Air Marshal Anand Ramdas Pandit AVSM, DFC (1707) was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) of the IAF in September 1941. In World War II he distinguished himself as a fighter Recce Pilot and was awarded the DFC. He graduated from Defence Services Staff College and, later, successfully attended the National Defence College. He has served with distinction in various operational, Command and Staff appointments at different units and Formations. Apart from being the Director of Operations at Air Headquarters, he was the Air Officer Commanding Headquarters Western India for three years, responsible for joint planning and conduct of all air operations with the Navy. Thereafter, he served extremely creditably as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, making a significant contribution in the Training of officers and Airmen of all branches and trades. During his assignment as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command for three years from March 1973 to February 1976, Air Marshal Pandit was able to improve the efficiency of that Command. With painstaking efforts, initiative and exceptional devotion to duty, he pursued various projects with untiring zeal and ensured their successful completion on scheduled. Despite shortage of spares, he was able to improve the performance of Base Repair Depots in the overhaul of engines and aircraft. In the Equipment Depots he was able to introduce new ideas and improve their functioning by streamlining the procedures and removing irritating bottlenecks. During his long service of 35 years, in every assignment or task entrusted to him he achieved excellent results and displayed deep sense of loyalty and responsibility. Presently, he is holding the appointment of Vice Chief of the Air Staff, responsible for preparation and review of Air Force plan framing the Air Staff requirements, formation of training policies and control of Air Force projects. In this he has been able to bring many improvements and economy having far reaching effects. Air Marshal Pandit has thus rendered distinguished service of the most 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.

Corporal Phani Raju Kala Venkata AFSO II has been on the posted strength of an operational Wing since March 1973. On 25th September 1975, when he was on Aircraft Crash Crew duty, an AN-12 aircraft landed with heavy smoke and fire in the crew cabin due to the electrical short circuit. Corporal Phani Raju Kala Venkata immediately followed the aircraft with the crash tender. As soon as the aircraft came to a halt, in complete disregard to his personal safety, rushed into the aircraft and started extinguishing fire. Although he felt suffocated due to heavy smoke, he did not lose courage and continued his endeavours to extinguish the fire and was ultimately able to bring the fire under control and thus saved a valuable and irreplaceable aircraft.

In this action, Corporal Phani Raju Kala Venkata displayed exemplary courage, initiative, determination and devotion to duty of a high order.

On 29th October 19758, at about 2000 hours, 225695 Sergeant Sankaran Kutty Nair was proceeding towards the MES substation in the domestic camp of his base to find out the cause of the failure of electric power. As he was nearing the sub-station, he heard an explosion, and saw a flash coming out of the building and heard a cry for help. He rushed to the building and found that a man in flames was lying on the floor, near the entrance and that smoke was coming out of the building. In utter disregard to his personal safety, he entered the building and switched off the main switch. He then found that an MES employee was lying unconscious with his clothes in flames. Sergeant Nair put out the flames by rolling him on the ground and tearing off his clothes. He carried him to the Medical Inspection Room on his shoulders, where prompt first aid and subsequent treatment for second degree burns in Military Hospital saved the individual's life. Thus by presence of mind and quick action he saved a valuable life and expensive service equipment.

In this action, Sergeant Sankaran Kutty Nair displayed exemplary courage, great initiative and a high sense of public duty.

Squadron Leader Davinder Singh Sant (8157) was commissioned in the Flying Branch (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in December, 1963. During his stay of about 13 years in various operational Squadrons he has flown a total of about 2000 hours and acquired the highest Instrument Rating on Supersonic Aircraft. On the 17th June, 1976 while imparting Dual combat instruction from the rear seat of a supersonic operational trainer aircraft, he was involved in an accident in which his aircraft sustained extensive damage leading to extreme control difficulty. This was further aggravated by the shattering of the both the front and rear canopies resulting in visual difficulties. The incapacitation of the pilot in front cockpit and complete loss of radio communication made the situation more grave. The dislodging of the drogue parachute from the front seat into the rear seat, partial control of flaps, failure of total main braking system and absence of the periscope made the safe recovery of the aircraft extremely difficult. Notwithstanding the sudden shock, he acted in a cool and a professional manner and recovered the severely damaged aircraft with an incapacitated pilot safely and thus saved a valuable life.

In this action, Squadron Leader Davinder Singh Sant displayed exemplary courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Bir Inder Singh took over command of a fighter squadron in July 1974. He has flown over 4000 hours and has participated, with distinction, In the IndoPak Conflicts of 1965 and 1971. Due to his personal attention Wing Commander Bir Inder Singh has maintained an excellent flight safety record over the past two years. During the Inter-Squadron Gunnery Meet, 1975, his Squadron was the best Squadron in front­gun firing and bombing. When the squadron was required to operate a detachment of aircraft from a transport base, Wing Commander Bir Inder Singh undertook and executed this task effectively. Wing Commander Bir Inder Singh has displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Sudesh Chand Khuller has been a member of a front-line jet fighter squadron since September, 1973. During this period, he has flown 464 hours. Being an experienced QFI, he was largely responsible for the training of young pilots with the result that the squadron now has a high proportion of operationally prepared pilots and the entire squadron holds current instrument ratings. During the tenure of Squadron Leader Sudesh Chand Khuller, the squadron operated five detachments and, every time, planned tasks were completed without untoward incident. Squadron Leader Khuller has so far flown 4000 hours on single­engined aircraft of which 1636 hours have been devoted to the training of ab­initio pilots.

Squadron Leader Sudesh Chand Khuller displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Shashi Dharan Panicker has been with the Paratroopers Training School as a Staff Instructor since June. 1971. He is presently holding a Master Green category on Packet aircraft with a Command examiners ticket. His professional competence is evident from the manner in which he has handled flight emergencies. On one such occasion on 31st December, 1974, while on a mission to airlift 20 passengers and 2000 Kgs of service load, he encountered a perilous situation of a runaway propeller during the crucial stages of the take off, which caused the aircraft to swerve violently, a few feet above the ground. Maintaining his composure and with his skill Squadron Leader Panicker brought the aircraft under control and warded off what might have been a serious accident. Squadron Leader Panicker is an instructor of considerable experience. He has flown 1450 instructional hours out of total flying record of 5350 hours.

Squadron Lender Shashi Dharan Panicker has displayed courage, professional competence and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Chetan Swaroop Kataria has been the Officer Commanding of a VIP Communication Helicopter Unit since May, 1974. He has a total of 3300 hours of accident free flying to his credit and has been responsible for the training of many new pilots and in improving the categorization state of his unit to a very high operational standard. He not only discharged his duties well out also undertook numerous mercy missions find flood relief operations in Punjab and Rajasthan in 1975. Because of his exceptional organizational ability, guidance find devoted supervision, the unit flew 3600 accident free hours within a period of 19 months. He successfully organised the development of a battery-operated portable refuelling rig for Chetak helicopter, on no cost basis, in his unit, which is a creditable achievement.

On 16th October 1975, Squadron Leader Kataria, while on a night training flight noticed that his helicopter had developed engine trouble due to material failure, with total loss of engine torque and heavy reduction in the rotor RPM. He faced the hazardous situation calmly and landed safely without any damage to the helicopter.

Squadron Leader Chetan Swaroop Kataria has displayed courage, high professional skill and devotion to duly of a high order.

Squadron Leader Vijay Kumar Mohotra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April, 1964. He has a total of 3010 hours of accident free flying to his credit of which 2218 are on helicopters. Since December, 1975, he has been commanding a Helicopter Unit. On 23rd May, 1976, Squadron Leader Mohotra undertook the evacuation of a seriously injured mountaineer from the Trishul Base Camp located at a height of 15,300 feet. The helipad constructed there by the team of mountaineers was totally unsuitable for the safe landing of helicopter. Realising the urgency of the mission, Squadron Leader Mohotra carried out a detailed reconnaissance of the area and expertly decided that a landing could be carried out if one of the camp tents was removed and the area made available for the landing. This was indicated to the mountaineers and the tent was removed. Thereafter, Squadron Leader Mohotra landed his helicopter safely and carried out the assigned task.

On 26th May, 1976, after having completed a long and arduous sortie, Squadron Leader Mohotra was once again called upon to carry out the evacuation of seriously injured civilians from a remote area in the close vicinity of the Northern Border. He set off immediately with two other helicopters to a helipad nearest to where the casualties were. In the meantime, as immediate medical assistance was indicated and helicopter rescue facilities were not expected, the casualties were being moved by stretcher-bearers along a difficult and narrow mountain path. Realising the urgency to evacuate the casualties to bet ter equipped hospital, Squadron Lender Mohotra immediately set about organize rescue operations of injured on the move. He landed his helicopter in turbulent and gusty weather conditions in a boulder strewn tiny river bed. His outstanding performance in this operation inspired his formation pilots.

Throughout Squadron Leader Vijay Kumar Mohotra displayed courage, flying skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Bhanwar Singh Rathore was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in August, 1964. He has an Impressive total of 5600 flying hours, flying as many as 650 hours in one year alone. During his present tenure with the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron, he has flown 2000 hours, mostly on VIP tasks. He holds the highest category and Instrument Rating on HS-748 aircraft. He has had three engine failures on Devon aircraft. In all the three cases, squadron Lender Rathore executed a safe landing with admirable courage and flying skill. During the 1971 operations Squadron Leader Rathore flew day and night to supply troops in the Eastern Sector. He put in 200 flying hours, making a significant contribution to the war effort

Squadron Leader Bhanwar Singh Rathore displayed courage, high professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Dharamalingam Kalyana Sundaram (3726) Administrative joined the Indian Air Force in the ranks in April, 1943. With his brilliance and hard work he became a Warrant Officer in the incredibly short space of 4½ years. As a Warrant Officer he acquitted himself in an admirable manner which resulted in his commissioning on 26th January 1950,

As a Commissioned Officer, Wing Commander Sundaram was employed on varied administrative assignments where he displayed initiative, tact, drive and devotion to duty of a high calibre. By his outstanding organising ability and sound planning, his tactful handling of intricate situations, he earned the appreciation and admiration of his superiors and juniors alike He accepted additional tasks cheerfully and carried them out with great zeal and efficiency. His outstanding performance as Officer Commanding Headquarters Training Command (Unit) was commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command, Indian Air Force on 26th January 1972

In May 1972 Wing Commander Sundaram was specially selected to take over the duties of the Deputy Director Pay Commission Cell at Air Headquarters On 11th February, 1974 when the post of Director of this Cell was abolished, the sole task of processing Air Force case with the Government was entrusted to Wing Commander Sundaram. During the entire period Wing Commander Sundararm was thus engaged, he made a significant contribution towards speedy finalisation of the new pay/pension scales for officers and airmen. He was able to carry out this task most successfully because of his background knowledge of intricate matters and rules and regulations relating to service conditions of Armed Forces personnel and commendable capacity for sustained hard work. He continues his efforts with the same zeal in his present assignment as the Deputy Director of Pay Pension and Regulations which he took over on 1st June, 1975.

For his brilliance, zeal, professional competence, infinite capacity for hard work and dedication to the service which goes far beyond the call of normal duty. Wing Commander Dhararmalingam Kalyana Sundaram is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Prem Nath Mehra (3976) Logistic was commissioned in the Logistics Branch in 1950 and during his 26 years of service has held a variety of responsible appointments both at home and abroad.

After successfully completing the long management course at the Institute of Defence Management, Wing Commander Mehra took over command of an important Equipment Depot in September, 1973. Throughout the period of his command, Wing Commander Mehra has applied himself to his duties with a very great sense of responsibility and dedication, and by his skilful management brought about a remarkable improvement m the support services for the overhaul of old and obsolescent aircraft of the Air Force. As a result of his efficient management and total involvement, the Depot has reached an effective support rate of no less than 98%, by far the highest ever achieved by any Depot, In addition, by close and effective liaison with Air India, he ensured that the overhaul tasks allotted to that Agency for 1975-76 were fully accomplished. This effort is all the more commendable when viewed in the context of the economy achieved by him in procurement expenditure. His inventory management has been so sound that, despite the global escalation of cost, he was able to actually cut down the annual expenditure on spares procurement from Rs 3.48 crores to Rs 1.75 crores in 1975-76.

For his devotion to duty, professional competence, skilful management and hard work. Wing Commander Prem Nath Mehra is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Srish Chandra Basu 4702) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April 1954. He joined Research and Development Organisation, Ministry of Defence in 1970 as Squadron Leader and was put in-charge of Mechanical Engineering Group of a unit dealing with Microwave communications. He was personally responsible for establishing various facilities in the unit workshop and setting up high standard of workmanship by workshop personnel and Drawing Section personnel at various levels. He was also personally responsible for building up expertise in the unit in O.C. welding of Aluminum and plating of alumi num, with extremely limited facilities. The final products which have resulted from the Workshop under his leadership as well as the mechanical drawing of the hardware prep ared under his guidance have received appreciation from important Public Sector undertakings. He has made substantial personal contribution in evolving the mecha nical design of High Power Amplifier and in the evaluation of various sub-assemblies in low power which is accepted for production.

Apart from his technical capabilities, which in themselves are quite impressive, the most remarkable characteristic of Wing Commander Basu is his capacity and patience to understand and execute hundreds of changes/modifications/improvements, requested by various engineers developing various items.

For his high technical capability in Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, exceptional devotion to duty, sustained drive and enthusiasm to accomplish difficult tasks. Wing Commander Srish Chandra Basu is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Nipani Lakshmi Narayana Rao (4837) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of Air Force Academy with effect from April 1973 as Chief Operation Officer. During 1974, Wing Commander Nipani Lakshmi Narayana Rao was called upon to take over the duties of Chief Flying Instructor Harvard Training Squadron in addition to the Chief Operation Officer's duties in the absence of a regular incumbent on the establishment of Air Force Academy. These two appointments jointly placed lot of responsibilities on him. It was due to his devotion to duty, hard work and perseverance that not only the flying training task was completed in time, he himself did 400 hors of supervisory instructional flying during this period. Wing Commander Nipani Lakshmi Narayana Rao has done over 6000 hours of service flying out of which 2000 hours are instructional.

Wing Commander Nipani Lakshmi Narayana Rao was also entrusted with various welfare responsibilities at the Air Force Academy which he performed in an excellent manner. The results produced by him were only possible due to his high sense of responsibility, devotion to duty, integrity and working long hours with single mindedness of purpose without caring for personal comforts.

For his distinguished service of a very high order, Wing Commander Nipani Lakshmi Narayana Rao is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Khorana as Deputy Director at Air Headquarters since October 1971, has been responsible for the planning and processing of a Radar project. He has shouldered responsibility of a very high degree and has applied himself with exemplary energy and earnest enthusiasm. In this challenging task, he has displayed very high caliber of professional competence and resourcefulness. He has carried out critical studies and analysis of system requirements, specifications of imported and indigenous equipment with a view to find cost effective solution for meeting operational requirements and has made valuable contributions. His study and recommendations on the power supply configurations for the Project has resulted in most cost effective and highly reliable Power Supply System. Wing Com mander Khorana has also been responsible for the integration of modern IFF Ground System with existing radars and in guiding the development Computer Based Data Handling System of future radars for the Air Force.

Wing Commander (Mrs.) Vijay Lakshmi Ramanan (4971) was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on 22nd August, 1955 and was seconded to the Air Force with effect from the same day.

Since 1956 to date she has served as a Gynecologist in almost all the Air Force Hospitals. She was posted to Air Force Hospital, Bangalore with effect from 1st May, 1968 as Senior Gynecologist and Obstetrician in the Family Wing of the hospital. Families Wing of the Air Force Hospital Bangalore is very heavily worked section of the hospital. More often than not Wing Commander (Mrs.) Ramanan has looked after this section single handed as a gynecologist. She has acquired commendable degree of skill and has handled the work of this section most admirably. To achieve this she has been on call every night and every holiday and Sundays without caring for personal comforts.

She has taken special interest in family planning work and guided the lady doctors of the defence installation in Bangalore to accelerate the pace of the task in hand. She has set apart special period weekly for undertaking sterilization thus achieving the figures far beyond the targets.

For he single minded devotion to duty and organizing medical services for ladies and children of the defence services personnel attending Air Force Hospital, Bangalore, Wing Commander (Mrs.) Vijay Lakshmi Ramanan is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Srinivasa Krishnamurthy (5399) was commissioned in Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch of the Indian Air Force in May 1957. He has been commanding a Base Repair Depot, since June. 1975, Immediately on taking over the Base Repair Depot, Wing Commander Krishnamurthy applied himself to the task of increasing the production by setting personal example of enthusiasm and dedication to his officers, airmen and civilian workers. The results of these efforts were obvious when within a few months the production almost doubled.

During the previous years one of the reasons of low production was lack of spares. Wing Commander Krishnamurthy got ever this problem by resorting to local repairs and manufacture and by introducing modifications. He also utilized the spares worth lakhs of rupees, which had been classified 'inactive'. He also motivated the workers to do maximum work beyond the prescribed working hours without claiming Over Time Allowance or compensatory off.

For his exceptional skill, organising ability and dedication to duty, Wing Commander Srinivasa Krishnamurthy is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Hamid Mohamed Shahul (5461) was commissioned in Flying Branch (Navigator) of the Indian Air Force in December, 1957. He was posted to Directorate of Operations (Transport and Maritime) Air Headquarters in November, 1971. Considering his background and maritime experience, he was attached to Eastern Naval Command during the 1971 operations with Pakistan to assist the Air Force Commander in planning and execution of all maritime operations.

As Assistant Director Maritime Operations, Squadron Leader Shahul has worked extremely hard in preparing the policies and training schedules of maritime forces that have been earmarked to undertake maritime operations. This has largely contributed to the operational preparedness of the maritime forces. Squadron Leader Shahul has also been associated with the selection of a suitable maritime aircraft for our country.

Squadron Leader Shahul has flown total of 5534 hours. He has been graded "Exceptional" in flying assessment since 1965. He has held responsible appointment as Squadron Training Officer and Air Force Examiner, himself holding 'A' category on transport and his maritime operations.

By his dedication to work, cheerful disposition and professional discipline, he has set an example which is in the highest tradition of our service and worthy of emulation by others. For displaying very high flying skill, operational performance and capability and rendering distinguished service of a very high order, Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) Hamid Mohamed Shahul is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Commander Manmohan Waman Desai (5524) was commissioned in Accounts Branch of the Indian Air Force in June 1958. He had been working in the Western Air Command Accounts Section from September, 1973 to February, 1976. During his stay in the Command he had been dealing with cash audit objections, pay and allowances budget and funds. His professional competence and analytical approach to problems have been instrumental in providing proper guidance to the units on accounting matters. His initiative zeal and enthusiasm have resulted in the achievement of tasks and targets set by Air Headquarters. Unmindful of personal inconvenience he has worked long hours with a single minded purpose to ensure prompt and efficient accounting services and guidance to the units. He had also established an effective rapport with all the sections at Command Headquarters thus achieving a high degree of cooperation and coordination.

Squadron Leader Desai was also the Officer in-charge Canteen during his stay in the Command. He had streamlined the working of the Canteen and by his initiative and hard work was able to provide efficient canteen services to all the personnel when scarcity and high prices prevailed in the civil markets. This had kept the morale of the men high.

For his outstanding devotion to duty, dedicated hard work, extreme reliability and professional capability, Squadron Leader Manmohan Waman Desai is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Jayanta Keshari Ray Barman (5737) was commissioned in Logistic Branch of the Indian Air Force in May, 1959. He took over command of an Equipment Depot in May, 1971. The Depot is established to store and maintain only 275 vehicles for the Air Force, but the number of vehicles held by the Depot has been increasing steadily and now it is storing nearly 600 vehicles. Thus the Depot has for quite sometime now been handling a workload more than twice for which it was established without any significant increase in manpower.

Inspite of heavy workload and shortage of manpower Squadron Leader Barman has met all the tasks assigned to him. By an intelligent application of the new Managerial Techniques, he has effectively reduced the time taken in inspecting and completing all the formalities involved in the issue of the new vehicles. By developing effective liaison with the railways, vehicles allotted out are pushed out at a much faster rate than before. Squadron Leader Barman has thus reduced the turn-around time of the Mechanical Transport vehicles which now reach the Air Force Units much faster than before.

Squadron Leader Barman has achieved these results through his imaginative leadership and successful man-management. His own sustained hard work till late in the evenings has been an inspiration to his subordinates. For his distinguished service of high order Squadron Leader Jayanta Keshari Ray Barman is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Bapu Raghavaendrarao Madhava Rao (5944) was commissioned in Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1960. He was posted to a nucleus unit, which was set up to raise a new base repair depot for a supersonic fighter bomber aircraft in April, 1974. He was entrusted with the task of setting up facilities for the overhaul of 492 different types of rotables.

Having chalked out his plans to the last detail. Squadron Leader Rao started executing the task while the building construction and other civil engineering works were still in progress. In a record time of eight months, the rotables repair shops were ready for commissioning. When the nucleus unit was designated as a full-fledged base repair depot, the shops were already established to undertake internal and external repair tasks. This achievement enabled the depot to induct aircraft for overhaul within three months of its formation and to deliver the first over hauled aircraft to an operational squadron in less than seven months from the date of induction.

Subsequently, the rotables overhaul shops have fully met the requirement of other aircraft inducted for medium repair within an ambitious timeframe set for the assembly stage. Over and above meeting these commitments, the Depot made special efforts to clear 278 'Aircraft On Ground' demands of the operating squadrons with in the year 1975-76, although no firm task was placed on the Depot.

The contributions made by Squadron Leader (Now Wing Commander) Bapu Raghavendrarao Madhava Rao towards these achievements are commendable. For his professional competence, sincerity of purpose, loyalty to service and managerial ability, he is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

396933 Master Warrant Officer Waryam Singh, Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Air Force in July, 1944. For the past 8 years he has been continuously working in front-line fighter squadrons. Between May, 1968-70, he was employed in an Operational Type-training Squadron where he made a significant contribution to training of pilots and ground crew. He took active part and creditable part in 1971 conflict with Pakistan in the Western Sector, when as Warrant Officer in-charge of the Repair and Servicing Section of a fighter squadron he was largely responsible for providing consistent and valuable maintenance support.

In March, 1975, Master Warrant Officer Waryam Singh was posted to a new front line squadron. The Squadron at that time was in very early stages of re-equipment. When the second-line servicing for the new Squadron was required to be set up in June, 1975, the task was entrusted to this Master Warrant Officer. It is to his credit that with very little guidance due to acute shortage of qualified officers, he set about organizing the maintenance facilities with enthusiasm and drive and achieved commendable results in record time. Very soon the second line servicing was functioning, in an organised, competent and professional manner.

In November, 1975, Master Warrant Officer Waryam Singh was assigned the duties and responsibilities of the Daily Servicing Section of the Squadron when maintenance lapses had led to a ground accident. He more than justified this confidence in him, and with improved maintenance activities of the Daily Servicing Section, this Squadron has consistently exceeded its flying task every month without any accident/incident.

Master Warrant Officer Waryam Singh has been responsible for not only establishing and functioning of efficient repair and servicing/ Daily Servicing Sections of his Squadron, but also of training of personnel under him in correct technical practices and general service behaviour. He has always placed service before self in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. Throughout, Master Warrant Officer Waryam Singh has consistently displayed outstanding professional ability, dynamic drive, organizing ability and dedication to duty and rendered distinguished service of the highest order. He is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

218838 Junior Warrant Officer Balbir Singh Kalsi, Fitter II Engine was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in December, 1954. He has been on the posted strength of a Dakota Squadron since December, 1973. Immediately on his arrival, he was entrusted with the task of Senior Non-Commissioned Officer incharge engine trade at Central Repair & Servicing Section of his Station.

From the outset he maintained very meticulous and exacting standards. The aging Dakota aircraft and its engines need constant attention to meet its increasing servicing problems. His capability of speedy analysis of snags and correct rectifications contributed largely towards saving time, material and manpower. When aircraft have been stranded at out stations/detachments due to unserviceability he has shown spontaneous willingness to execute the job even at great personal inconvenience. He also has been largely instrumental in recovery of aircraft which have been on 'AOG' for a long time.

To meet the wide range of work under strict constraints of flight safety, the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer not only consistently supervised, directed and coordinated the activities of other airmen but himself also worked on the floor as junior tradesman. His sincere unflinching devotion to duty, cheerful acceptance of rigorous working under difficult conditions and ceaseless efforts have resulted in substantial increase in aircraft serviceability and has provided magnificent example and inspiration to all other airmen of the Squadron, Junior Warrant Officer Balbir Singh Kalsi has shown extraordinary skill initiative, super visory capabilities and dedication to duty, for which he is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

222499 Junior Warrant Officer Kaushlender Sasan, Fitter II Airframe-was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in March, 1957. He was posted to his present fighter Squadron in June, 1975. He has been working as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in-charge Airframe trade in the Squadron Daily Servicing Section as well as the Central Repair and Servicing Section since then. During this period this Senior Non-Commissioned Officer has displayed a very high sense of duty, exceptional professional knowledge and rare devotion to his job.

When special checks were ordered on the type of aircraft flown by his Squadron, he rose to the occasion organised the men under him, worked round the clock and, put the aircraft in the air in the shortest possible time. A number of modifications were carried out under his expert guidance. He, also, helped and assisted Central Repair and Servicing Section in forming centralised hydraulic servicing bay, crack detection bay and a number of other servicing bays.

There was no accident or incident in his Squadron during the period June, 1975 to June, 1976. Flight Sergeant Sasan takes the major credit for this rare distinction in terms of flight safety.

For his unflinching loyalty, perseverance, exceptional devotion to duty and outstanding service. Junior Warrant Officer Kaushlender Sasan is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.