a very high degree of operational preparedness.

He was posted as Chief Instructor at Air Force Academy on its inauguration in December, 1970 to October, 1973. He was personally responsible for the move of entire Flying School from Jodhpur to the Academy. The move was meticulously planned, methodically executed and the new training organisation was set up with speed and purpose. Air Commodore Lafontaine, as the Chief Instructor, reorientated the complete training patterns in the Air Force. He designed major training directives of the Academy which for the first time in the Air Force fixed the principles, standards and techniques for teaching in the air and on the ground. These directives also included, for the first time, a clear guide line to the attitude and behaviour principles required.

He was posted to Headquarters Western Air Command In January, 1975 as Air I. In this capacity, he has established practices which have substantially contributed towards greater operational preparedness of the command. With his vast operational and training experience, he has been able to give a new dimension to the employment and utilisation of fighter force in his Command. It has been due to his stewardship that the operational training and utilisation rate of all the fighter Squadrons in the Command has been planned methodically to achieve the best results.

Air Commodore Lafontaine is a thorough, professionally competent and conscious officer whose devotion to duty is unquestionable. He has always set a worthy example for others to emulate in dedication, servicemindedness, zeal and initiative. Throughout, Air Commodore Danis Anthony Lafontaine, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Kanumilli Suryanarayana Rao (3371) Medical was commissioned in the Medical Branch of the Indian Air Force on 19th February, 1945. After serving for five years as Professor of Physiology at Armed Forces Medical College Pune, he was posted to the Institute of Aviation Medicine in November, 1970, as Officer in-charge High Altitude Physiology and President Medical Evaluation Centre. Subsequently, in March, 1973, he took over as Officer Commanding, Institute of Aviation Medicine. Simultaneously, he was appointed as Senior Adviser in Aviation Medicine, Air Force, and also Professor in Aviation Medicine, Bangalore University.

He has been associated with Aviation Medicine for a long period and has taken active part in several research projects which have contributed to flying efficiency of aircrew and flight safety. He has flown 2200 passenger flying hours to gain flying experience and to carry out medical evaluation, research and experimental studies. He has also contributed several articles to various medical journals and in particular to the Journal of the Aero Medical Society of India, which could serve as a guide to junior Medical Officers in Aviation Medicine such as 'Aircrew Care and Flight Safety'.

He is one of the outstanding teachers of the Institute of Aviation Medicine at postgraduate level and has participated in several symposia and topics of Aviation Medicine and chaired some symposia in which eminent foreign scientists participated. In addition, he has been the Editor­in­chief of the Journal of Aero Medical Society of India for the last five years and has brought it to a very high standard. This Journal has now worldwide circulation.

Group Captain Kanumilli Suryanarayana Rao has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order by his multifarious and numerous contributions in. the field of medical profession in general and Aviation Medicine in particular.

Group Captain Ajit Kumar Banerji (3912) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the Indian Air Force on 15th July, 1950.

After completing a long and highly successful tenure as directing staff in the Institute of Defence Management, in February, 1974 he was posted to Air Force Technical College to fill the post of Chief Instructor. Because of his exceptional sense of duty and personal involvement within a short period of time, he had a firm grip on all the teaching departments, along with their associated problems. He was thus able to lay the foundation for ushering in the new training concepts and systems, at this College. On 6th January, 1975, he was posted as Officer in-charge Faculty of Management Studies and Advanced Technology, Air Force Station, Jalahalli. He set about his task with determination and vigour and his performance as an instructor has been of the highest order.

In addition to teaching three different subjects for the Senior Technical Officers' Management Course, he continually applied himself to improve the mode of training on this course. He introduced to important changes i.e., the introduction of the 'Inter­establishment Comparison' as a modification of the older in­plant visit discussions, and the 'In­basket exercises.' The latter particularly involved heavy work for preparation of the settings for the exercises. He has progressively introduced many other changes also which have enhanced the value of the course considerably.

He has taken a keen and personal interest in the managerial project studies of the courses and as a result motivated the participants to give off their best and produce excellent project study reports. In addition, he has always been a most valuable adviser to the Air Officer Commanding Jalahalli, in all matters of administration and in particular training management.

Earlier, as a Directing Staff at the Institute of Defence Management, Secunderabad, he helped in the build up of that institution from scratch. He had the distinction of being a member of the first managerial Consultancy undertaken by the Institute of Defence Management at Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, Kanpur Division.

Group Captain Ajit Kumar Banorji has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

On the night of 22nd/23rd October, 1975, the worst ever cyclone was experienced over Jamnagar airfield. When the cyclone actually hit Jamnagar airfield, its fury knew no bounds. The fierce effects of the cyclone started at about 1730 hours. Within a matter of half an hour, the strong winds damaged the steel electric power pylons. Immediately thereafter, the entire airfield was plunged into darkness. The Station was now faced with a grim situation of extremely wild winds, incessant rains and total darkness. The cyclone continued to build up its fury and started uprooting aircraft picketed in the open.

Group Captain Mehra the Station Commander Air Force Station Jamnagar personally led a group of his men and physically tried to keep the aircraft on the ground. The aircraft parked in the open were up­rooted from the nose­wheel. It was a gigantic effort to hold the aircraft down to the ground with manual labour. Under the conditions prevailing at that time, it was only by sheer determination of his men under his inspiring leadership that the aircraft were saved from total damage. While his men were engaged in trying to save the aircraft, one of the hangar housing aircraft collapsed. Group Captain Mehra immediately rushed to the scene in drenching rain and ravaging winds. He tried to ensure that after the collapse of the hangar, the aircraft were not damaged any further by loose ground equipment around. Whilst these rescue operations were on, a second hangar also collapsed. It was to the credit of Group Captain Mehra that inspite of mounting odds, he continued to guide personally the rescue operations.

His frequent movement from one scene to another in what truly alarming conditions was done with utter and complete disregard for his own safety and comfort. He had realised that unless he set a personal example, his men would perhaps give up the effort because of sheer frustrating conditions.

Next morning the airfield presented a most pathetic sight. Hangars had collapsed, building roofs were blown­off, aircraft were up-rooted and the airfield was littered with debris all over. By now the water supply had also been denied to the Station. Inspite of his being extremely tired and exhausted from the efforts of the previous night, Group Captain Mehra continued to take immediate actions which were necessary to restore some degree of normalcy in the camp. It was due to his ability and leadership that the personnel and their families at Jamnagar faced this worst ever crisis with a smile. The actual damage to AVSM 1976-77 the aircraft, the most valuable item on the airfield, was very insignificant compared to the conditions experienced during the cyclone.

Group Captain Mehra displayed a very high degree of leaders hip and professional competence to ensure that the damage would be minimal even when he was subjected to a very high degree of stress and strain. Had it not been for him, the damages at Jamnagar would have assumed frightening proportions.

Group Captain Surendra Kumar Mehra, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Harnam Singh Keshub (3468) was commissioned in the Flying Branch: (Navigator) of the Indian Air Force in February, 1948.

During his 28 years of services, he has held various important appointments with distinction, including that of Navigation Instructor of the Navigation Training School, Instructor Junior Commanders Course at the Air Force Admin College, Instructor Transport Support Wing at the School of Land Warfare, Staff Officer (Air) in the Cabinet Secretariat (Military Wing), Air Force Liaison Officer in Nagaland and Joint Director Air Force Works at Air Headquarters.

As Staff Officer (Air) in the Cabinet Secretariat (Military Wing) from August 1965 to August 1968, he was responsibly, amongst his other duties, to revise the Central War Book based on the lessons learnt during the 1965 Indo-Pak Conflict. This task was carried out by him in a most exemplary manner in the shortest possible time. From August 1968 to June 1970, he was the Air Farce Liaison Officer in Nagaland when the hostile were most active. During this period, intensive Helicopter airborne operations were carried out under his direct supervision, which resulted in the capture of many hostiles returning from China after training, with vast quantities of arms and ammunition. From June 1970 to December 1973, he was Joint Director Air Force Works at Air Headquarters, where it was his responsibility to provide adequate Defence and Camouflage works for protection of aircraft and other vital installations, uninterrupted fuel, power and water supply to operational requirements, and emergency repairs at forward airfields. By his untiring efforts, zeal and devotion to duty, he was able to accomplish all these AVSM 1977 tasks well before the 1971 Indo-Pak Conflict. Throughout the conflict, he maintained a close and very effective liaison with Engineers as well as with the other central and Government Departments to ensure that at no time the operations were affected due to unserviceability of the airfields and fuel, power and water supply systems.

On promotion to the rank of Air Commodore in January 1974, he took over as Director of Personal Services at Air Headquarters where he had to deal with complex problems of Service Security, discipline and welfare of personnel and various ceremonial functions. Immediately on assumption of the appointment, he undertook in­depth studies of all his responsibilities with a view to identify the areas which demanded immediate attention, and set about implementing the measures needed to streamline the various procedures and drills with determination and dedication. Due to his efforts, the security and discipline aspects in the service have been tightened and, at the same time, assistance and welfare, amenities to the man and their families have been vastly improved. While impartially and unflinchingly enforcing discipline, he has equally showed qualities of compassion and human understanding, thus setting an enviable and emulating example of an administrator.

Throughout his career, Air Commodore Harnam Singh Keshub has displayed high professional acumen, leadership, devotion to duty and consistently rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Subramaniam Raghavendran (3840) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in April 1950. He had been Senior Air Staff Officer in Headquarters Training Command from March 1974 to February 1976. During this period, with his dedication, devotion to duty and diligence, he made significant and long term contributions to the training and administration in Training Command. Prior to this he had had a distinguished and productive career in the Air Force. He had commanded Fighter Squadrons twice. He had also been O i/c Flying and Station Commander of a major fighter base. He is highly qualified professionally and administratively.

With his incisive, analytical and methodical mind, he identified the weak areas in training in the IAF and instituted to improve the same. He devised most comprehensive lesson plans for all training institutions. Steps were taken by him to make training aids scales from the needs of the lesson plans as opposed to ad­hoc redundant ones. To make available all training and audio­visual aids, comprehensive 'Resources Libraries' were introduced by him in all institutions. He carried out a methodical standardisation of all training records and documents in the schools and reduced the work load, while making available complete Management Information System at appropriate levels of supervision. Effective instructor assessment system and updating lectures were, also instituted by him for the instructors to ensure high calibre.

He introduced a Command Training Inspection Team, led by him which visited the units, with elaborate questionnaires and critically analysed their performance. It produced such remarkable results that Institutions assessed as sub­standard came up to excellent standards within six months.

His most outstanding contribution to Training Command was the introduction of Management-By Objectives throughout the Command vis­à­vis Training, Maintenance and Administration. Specially called the Goals, Results and Objectives Oriented Management System, he formed an ad­hoc team and personally identified the Key Result Areas of Training Command. He analysed the strength, weaknesses and resources of Training Command set realistic, but challenging objectives, made detailed action plans and devised a Management Information System for feed back and control of the same. All these were issued by him as detailed Training Command Air staff Instructions. In addition to this, he also made compendium of all Air Staff matters and based on these issued detailed Training Command Air staff Instructions on every aspect.

Air Commodore Subramaniam Raghavendran has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Satya Sagar Sahgal (3777) was commissioned in Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He was in command of Air Force Technical Collage from 1972. During the three years of his stay in the College as Commandant, he has, by his personal example of hard work and single, minded, devotion to duty, inspired the personnel of the College to a very high degree of effectiveness. He has put in immense effort in motivating the staff to give off their best and produce results far beyond normal expectations. He has been an ideal commander in practically all spheres of activities.

In the professional field, he has always had an excellent record. Early in his tenure as the Commandant, he realised the needs of the Air Force and instituted progressive changes in the syllabi and the practical training activities of the trainees, to meet such requirements. He was a member of the Technical Training Team instituted by the Chief of the Air Staff for improving the Technical Training in the Indian Air Force. Not only did he contribute immensely to the findings and recommendations of the Team, but also undertook follow­up action in a number of areas which were really those of other agencies. Under the guidance of Headquarters Training Command, he compiled the job specifications, course objectives etc. for the Aeronautical Engineering and Aeronautical Inspection Courses and, based on these, compiled extremely exhaustive and practically oriented syllabi. This would go a long way in giving a solid foundation to the future Aeronautical Engineering Branches. Also he has been the driving spirit behind the setting up of Resources Libraries and objective oriented projects for the trainees.

His achievements in the field of administration have been no less conspicuous. The works services that he visualised and undertook in the College to improve the training environment, living conditions of the trainee officers are praise worthy.

His overall performance as an administrator, organiser and above all an officer fired with the ambition to give his very best at all times has been impressive. With long working hours and sustained hard work, he has set an example of utter devotion to duty. His cool imaginative leadership and determined approach to keep training at a high standard has inspired his subordinates to a high pitch of efficiency.

Air Commodore Satya Sagar Sahgal has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Premanand Ramanany (3453) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in November, 1947. He assumed command of a Base Repair Depot Air Force in July 1974. Very soon thereafter he took a series of carefully planned steps to improve both the repair, test and calibration capability of the Depot and the production capacity of its workshops.

Towards increased production, Group Captain Premanand Ramany completely reorganized the workshops for overhaul/ repair of Receivers, Teleprinters, VHF/DF and AD 210C equipment. By re­designing the lay out of the repair facilities and also the production lines he ensured optimum utilisation of available manpower. For instance, the manhours for the production of teleprinters were, without compromising the quality, reduced from 180 to 130. As a result there was marked increased in production in many important spheres. The repair of Canberra rotables increased from 36% in 1974-75 to 105% in 1975-76, over the same period the rotables production of Caribous increased from 63% to 101% and production of test equipment from 92% to 200%.

The officer also took a very special personal interest in the establishment of a Calibration Laboratory, a long­felt need of the Air Force. By rationalisation of availably test equipment and also supplementing those to some extent by collecting useful items from existing Air Force assets, he has now successfully set up a comprehensive Laboratory capable of under taking the calibration of no less than 150 varieties of test equipment. For optimum utilisation of the Laboratory by all units of the Air Force, the Depot has now also prepared a complete compendium of calibration facilities which are available at the Depot.

Apart from the many and varied steps he took to improve production and the capability of his Depot, Group Captain Parmanand Ramanany also gave deep thought to the evolution of a policy of preventive maintenance of all signals equipment in the Air Force and it is largely as a result of his initiative that a scheme has now been introduced for periodic preventive maintenance of major items. This initiative will also greatly facilitate the formulation of long term repair tasks, which in turn, will ensure proper provisioning of spares.

Throughout Group Captain Premanand Ramany has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Karan Yadav (4200) was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1951. He has been commanding an operational flying station in the Eastern Sector for two years. He has also held other important appointments earlier. He has flown a number of operational aircraft and has a total flying of 4600 hours. As Station commander he also attained the highest instrument rating on supersonic aircraft. In addition he holds the qualification of a Test Pilot.

While commanding the operational flying station, ha has displayed outstanding qualities of leadership and man­management. Through his drive and determination he has succeeded in improving the serviceability state of aircraft based on his station. His concerted efforts brought down the accident rate of his Station from 24.8 in 1974 to 3.1 in 1975. He has been responsible for evolving original methods for reducing bird strike accidents on his base. During his tenure he was able to ensure the smooth and successful operation capabilities of his operational squadrons without any significant radar recovery aids available to the Station. He was required to extend a large degree of supervision over an AOP Flight located away from his base. He succeeded in substantially raising the operational capabilities of all flying units at his Wing with two of the units being assessed as the best instrument rated units in the IAF.

Group Captain Karan Yadav has inspired his men by his devotion to duty, personal example and qualities of leadership, and has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain KRISHNASWAMY SUBRAMANIAN VM (4213) Flying (Navigator) Citation Not Available.

Air Vice Marshal Chandramowleswaran was commissioned in the Air Force in the Technical Signals Branch, now Aeronautical Engineering Electronics in 1950. He proved an asset in the various appointments he held in the units/ Commands and in organisations outside Air Force. A competent Technical Officer and a versatile field Engineer, he excelled particularly in Installation and System Engineering activities. While in the Maintenance Command as Incharge of the repair and overhaul aspects of communication and radar equipment, he established, with his experience and deep understanding of the field conditions, a sound system for ensuring serviceability and base support facilities for Navigation and Radar aids, operating in different sectors of the country. Early in 1966, he was entrusted with the task of installing certain complex communication and electronic equipment. Neither the installation techniques nor the training facilities were available for these equipment. Undeterred by the formidable problems posed by the task, he took up the challenge and with single minded devotion, successfully installed the equipment on schedule.

In 1971, he was specially selected to join the Radar and Communication Project Organisation, a system Engineering Group, and entrusted with the responsibility of planning, installation and commissioning of reliable and secure tropo/Line of Sight Communication and Radio facilities in the Air Defence Ground Environment System. He was able to complete the task of site survey and system engineering of far flung remote and inaccessible mountainous areas of the country in the time schedule. Similarly in the selection installation and commissioning of High Power Radars and associated peripherals, he effectively, organi­zed the installation and maintenance teams to undertake the activities in the field. His selfless devotion to duty earned him the admiration and affection of the officers and staff who worked with him.

Air Vice Marshal Chandramowleswaran has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Errasseri Pathayapurayil Radhakrishnan Nair joined the Air Force in 1950. He has an excellent record of over 4,500 flying hours, has been an examiner on Super Constellation aircraft and a QNI with an 'A­2' Instructor's category. He was also given an 'A' Transport category, the highest flying proficiency award obtainable. In AVSM 1978 1970, when the Air Force Academy was being built and the personnel were still living under canvas, he was selected to be the Base Commander and made directly responsible for the administration of the Station and also for the rapid build­up of the technical and other facilities by the target date set for the inauguration of the Academy by the President. He accomplished the task by the target date. Subsequently, he was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer of Headquarters Maritime Air Operations at a time when the formation was entrusted with important responsibility of Air operations in support of the ONGC. The Standard Operating Procedure worked out during his tenure and the overall supervision exercised by his formation resulted in the successful accomplishment of every ONGC task. The excellent flight safety record achieved by the Helicopter unit also contributed towards this accomplishment. In December, 1975, on completion of the National Defence College Course, he was appointed as the Senior Air and Administrative Staff Officer, Headquarters Maintenance Command. Inspite of various handicaps, Air Commodore Nair, by effective man management and by personal example, soon created in his staff a devoted and highly motivated team. His tremendous capacity for sustained work and ability to establish harmonious and effective relationship with both superiors and subordinates, brought about remarkable improvements in the functioning of the Stations of Maintenance Command in practically every field of activity within his responsibility. As a result the offence rate in the Command has dropped sharply. His most remarkable achievement is in the field of flight safety where, as Senior Air and Administrative Staff Officer, he has direct responsibility. Here the total accident rate (for 10,000 hrs) dropped from about 41 in 1975 to 22.5 in 1976 which is an outstanding achievement by any standard.

Air Commodore Erasseri Pathayapurayil Radhakrishnan Nair has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Hari Vinayak Phatak was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Air Force in 1942. After distinguishing himself in varied assignments in administrative fields, he was given the command of an Equipment Depot in August, 1974, where he excelled in all aspects of command and control. At the time of his assuming command of the Depot, the market conditions in the country were very unstable as a result of which normal supply of many items through the DGS&D was greatly dislocated. In particular, the procurement of clothing items was of major importance for that Equipment Dept. He launched a major programme of large scale local purchases of essential items. During his tenure, the purchases which were barely Rs. 7 lakhs in 1973-74 reached and all time record of Rs. 36 lakhs in 1975 -76. As a result, the supply position improved radically. This achievement was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of the various Commands at the Commanders Conference held in December, 1976. Reduction in the number of Discrepancy Reports concerning clothing items was another major task which he implemented. By formulating and introducing a series of new measures and personally monitoring their implementation, the number of incoming Discrepancy Report dropped from 243 in 1974-75 to 82 in 1976. In Command of Air Force Station, Avadi, the production at one of its lodger units under his supervision and guidance, improved radically and for the first time the unit was able to fully accomplish its allotted task. In the process, nearly Rs. 4 lakhs worth of spares lying idle and considered obsolete, were also utilised. During his tenure as Station Commander, he achieved a remarkable degree of improvement in prac­tically all spheres of the Depot's activities. The standard of discipline amongst both service and civilians personnel was also exemplary and it was largely as a result of his efforts that the Station won the award of the Best Administered formation in Maintenance Command.

Air Commodore Hari Vinayak Phatak has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Brijpal Singh Sikand assumed command of a fighter Wing of the Air Force in February, 1976. Since then he has devoted himself towards improving the operational and the administrative potential of his station. He observed that children of all ranks were facing hardship in getting admission and commuting to schools in the nearby townships. He solved this problem by setting up an Air Force School at the Wing in record time, where today 800 children are studying. As a welfare measure, he founded another school at his station where children of poor parents are provided totally free education including books, uniforms and free mid-day meals. In November, 1976, his station was entrusted with the task of organising a President's Colour Presentation Ceremony to three Air Force Squadrons. For this parade, the station had to absorb an additional 1000 men and 100 officers. He personally supervised each and every detail of this prestigious parade which was most impressive and flawlessly conducted. In the field of operations, he introduced night flying at his base and enabled the Squadrons located at the Wing to enhance their operational status. During 1976, his Squadrons flew a total of 4500 hours with only one accident. He also set up the Ground Examining Board and Mobile Conversion Flight for aircraft at his base without any additional assistance whatsoever. This station was also entrusted with a task of carrying out retromod on all aircraft on a type in Western Air Command. It was due to his great organisational ability and his professional direction that this task was accomplished in record time without a single mishap. He has been on field appointments for the last nine years and during this period, he has commanded two Stations, one Squadron and one Tactical Air Centre. He is an active and able fighter pilot.

Air Commodore Brijpal Singh Sikand has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Jayaram Nilkanth Jatar was in command of a Fighter Wing of the Air Force which has heavy flying activity throughout the year. From the day of assuming command, he devoted himself to the work of enhancing the operational potential of his base. During his tenure, a new Weapon was introduced whose lethality necessitated the defining of operating methods for causing the maximum damage to an enemy, without compromising the safety of our own forces. He examined all the intricacies of the problem and was solely responsible for the formulation of an operating procedure for the employment of this new Weapons System which has now been accepted as a Standard Operating Procedure. He also readjusted the available resources and fabricated a fail safe MF communication system. This facility provides a standby method to cater for the worst case of total failure of other communications.

Environmental peculiarities of his base required time control over Technical and Flying activities for safe flying. He adhered to and achieved the highest, standards of flying and maintenance discipline. His dedicated involvement has enhanced safety consciousness in Air and Ground Crew which has led to an effective flight safety programme, reduction in the rate of accidents and in avoidance of wastage of valuable fighting equipment. He was also able to achieve a formidable flying task of 8993 hours on fighters without a single accident. It is to his great credit that he reduced the station accident rate from 15 to zero.

Air Commodore Jayaram Nilkanth Jatar has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.