Air Marshal Erasseri Pathayaprayil Radhakrishnan Nair (3837) Flying (Navigator) joined the Air Force in April, 1950 and has completed 33 years of distinguished service. He has an excellent record of flying, with the highest flying rating of Category 'A' and Qualified Instructors' Category 'A2'. He has command the prestigious Unit Nav and Signal School. He has been Air Crew Examiner and has flown over 4500 hours in various roles like Maritime Support, Transport Support and Instruction.

In 973, he was specially selected to be the Base Commander of Air Force Academy and was directly responsible for not only administration of the station but also the rapid build up of the technical and operational facilities by the target date set for the inauguration of the Academy by the President, a task which he accomplished under the most trying conditions.

Subsequently Air Marshal Nair was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer of Headquarters Maritime Air Operations to shoulder the new and most important responsibility of planning and coordination of Air Operations in consultation with the Navy and executing the task of heli support to the ONGC, which he has been expanding at a very fast rate.

In December, 1975, after graduating from the National Defence College, he was appointed as the Senior Air and Admin Staff Officer, Headquarters Maintenance Command. Due to his personal example, tremendous capacity for sustained hard work and methodical approach, he established harmonious and effective management of men and material, which had direct bearing on serviceability and out put of operational units in the Air Force. After a stint as Senior Directing Staff at National Defence College, he was posted as Air Officer Incharge Administration. During his short stay of just eight months as AOA, he excelled in his spheres of responsibility covering organization, works services, legal duties, security and accounting services of the Air Force.

In his present appointment, as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Air Marshal Nair has brought about significant improvements in the quality of training in various training establishments. This has resulted in qualitative improvements in the limited human resources of the Air Force.

Air Marshal Nair in his long and distinguished career in the Air Force, has displayed qualities of dynamic leadership, and organizational, managerial and professional competence of a very high order.

Air Marshal Erasseri Pathayaprayil Radhakrishnan Nair has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Danis Anthony La Fontaine AVSM VM (3844) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April, 1950. During his long service career he has held a variety of Command and staff appointments with distinction at various levels including the policy making level.

His Command appointments include the Command of two frontline fighter Squadrons and two major operational bases when he accomplished high rate of aircraft serviceability, enhanced operational preparedness and all round efficiency.

As Chief Instructor at Air Force Academy on its inauguration, Air Marshal DA La Fontaine was personally responsible for meticulous planning and methodical move of the entire Flying Training School from Jodhpur to the Academy, with speed and purpose. He, as Chief Instructor, reoriented the training pattern in the Air Force and designed the major training directives for 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.

After successfully graduating from the National Defence College, he was appointed as Air 1 at Headquarters Western Air Command, and later as Air Officer Commanding of a major base in the western sector. In these appointments he made substantial contribution in achieving optimum utilization of fighter forces under his command. Air Marshal DA La Fontaine was Senior Air Staff Officer Western Air Command since December, 1978, until he took over as Air Officer Incharge Personnel in Jan 83. During this period he displayed qualities of dynamic leadership, coupled with professional and managerial competence,

Air Marshal Danis Anthony La Fontaine AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Jagjit Singh Sandhanwalia (3810) was commissioned in the Technical Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has held a wide variety of Command and Staff assignments during his long and meritorious service in the Air Force and has distinguished himself not only by professional competence but also by outstanding administrative ability.

The important Staff/Command appointments held by him include that of Chief Technical Officer of two major wings, Assistant Air Attaché USSR, Commanding Officer of Central Servicing Development Organisation and of a Base Repair Depot, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of two commands and Project Director of Radar and Communication Project Office.

During his command of Central Servicing and Development Organisation the servicing and maintenance schedules were rationalized for various types of aircraft in use. The 2nd line servicing cycle of Avro 748 was successfully extended from a periodicity of 125 hours to 750 hours. This resulted in saving considerable number of man hours and increasing availability of aircraft. Planned servicing schedules were drawn up and made applicable for various types of aircraft.

After being trained for the 1st and 2nd line Maintenance of AN-12 aircraft in USSR, he was specially assigned the task of setting up such facilities in India. Later as Officer Commanding of the BRD, he improved upon the standard of Maintenance practices, changed over to possible indigenous substitutes and ensured optimum utilization of available technical facilities/equipment in the Depot, as a result of which the ferrying of aircraft to USSR and back for Maintenance of aircraft was reduced to the barest minimum, thereby saving substantial amount of foreign exchange.

As Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of two Commands, he achieved substantial qualitative improvements in the Maintenance standards. He was extremely successful in bringing about significant changes in scientific and methodical manner, covering various aspects of modern technology and logistics support.

Presently, Air Marshal Sandhanwalia is serving as Project Director of Radar and Communication Project Organisation and has achieved the rare distinction in planning, installation and commissioning of tropo, microwave and radar facilities, for Air Defence Ground Environment system. He has been very successful in achieving a high state of maintenance of all installations, including these located at far flung, remote and inaccessible mountainous terrain.

Air Marshal Jagjit Singh Sandhanwalia has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Madan Lal Sethi (4009) Flying (Navigator) was commissioned in January, 1951. Having attended MR Bomber Courses in UK, he was one of the first two crews, which established the nucleus of the newly formed Jet Bomber Conversion Unit in India. He has over 3200 hours of accident free flying to his credit.

He was amongst the first batch of Air Force Personnel to be trained on Surface to Air Guided Weapons in USSR. Later as Officer Commanding of an SAGW operational Squadron, undeterred by hardships, his unit achieved the distinction of being the first unit to be operational.

He attained Directing Staff Grading in the Defence Services Staff College and subsequently served as a Directing Staff in this prestigious institution of the country. He is also a graduate of the National Defence College. In recognition of his experience and instructional capability of exceptionally high standard, he was selected as leader of the Training Team which established an Air Wing of the Staff College in a friendly foreign country.

He has held several Staff appointments in Commands/Air Headquarters. As Joint Director Navigation, he formulated categorization scheme for navigators and Air Traffic Controllers. He was instrumental in the formation of the integrated Area Control Center in J&K.

He was specially selected to Command the largest ground training establishment in the Air Force, where his performance was creditable. Later as Director (Military) in the Cabinet Secretariat he performed the functions related to the secretariat of the Chiefs of Staff Committee very efficiently. On promotion to the rank or Air Vice Marshal in April, 1981, he was appointed as Director of Intelligence, in the Air Force. His approach towards handling of extremely sensitive matters of highly classified nature, like Air Intelligence, Security and vigilance has been highly methodical and systematic. His direction in a field which has vital bearing in the functional efficiency of the service and demands quick and correct decisions has been of immense value in toning up the security and intelligence environment throughout the Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Sethi, with his dynamic, pragmatic approach, determination and selfless devotion to service, has displayed brilliant and outstanding qualities of leadership, managerial skill and organizing abilities.

Air Vice Marshal Madan Lal Sethi, AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Jugal Kishor Kapur, AVSM, VSM, AE (M) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1951. During 32 yours of his service career, the officer held various staff and other key appointments. including that of Chief Technical & Inspection Officer at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Officer Commanding of a major Base Repair Depot, Director of Engineering and later ACAS (Eng) at Air headquarters. He successfully completed the Post Graduate course at College of Aeronautics, Cranfield (UK) in 1963. A keen sportsman, he represented India in basket ball in 1st Asian Games in 1951.

As Deputy Director (Guided Weapons) in the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (Air), he was largely responsible for the development and establishing indigenous manufacture or a large number of items for the Guided weapons System. In recognition of this effort, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1974. As Officer Commanding of a major Base Repair Depot, he applied himself with exemplary zeal and shouldered the responsibility with a high degree of confidence. He not only brought about remarkable improvements in the functioning of the BRD, but also more than doubled the production of aeroengines during the very first year of his command. But for his complete dedication in the face of serious constraints, it would have been difficult to complete the assigned task. For this outstanding achievement he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1980.

First as Director of Engineering 'B' and later as Director of Engineering 'A', he achieved exceptional results in formulation and implementation of policies regarding all aspects of maintenance. In July, 1982 on promotion AVM Kapur took over as ACAS (Eng) and totally involved himself in the prolonged negotiations with Mirage-2000 suppliers. He was instrumental in securing significant concessions from the French suppliers. His sound technical knowledge and professionalism of the highest order assisted the negotiation team in arriving at reasonable prices of a large number of training aids and other equipment.

Air Vice Marshal Kapur established himself as an officer with outstanding professional skill and has worked throughout with a spirit of dedication and exemplary devotion to duty.

Air Vice Marshal Jugal Kishor Kapur, AVSM, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Johnny William Greene AVSM VrC VM (4093) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force in 1951, and has held important command and staff appointments, including command of three fighter squadrons and an operational Wing, Director of Fight Safety and Senior Air Staff Officer of an operational command and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans). He held all these post with rare distinction.

An outstanding fighter pilot, AVM Greene qualified as pilot attack instructor and day fighter leader from U.K. He took active part in the Goa operation, Chinese aggression in 1962 and Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971. During these operations his abilities in flying and leadership, both in the air and on ground, were an inspiring example of devotion and worthy of others to emulate. Early in his career, he was especially selected for specialist course on Flight Safety in the USA.

After graduating from the National Defence College in 1976, as Senior Air Staff Officer of a major operational command, he enhanced the operational combat capability of various elements, and significantly improved the operational preparedness of the command.

As Director of Air Staff Requirements, and presently as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans), he has enhanced the operational preparedness handsomely in planning, induction and absorption of new and latest types of aircraft, weapons and complex equipment in the Air Force. Due to his remarkable skills, meticulous planning and clear thinking he has been outstandingly successful in finding viable solutions to extremely intricate problems which enhanced the defensive capability of the nation as a whole.

His sustained record of brilliant performance over a long service of 32 years and dedicated contribution in all appointments so far, are in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Johnny William Greene AVSM VrC VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Hari Nath Chaturvedi VM (11161) Medical, was selected as a medical officer o the Second Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica 1982-83 where he organised the medical facilities during the entire expedition, under extremely unfavourable weather conditions.

On the 19th February, 1983, when only three scientists remained at the Antarctica Base Camp, Squadron Ldr Chaturvedi volunteered to stay back at the camp rather than return to the relative comforts of the ship. During the early hours of the morning, the camp was struck by a severe blizzard with a wind velocity of 130 Kmph, when the visibility became almost zero and temperatures fell to -15°C. Within minutes the entire camp was a scene of utter destruction and devastation. All the tents housing the scientific equipment and kitchen were uprooted and buried under layers of snow. Even the permanent hut erected there was no match to the fury of the blizzard, as both of its doors flew away permitting an unrestricted entry of snow and wind. Venturing out, even from this meagre shelter was fraught with the danger of being hit by camp stores flying around, and getting lost due to the zero visibility.

Squadron Leader Chaturvedi, in utter disregard to his personal safety and at great peril to his own life, tied himself to the end of a long rope, anchored to the hut, and went from ravaged tent to the other, trying to salvage and keep in safety whatever equipment and stores he could.

By nightfall, one of the members became seriously ill and started vomiting and another started showing signs of hypothermia. The medicine box could not be traced during the earlier attempts. Sqn Ldr Chaturvedi though himself exhausted, again wet out and by sheer determination and dedication was successful in retrieving the medicines which he administered to the ailing members and kept a vigil on them till they improved.

The entire nightmare of the blizzard lasted for fifty-two hours. During this entire period, with very limited and almost no shelter, Sqn Ldr Chaturvedi displayed extreme prof essionalism of the highest kind and a sense of devotion to duty beyond call. But for his initiative and courage, most of the sophisticated and extremely costly scientific equipment would have been destroyed and the invaluable data collected ad recorded during the entire period of the expedition lost.

Squadron Leader Hari Nath Chaturvedi thus displayed exceptional courage, conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty of a very high order.

Air Commodore Krishan Murari Rishi, VSM (3906) Accounts during his long service of over thirty two years has served with distinction both in the field and at various staff appointments. As a pioneer he helped raising five premier establishments, from the scratch and earned commendation of the AOC-in-C Training Command in 1972 and Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of high order in 1975.

After taking over as Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Central Accounts Office, within short period of one year, he systematized and streamlined procedures and working in that office through careful and immaculate planning, by introducing effective measures, laying down time bound drills, ensuring their meticulous monitoring and by making many result oriented innovations. This led to prompt and accurate maintenance and updation of Individual Running Ledger Accounts and Provident Fund Accounts of all personnel of the IAF, as a result of which serving individuals were supplied their payslips/salary statements/Photostats of IRLA, and annual statement of Provident Funds and the Noneffective personnel remittance of all their dues with utmost promptitude, which earned gratitude and appreciation all round, for highly personalised and efficient, service, contributing in a big way to high morale in the Air Force. He not only transformed this premier Accounting Organisation of Air Force Central Accounts Office as AOC but within four months of taking over as Director of Accounts, Air Headquarters brought the entire accounting services of IAF to a very high order of efficiency and made those an effective tool of the Air Force administration thereby enhancing the image of IAF in the service of the nation,

This was possible due to his high degree of intelligence, excellent in­depth knowledge of his profession and working conditions in the field, vast experience, good foresight, quick decision taking ability, clear and keen perception methodic planning and organising, ability and down to earth approach coupled with hard work and devotion to duty.

Air Commodore Krishan Murari Rishi, VSM has always responded to the call of duty cheerfully and willingly. He has displayed a very high sense of duty, tremendous drive, skill, professional competence and had thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari, VM (4954) was commissioned in the Air Force in 1955. He has held several important assignments both in the field and staff. For his high sense of dedication and devotion to duty during Indo-Pak war in 1971, he was awarded Vayu Seva Medal by the President. He was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff for his significant contribution toward the operational readiness of all units under South Western Air Command when this officer was its Command Engineering Officer.

Since 01 Apr 80 Group Captain TK Seshachari has been commanding one of major Base Repair Depot. Under his exemplary and dynamic leadership, the Base Repair Depot has not only achieved various authorized and special urgent operational tasks but also made rapid strides forward for taking up new and sophisticated tasks of aero engine overhaul, aviation rotables and ground equipment design manufacture and overhaul. He laid special emphasis on indigenisation and self reliance and exploited all the resources and expertise of the depot to develop and fabricate many new ranges of spares which not only overcame production stops but also saved considerable foreign exchange.

He systematized all the repair lines in a very efficient manner to ensure a steady and reliable output of aero engines and other equipment in a time bound programme. The depot has achieved a proud record of turning out 200 Viper and Type-31 engine during his steward.

By his exemplary leadership, achievement and exceptional devotion and dedication to the service, Group Captain Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari, VM has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Jasjit Singh VrC, VM (5100) Flying (Pilot) commissioned on 01 Apr 56 has had a distinguished record of service. He stood first in every course of instruction attended. He has command a MiG Squadron with distinction and was Chief Operation Officer of a major Air Force Station. Group Captain Jasjit Singh served in the Directorate of Flight Safety for 1½ years as a Deputy Director responsible for prevention of accidents and later as the Director of Flight Safety for one year. During these assignments, the officer undertook a number of in-depth studies to identify weak areas so that effective preventive programme could be adopted. Amongst the more notable work done was planning the AVSM 1984 establishment of Institute of Flight Safety (third such institution in the world), the case for preflight meals for aircrew, transit facilities for aircrew etc. His work highlighted the impending impact of depletion of trained and experienced technical manpower and since the problem was identified in time, remedial measures could be introduced. Under his personal guidance and direction the programme of computerization of flight safety information was initiated and put on sound footing. A new approach to accident reporting system was also introduced based on the studies and analysis done by the officer. For the first time, the flight safety programme was enlarged in scope to include active coordination with other organizations/departments in the country. Some of the main features of such activities were research projects for bird surveys on airfields, Bird Control and Environment Committee under the overall coordination of SA to RM etc.

Group Captain Jasjit Singh took over the duties of Director Operations (Aircraft Induction) on its formation at Air Headquarters wef Nov 82. This challenging assignment involved operational planning for efficient and expeditious exploitation of all new aircraft on induction into service. The task in hand includes a variety of aircraft: the next generation sophisticated high­technology air superiority fighter (Mirage-2000), a modern attack helicopter (Mi-25); a new medium transport aircraft (AN-32); and a modern high performance tactical strike fighter (MiG-27). Bulk of the work done by the office in this branch, of necessity, remains on the highly classified list. But it can stated with a great degree of confidence and assurance that his service to the Air Force, especially in the field of operational perspective planning, realistic approach to operational needs of the IAF and viable means to achieve a high level of combat worthiness have gone a long way in enhancing the operational preparedness of the IAF.

Group Captain Jasjit Singh has over a sustained period of time, worked hard with dedication and commitment to the service, regardless of personnel inconvenience and has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Krishna Lakshmanan was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in November, 1958. He has held a number of important assignments with distinction and displayed devotion to duty, Innovative approach and professional excellence throughout his service career.

As a young officer, he was responsible for the installation and commissioning of a large transmitter station at a Command Headquarters. In 1969, while serving as Senior Signals Officer in an Air Base, in the rank of Squadron Leader, he was commended by the Chief of Air Staff for installing signals facilities including radio navigational aid in an out of the way air field and efficiently maintaining them under difficult conditions.

Subsequently from October, 1973 in the Radar and Communications Project Office of Ministry of Defence, the wide impact of his personal contribution is to be measured by successful development and induction of a number of electronic systems in the high technology Troposcatter and Microwave Communication network of the Indian Air Force. His innovative approach has resulted in the indigenous development and successful introduction of Teletype concentrators, automatic time punching systems and simplified Teletype Broadcasting Units.

As Senior Project Engineer (Communications) in Radar and Communication Project Office since July 1981 in the rank of Group Captain, he has achieved creditable success by applying himself to the challenging task with exemplary energy and enthusiasm, exceptional level of professional acumen and infinite capacity to put in hard work for beyond the call of normal duties.

Group Captain Krishna Lakshmanan has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Bharat Kumar (5787) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch in December, 1959. Since then he has had a long tenure of 20 years on active flying duties. During this period he flew a variety of operational aircraft and held diverse supervisory and command appointments. He successfully completed the Fighter Combat Leader Course in 1975. Later, he commanded a Type 77 Squadron with distinction.

In August 81, Group Captain Bharat Kumar was posted as Base Commander at one of FBSUs (the Forward Base Support Unit). This Base serves as Armament Practice Camp and affords support services to visiting detachments akin to those provided at a fullfledged Wing. Group Captain Bharat Kumar marshaled and utilized the comparatively maegre resources at his command so that all detachments were able to complete their assigned tasks. During 1981-82 the Base was active on 240 days. Throughout, there was not even one occasion when flying operations were held up due to lack of admin, maintenance or operational support. Besides this, the operational preparedness of the Base to undertake operations during hostilities was also maintained at a high pitch.

In the field of administration, the performance of Group Captain Bharat Kumar has been commendable. The FBSU in a desert terrain where weather is hostile and living conditions are tough. He brought about remarkable improvements in provision of amenities for the personnel of Station and ensured that morale of personnel was very high at all times. In financial management, the performance of the Base has been noteworthy and the number of outstanding audit objections have been brought to nearly zero. Under his able leadership, non­public funds have shown a healthy growth.

The responsibility of providing admin support as well for overseeing the conduct of various trials at Pokhran Range has been entrusted to the Officer Commanding of the FBSU. A large number of service and civilian dignitaries including foreigners visit Pokhran Range to witness the trials. Group Captain Bharat Kumar marshaled his meager resources and ensured an exemplary support and proper conduct of these trials. His meticulous planning and foresight was especially evident during SARI-V trials conducted in November, 1982 and trials to assess the efficacy of Runway Rehabilitation Scheme in January, 1983.

Group Captain Bharat Kumar has brought about tangible and remarkably effective all round improvement in day­to­day working conditions and in overall operational preparedness of the Base. By his laudable initiative, outstanding devotion to service, resourcefulness, motivation and qualities of leadership, Group Captain Bharat Kumar has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Sudhakar Paranjape (5829) AE (M) was commissioned in the Air Force in 1959. He has held various field as well as staff appointments and has proved his professional competence in each of them. He was specially selected to specialize in 1st and 2nd line servicing of MiG (BIS) aircraft for that he was sent to USSR for training.

Since 26 Jun 86, Group Captain Paranjape has been holding the important appointment of Chief Engineering Officer of a major operational base in Eastern Sector. During his tenure there, he has established a reputation throughout the Command and also in the rest of the Air Force as a totally dedicated technical officer who has done outstanding work in raising the quality of maintenance on the aircraft operating from his base. His technical leadership and efforts in improving knowledge and understanding of Type 66/77 and Chetak aircraft by the technical personnel has enabled the Wing to maintain a consistent level of very high serviceability with intensive flying and excellent flight safety record. His aim has always been to improve on existing standards and procedures and he has created an environment in which every incident and every snag is studied and analysed in depth to ensure that rectification action is effective. In the process he has made several recommendations to the manufacturers and organized seminars/discussions in which both aircrew and technicians participate. These have helped to evolve several new procedures and modifications that have improved the serviceability and safety of the fleet. At all times Group Captain Paranjape has worked devotedly for long hours with a deep sense of commitment, cheerfully sacrificing much of his spare time in the cause of better maintenance.

By his dedication to the Service, outstanding technical leadership and excellent performance in improving the serviceability and safety of aircraft in the Air Force, Group Captain Sudhakar Paranjape has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Prakash Chandra Bugga (4155) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Air Force in 1951 in the erstwhile technical armament branch. A graduate of the Institute of Armament Technology, Gp Capt PC Bugga has held many important appointments during his service career including that of Chief Engineering Officer of two major operational Wings and staff officer at Headquarters Maintenance Command and Air Headquarters. Since June 1981, Gp Capt PC Bugga has been Commanding Officer of a major Equipment Depot. Through his personal initiative, proof testing facilities for two types of ammunition have been set up, thus, providing for the first time, scope for extending the life of these ammunition. Thereby savings of Rs. 12 lakhs in foreign exchange have been effected during 1982 and further savings of Rs. 60 lakhs are expected in the next two years. He has been instrumental in designing and producing a tail parachute packing rig, which has been of great value to the Air Force. A special project undertaken by him to set up for the first time the infrastructure required for periodical proof testing of certain types of rockets used by the Air Force is well on the way towards successful completion. Another project which the depot has started under his direction is the repair and reconditioning of small arms without any additional resources. In all these achievements, Gp Capt PC Bugga has demonstrated exceptional qualities of leadership, perseverance and ability to motivate his men, ensuring success of the projects. He has always insisted upon and achieved highest levels of quality of production and technical expertise on the part of all his men. For this purpose he has set up an efficient technical training cell which imparts requisite training to the men.

Group Captain Prakash Chandra Bugga has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Kalpathy Anantkrishna Hariharan (5185) was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) branch of the Indian Air Force in 1955. Since commissioning he has held a variety of important command and staff AVSM 1984 appointments. He was in fighter Squadron from 1957 to 1971. He commanded a fighter squadron equipped with supersonic aircraft from 1975 to 1977. He was Chief Instructor at the College of Air Warfare from 1977 to 1980. Besides being a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor, he is also a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

Group Captain Hariharan took over the command of one of the major Signals Unit in October, 1980. This unit is equipped with high power three dimensional radar which is a very sophisticated system inducted recently by the Air Force. Initially the equipment has many operational and logistic problems inhibiting effective utilization of the system. Group Captain Hariharan applied his mind systematically to all the problems and by his initiative, drive and result­oriented leadership, not only brought the unit to full operational status within a very short period but, despite lack of adequate material and system support has also been able to maintain the sophisticated air defence equipment at considerably high level of operational efficiency.

Group Captain Hariharan, by persuasive approach and total dedication to the service interests, has obtained a number of welfare items and concessions from the State Government for the benefit of his men. He also organized substantial gifts and grants from the State Government for other Air Force Station in Gujarat area. By his exemplary conduct with the civil authorities, he has enhanced the image of the Air Force in general.

Under the able leadership of Group Captain Hariharan, the men placed under him have been motivated to excel themselves in their profession and work as an effective team in all fields of activities. By his exceptional devotion to duty, superb handling of men and material, boundless drive to achieve results and exemplary service mindedness, Group Captain Kalpathy Anantkrishna Hariharan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Kuldip Krishan Bakshi (3685) Administrative was commissioned in the Air Force in 1949. Basically a law graduate, he successfully qualified in the Intelligence and Photo Interpretation course and Air Force Judge Advocate course, during his service career. The important staff appointments held by him are Dy JAG, Chief Administrative Officer of a major transport Wing, Senior Officer Administration of a major operational command and Director of Personnel (Airman). In all these appointments he has left a mark of his personal efficiency and devotion to service.

He was selected for the post of Deputy Judge Advocate General, because of his legal qualifications backed by practical experience gained during service. He was instrumental in stream lining various legal procedures and was associated with the unified committee. As Chief Administrative Officer of a major flying station in the Western sector, with his qualities of drive and imagination he was very successful in improving the living & working condition at the station as a whole. AVSM 1983-84

As Director of Personnel (Airmen) and as Senior Officer Administration of a major operational command, he has discharged his duties in a most able and competent manner and has achieved remarkable success in all fields of his activities. In his man management approach, he has displayed inspiring leadership by his sympathetic but firm handling. He applied his vast experience and knowledge of works services and thereby improved the satisfaction level of domestic accommodation as also the operational and technical works services which led to overall improvement in operational capabilities of station under his jurisdiction. Presently, he is employed as SOA of one of our major operational command.

Air Vice Marshal Kuldip Krishan Bakshi has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan (4751) Accounts was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He is an MBA from Delhi University and was the Head of the Department of Financial Management at IDM from 1973 to 1976. Throughout his service, he has distinguished himself in all the staff and instructional appointments he has so far held at Stations, Command Headquarters, Air Headquarters and Ministry of Defence. Air Vice Marshal Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has been the Director of Accounts at Air Headquarters from Feb 81 to Oct 82, after which he was appointed Director Financial Planning. In both these jobs he has shown vision, sagacity and dynamism in evolving and pushing through farsighted proposals to further enhance the effectiveness of Accounts Branch. Immediately on taking over as Director Financial Planning he streamlined the planning and budgetary process of the Air Force through tremendous personal effort and unflagging enthusiasm. As a result of his interest and effort, the Directorate has been able to take firm charge of all budgetary planning and coordination, a task which was hitherto dispersed amongst many directorates. He is presently engaged in casting the next 5 year plan (1986-90).

He has shown initiative in preparing a comprehensive document which will justify AF requirements as well as link up various aspects of future requirements such as equipment, manpower and works services.

An officer of very high professional competence and integrity, intellectual vigour, unflagging enthusiasm and determination, AVSM 1984 Air Vice Marshal Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Kuldeep Singh (3922) AE (M) was commissioned in the Air Force in the year 1950. Since then, he has held a number of important field as well as staff appointments at Command and Air Headquarters. Besides these, he is a graduate of Advance Air Armament Staff Course, Senior Defence Management Course and National Defence College.

As Commanding Officer of Central Servicing and Development Organisation Air Vice Marshal Kuldeep Singh excelled in rationalizing servicing and maintenance schedules for various types of aircraft in use. Later as Director Armament and Safety Equipment at Air Headquarters, he was responsible for formulation of policies in respect of bomb dump, ranges and storage accommodation for explosives armament stores and Safety Equipment which went a long way in enhancing the overall operational capability of the Air force.

Air Vice Marshal Kuldeep Singh served as the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Headquarters Eastern Air Command for two years. During this period, he was responsible for the smooth and efficient functioning of the technical and logistic services in the Command. Duo to his professional competence and drive, his meticulous management of personnel and resources, the technical and logistic services in the Command were in fact most efficient. He took special pains to achieve higher maintenance safety standards in the Command, and he spent long hours in the hangars and servicing bays at flying Wings, acquainting himself with problems, finding solutions and introducing servicing procedures. In mattes of maintenance policy he ensured that the directive/orders were clearly transmitted to the field, and conversely made sound recommendations to Air Headquarters on technical matters/problems faced by the field.

Throughout his service Air Vice Marshal Kuldeep Singh has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Sadanand Keshav Dixit (12407) Flying (Pilot) while on a unit detachment at Leh, was tasked for a search mission on 21st July, 1982.

A party of ten tourists of different nationalities, had started down ZANSKAR river on two rafts from PADAM village. The same day two empty rafts had been spotted at NIMMU, where the ZANSKAR flows into INDUS, and so ten rafters were feared to be in some danger. The ZANSKAR river is, on the average, only about seven feet in width and its valley is extremely narrow with walls of stone rising thousands of feet high from both banks of the river.

Squadron Leader Dixit took off from Leh at about 1500 hours for this challenging mission of mercy with full knowledge of the hazards. By the time he reached the Indus/Zanskar confluence, the sun had already dipped beyond the western ridges, causing dark and deceptive shadows. This coupled with strong winds and turbulence, made his task of search, nearly impossible. The narrowness of the valley and fading light compelled him to descend to about 100' over the rapids of the Zanskar, which, in itself, is a hair raising task, even under the best of conditions. This endeavour of flying the machine, battling the against the heavy odds and searching for survivors was a daring display of professional efficiency and bravery of the highest order. Undaunted by these, Squadron Leader Dixit continued the search. After 30 minutes of continuous scanning of the wing swept dark valley, he noticed a movement on the right bank of the river. The stranded persons were perched on a steep and rocky slope. When all attempts to land near the party failed, a precarious landing on a rocky spot, on the opposite bank was executed. Contact was established with stranded persons and it was established that all of them were unharmed, though without food and clothes. Two survival packs were given to them to enable them to tide over the night and helicopter returned to Leh. On the 22nd July, 1984, Squadron Leader Dixit was airborne at first light to commence evacuation. An engineer party was taken along to attempt bridging the river to bring the persons to the left bank. However, it was soon realized that the make shift bridge would not work out and it was decided to pick up the persons in a low hover over the slopy right bank. Executing a steady hover on a steep slope at high altitude and in a strong winds is tremendously demanding task which made the operations more difficult by people climbing in the rear. A total of three trips were made in a similar fashion till all ten tourists were safely landed at Leh.

Squadron Leader Sadanand Keshav Dixit thus displayed bravery, indomitable courage and exceptional professionalism.

Flight Lieutenant Seethraman Lakshimarayan Thantry was a member of the team entrusted with the task of installation, testing and commissioning of Diesel Generating Sets in the Power House.

On the 14th October, 1982 after the rectification of excessive vibrations in one engine, it was started for further checks. As soon as the engine was started it went into runway condition, the speed shooting up much beyond the normal operating speed of 1000 RPM. Efforts to shut off the engine from the electrical control panel in the Control Cabin, and also by manually operating the stop solenoid fitted on the engine failed. In the mean time the material on the exhaust pipe of the engine caught fire. The whole power house was filled with toxic fumes and heavy smoke which reduced the visibility inside practically at zero. Heavy sparks were also noticed from the alternator. Realizing the gravity of situation Flight Lieutenant Seethraman Lakshimarayan Thantry, decided that the fuel supply to the engine should be closed to starve the engine fuel. In spite of grave risk to his person he went crawling behind the engine and closed the fuel valve to the engine. The fire extinguishers were thereafter operated to put out the fire.

Flight Lieutenant Seethraman Lakshimarayan Thantry thus displayed exemplary courage in saving the running engine from total ruin, and also possible heavy damage to rest of installed equipment in the Power House.

On the 25th November, 1982, Flight Lieutenant Sumer Chand Gaur (14118) AE (M)/ Air was detailed as the Flight Engineer on board a Packet aircraft to carry out “Circuits and Landing” exercise at night. In the sortie, on the sixth circuit, the positive lock down green indication for the nose wheel gear did not come on when the undercarriage lever was selected down. The officer immediately took appropriate steps to handle the emergency. He, on visual check of the nose wheel, found that the nose gear was not fully extended and ground locking pin holes were not aligned. All laid down emergency procedures carried out to lower the under-carriage to extend failed. With the sound knowledge and background of the system, the officer envisaged that the only alternative was to disconnect the nose actuator and allow the nose under carriage to extend fully, whereby it would be possible to insert nose locking pin thus ensuring a safe landing. This, however, required walking into open nose wheel bay and undoing the actuator jack bolts, aligning ground locking pin holes and inserting the ground locking pin. He undertook this task at grave personal risk and successfully completed it. The aircraft later carried out a safe landing.

Flight Lieutenant Sumer Chand Gaur thus displayed courage and high order of professional competence.

Wing Commander Dilip Kumar Ranchhod Das Ashar (7686) Flying (Pilot) was commanding an operational bomber squadron of the IAF. On 24th January, 1983, while on a night training flight, the Canberra trainer that he was flying, had a bird hit. This resulted in flaming out of starboard engine. The differential thrust led to almost 90° bank only a few feet above the ground. Despite the rapidity at which the grave emergency developed, Wing Commander remained calm. He reacted with incredible speed and took the necessary recovery action. Even in the face of almost certain death, Wing Commander Ashar remained calm, and did not lose sight of his duties as a commander and a soldier. In the few seconds available to him he warned his crew, switched off the left engine and applied recovery controls. Failure to do so would have caused the aircraft to roll on its back prior to the crash. In the process he himself was totally injured but he saved the lives of two of his crew members.

Wing Commander Dilip Kumar Ranchhod Das Ashar thus displayed courage, a high order of professional competence and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Rajendra Singh Tandon (9432) Flying (Pilot), was a member of first Air Force team that participated in the second Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica in 1982-83.

He volunteered to take on the responsibility of off-loading the entire equipment for the expedition from the ship. He organized the off-loading and worked untiringly for more than 24 hours at a stretch to ensure that over 40 tons of material was offloaded in the shortest possible time. At the base camp, he organized and executed the various administrative tasks with a great sense of purpose, responsibility and efficiency.

He carried out various reconnaissance trips on foot and open snow-scooter in sub zero temperature to select a site for preparation of a skiway. For this purpose, he traversed through the hazardous terrain full of dangerous hidden cracks and crevasses with total disregard to his personal safety. His courage, dedication and zeal contributed a great deal in achieving the task in a short span of ten days in a totally alien environment and severe climatic conditions.

On the night of 18th February, 1983, a severe snow storm struck the base camp and the blizzard lasted for two days trapping four members of the expedition in their damaged hut. The base camp was ravaged and a large number of scientific and other equipment were either blown away or damaged. On the 21st February, 1983, at 0400 hours, a rescue mission was launched from the ship. Squadron Leader Rajendra Singh Tandon volunteered for the rescue mission. The ship's bow could be brought to the shelf of the ice for a very short period of time. With total disregard for his personal safety and displaying bravery of high order, Squadron Leader Tandon jumped from the ship on to the shelf and proceeded on foot to the base camp where he rescued the trapped members and salvaged most of the scientific equipment and the precious data they had gathered.

Squadron Leader Rajendra Singh Tandon thus displayed courage and selfless devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Krishan Pratap Narain Singh (11023) Flying (Pilot) was detailed to carry out a rescue mission on 5th June, 1983, of an NCC Expedition stranded due to severe blizzard near Devachen Peak in Himachal Pradesh. Squadron Leader Krishan Pratap Singh located Cadet Shankar Thakuri and Naik Mohammad Shaffi in a steep snow covered terrain at an altitude of 17,500 feet. Exercising extreme caution and displaying remarkable flying skill and daring he managed to land the helicopter on a small flat ground in 45 knots cross wind conditions and thus rescued the injured Cadet Shankar Thakuri. Squadron Leader KPN Singh's decision to land the helicopter at 17,500 ft. on unprepared ground in extremely adverse weather conditions thus resulted in saving precious life and bringing up the morale of other expedition members.

Squadron Leader Krishan Pratap Narain Singh displayed exceptional professionalism, dedication and courage of a high order, beyond the call of duty.

Squadron Leader Gommenvalli Narayanappa Ramachandra (10920) Flying (Pilot) captained one of the Mi-8 helicopters, which were rushed to Andhra Pradesh for flood relief operations. On the 13th August, 1983, in Ramagundam village, 17 villagers were trapped in a hut in the floods. The trapped victims were mostly women and children.

Minutes after receiving the message from the District Magistrate, Karimnagar, Squadron Leader Ramachandra with the team got airborne and reached the spot. On sighting the isolated hut in flood waters he immediately started winching operations. Seeing the fury of the floods and the rate at which water was rising he quickly assessed that by winching one person at a time he may not be in a position to save all the lives. He decided to abandon the winching operations and resort to landing the helicopter so all the victims would be rescued.

Since the only place for landing was occupied by the victims themselves he hovered the helicopter in such a way that the door of the helicopter came close to the hut. He then ordered the Flight Gunner to jump out on the roof of the hut along with the winch cable. The gunner hooked the winch cable to one of the strong members of the hut and helped women and children reach the helicopter by holding the winching cable. Thus all 17 victims were rescued.

Squadron Leader Gommenvalli Narayanappa Ramachandra thus exhibited a great sense of professionalism, courage and devotion to duty throughout the operations.

Due to shortage of time the Captain abandoned the winching operation, brought the helicopter to low hover close to the hut and ordered MWO SC Sen to jump on to the hut roof with the winch cable. Without hesitation, Master Warrant Officer SC Sen jumped on to the hut roof, hooked the cable to a strong member of the hut and helped the women and children to reach the helicopter. Thus all 17 victims were rescued. Master Warrant Officer Subhash Chandra Sen thus displayed courage and devotion to duty.

Group Captain Janak Pratap Singh is a highly experienced fighter pilot and has logged nearly 3000 hours of fighter flying. The officer is professionally highly qualified and has the distinction of having been Flight Commander of three fighter squadrons and commanding officer of MiG Squadron.

Due to his qualities of leadership, flying skill and dedication, the unit under his command won the Armament and Rocket trophies, won the Air HQrs Instrument rating Trophy and was declared the best squadron of the year in Eastern Air Command. For these achievements the officer was commended by the AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command.

The officer was mentioned in despatches during 1965 operations. For having professionally handled a grave night flying emergency on MiG aircraft Gp Capt JP Singh was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.

During the course of his present tenure as Joint Director Air Staff Inspection, his experience has been of immense value to the operational wings and squadrons.

For having consistently displayed the highest qualities of leadership, professional skill and dedication to the service, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Group Captain Janak Pratap Singh.

Wing Commander Jeffrey D' Souza was commissioned in the Air Force in 1963.

From the beginning of his career, Wg Cdr Jeffery D' Souza showed a high degree of skill in his basic profession of flying. Initially trained as fighter pilot on Vampire and Toofani aircraft he had just over two years service when the hostilities with Pakistan broke out in 1965. He participated fully during these operations in all tasks allotted to his unit. Later he was selected to become a qualified flying instructor after being trained at the Flying Instructors School. Thereafter he joined the Elementary Flying School and performed the duties of its flight commander. Wg Cdr D'Souza was posted to a MiG-21 Squadron where he was graded a Category A-2 instructor and was selected to become a Fighter Combat Leader. His excellence as a trainee FCL caused him to be retained as a member of the staff of the Tactical and Air Combat Development and Training Establishment after his training. Following a very effective tenure as a staff FCL, Wg Cdr D' Souza was selected to lead a team of instructors to a friendly foreign country.

In 1981 Wg Cdr J D' Souza was appointed as the Commanding Officer of a fighter squadrons. Soon after his assumption of office, his Unit was re-equipped with a modern type of aircraft. Wg Cdr D' Souza planned and executed this conversion with élan and zeal and was able to declare his unit operational within three months of the arrival of aircraft.

For his extensive accident free record of flying, his qualities of leadership and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Jeffrey D' Souza.

Wing Commander Harbans Singh Sahota has had an illustrious career over the last 20 years of his services wherein he was entrusted with prestigious appointments and qualifications like Flight Commander of a MiG-21 Squadron, Command Examiner, Fighter Combat Leader and on deputation to the Nigerian Air Force. His performance in the execution of all his duties has been consistently commendable throughout his career which brought credit to the units which he served within the IAF and won the appreciation of a foreign Air Force by his noteworthy contribution in discernibly enhancing the flying training effort of that country. Wing Commander HS Sahota took over the Command of a fighter Squadron on 08 Feb 82. His meticulous planning, personal example of highest professional skills, devotion to duty and diligent execution enabled his Squadron to achieve praise worthy results in all spheres of activity which enhanced the operational preparedness as well as provided positive promotion of Flight Safety. His Squadron was thus able to achieve an accident tree record for the year 1982-83. In the field of maintenance, his unit had the honour of achieving 100% serviceability twice during the year.

For his diligence, sincerity of effort, dedication and devotion to duty and personal example, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Harbans Singh Sahota.

Wing Commander Vijay Anant Joshi was commissioned in the IAF on 28th October 1963. He has held the appointments of Flight Commander of S-22 and MiG-21 Squadrons and has undergone flying courses abroad. He graduated as Production Test Pilot in 1976. Thereafter he was posted as Senior Test Pilot in HAL Nasik Division and he logged over 600 hrs of test flying on all variants of MiG21 aircraft.

During his test flying tenure at HAL, the officer tackled number of grave emergencies with proficiency and skill, thereby managing to execute safe landings. In all these emergencies, Wg Cdr Joshi showed a clear sense of judgment, professional capability and saved valuable aircraft.

For having consistently displayed high professional skill, sustained devotion to duty and exemplary record as a Production Test Pilot, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Vijay Anant Joshi.

Wing Commander Davinder Singh Sant has been flying fighter aircraft since Jan. 64. During his service of 19 yrs he has flown 2974 hours on Vampires, Hunters, Gnats and MiG-21 aircraft. He is fully operational on all types and has been assessed as an above the average pilot on Fighters. Since 1974 he has been holding a master green rating on MiG-21aircraft and has been instrument rating examiner on various MiG variants since 1979. He has also held the post of Flight Commander in Gnat and MiG Squadrons. He is a qualified Fighter Combat Leader and was selected as a flying inspector in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. He was specially selected for deputation to the Nigerian Air Force in 1979. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra in January 1977 and also received commendations by the Chief of the Air Staff and AOC-in-C Western Air Command in 1979 and 1980 respectively.

He took over the Command of a MiG Squadron in January 1982, shortly after the squadron moved to a forward base. Because of operational requirements this Air Defence Squadron had the task of mounting ORP and participation in other Air Force exercises almost continuously for the past one year. This task was completed efficiently and without loss of operational training. During his tenure the conversion training and instrument rating state of his squadron showed a marked improvement.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and leadership on the ground as well as in the air, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Davinder Singh Sant.

Wing Commander Rama Kant Aggarwal (8742) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a front line transport Squadron since Jul 81.

He has served in the squadon on two tenures. He has over 2500 hours of flying on AN-12 aircraft of which 1100 hours are instructional and 1300 hours are forward area operational flying. He has an accident free total flying of 6902 hors and he has operated both in the Eastern and Western operational theaters. As a transport pilot he holds the highest transport category and instrument rating 'A' Master Green. As an instructor, he has achieved A-2 grading on AN-12. During the instructional tenure abroad, the officer completed 719 hours flying. All this has been possible due to his dedication to duty and disregard for personal comforts. He is a tireless and dedicated pilot and it is mainly through his ceaseless efforts and example as Flight Commander that the Squadron was able to achieve the Chief of the Air Staff trophy for the best categorized transport Squadron and the WAC trophy as the best transport/helicopter Squadron.

For his exemplary professional skill and and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander RK Agarwal.

Wing Commander Abhay Singh was the leader of the First Air Force contingent to participate in tare first Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica 1982-83.

His team was tasked to prepare a landing strip at "Dakshin Gangotri" the Indian base at Antarctica. Despite the most inhospitable weather, difficult working conditions and heavy odds, Wd Cdr Abhay Singh took up this challenge willingly. Undaunted by the limited resources of material and manpower, he displayed remarkable initiative and courage, in surveying the hitherto unmapped area, selecting a suitable site and preparing a skiway. An effective air drop of essential goods was carried out at Dakshin Gangotri which was possible due to the efforts put in by Wg Cdr Abhay Singh in preparing a DZ, marking it prominently and guiding the aircraft to the DZ.

In addition to his primary task as the leader of the Air Force element, he carried out many arduous tasks as a member of the second Indian Expedition Team. He was selected to be in the advance party of seven members, which first went on the shelf at "Dakshin Gangotri". Being the senior most member of the party, he along with the other members organised the advance camp and achieved the herculean task of offloading and arranging more than 40 tons of equipment and working continuously for more than 24 hours at a stretch. Undaunted by hostile environment, he carried out several reconnaissance missions on open snow scooter and on foot, in inhospitable terrain full of hidden dangers, displaying bravery and courage of an exceptional order.

For his conspicuous bravery, personal courage and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Abhay Singh.

Squadron Leader Arun Kumar Issar was commissioned in Indian Air Force on 29 Oct 66. On successful completion of Command conversion course in Jun 69, he was posted to a Transport Squadron for two years where he logged 1000 hours of flying in NEFA sector. After a ground tenure in Operations Rooms of Central Air Command, he was deputed to the Ministry of Agriculture. He served them with distinction in the best traditions of IAF and logged 1800 hours of agricultural flying. He was posted back to the same Squadron in July 80.

Squadron Leader Issar was declared fully operational in April, 1981. Since than he has flown over 1000 hours, out of which 850 hours have been on air maintenance in NEFA. While carrying out this arduous task by Dakota he encountered numerous emergencies. With his professional acumen he has been averting many a dangerous situations. At least on five occasions the technical malfunction failures were of such serious nature that he had to shut down the engine and carry out single engine landings. With his deep knowledge of aircraft, its systems and airmanship he has been coming out of difficult situations. His enthusiasm to undertake difficult missions against heavy odds has helped him log a total of 4900 hours of flying.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, courage, professional skill and competence, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Arun Kumar Issar.

Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Bhatia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June, 1967. Since then he has been on active flying duties continuously serving with distinction in different fighter Squadrons. During this period he also underwent flying Instructors and Fighter combat leader courses.

In June 81, Sqn Ldr V K Bhatia was posted to a Fighter Squadron, the second Squadron to re­equip with advanced aircraft. The first Squadron which was re­equipped some months earlier had not stablised till this date; so Squadron Leader Bhatia had very few guidelines to go by. In some areas concerning induction of the new aircraft, and training of aircrew and ground crew there were no precedences. It is to the credit of Squadron Leader Bhatia that the Squadron's re­equipment programme went through smoothly and as planned. Thereafter, his primary objective was to get his aircrew operational, a task which he undertook and achieved with a great deal of enthusiasm and efficiency.

Throughout Sqn Ldr Bhatia has displayed extra ordinary ability to inspire and motivate his subordinates to achieve allotted tasks. His own professional competence is highly commendable. Despite severe constraints inherent in any re-equipment programme, Sqn Ldr Bhatia by skillfully managing the material and personnel resources at his disposal achieved remarkable results.

For his devotion to duty, professional ability of a high order and outstanding managerial skills, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Bhatia.

Squadron Leader Neeraj Sharma underwent No. 3 Experimental Test Pilots' Course at ASTE, AF and graduated with flying colours. Prior to attending this course he served in Gnat and MiG Squadrons. He has also undergone the Advanced Air Armament Staff course at IAT, Pune. Inspite of his being a Pilot with a non technical academic background, he performed creditably on this course.

After graduation as an Experimental Test Pilot he was employed on active testing duties in the Flight Test Squadron at ASTE. He carried out a number of evaluation trials on fighter and transport aircraft. In his present tenure he has flown over 800 hours on numerous flight trials on different types of aircraft displaying a very high degree of professional competence and exceptional flight safety awareness.

In Sep 81, he was inducted into the staff of Test Pilots' School as the Senior Test Flying Instructor. His selection for this responsible position was based on his performance during the Test Pilots course as well as the work carried out by him as a Test Pilot.

In the school, he proved his mettle by imparting instructions of a very high quality to the students. The officer's attitude to work has been one of sustained enthusiasm and diligence despite being the only Test Flying Instructor available for long periods. Despite heavy work load, he ensured that the flying training was completed on schedule.

For his dedicated hard work, consistent performance of a very high calibre both in the air and on the ground, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Neeraj Sharma.

Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 21 Jun. 69, He has flown a total 4269 hours on transport/helicopters. He was selected for deputation to the Aviation Research Centre of the Directorate General of Security as Junior Captain and assumed his duties on 13 April 81 at an Advanced Air Base of this Centre

On 22 Jul 83, the Commander at Doom Dooma received a wireless message stating that an officer of the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau stationed at Taksing in NEFA hills had met with a serious accident resulting in cerebral injury and fractures of the arm. He was reported to be in a serious condition hovering between life and death. Immediate evacuation was asked for.

Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi was detailed to undertake this casualty evacuation task. Flying a Chetak helicopter to Taksing from Doom Dooma during this part of the year because of active monsoon conditions and associated turbulent weather demands determination, dedication and flying skill of high order.

Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi with courage and determination negotiated the weather and turbulence and reached the helipad at Taksing at 1230 hours IST. With exemplary flying skill and devotion to task in hand, he carried out the rescue attempt. He was successful in his mission and evacuated the casualty to Tezpur safely.

For his devotion to duty with complete disregard to personal safety and comfort, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi.

Squadron Leader Teninder Singh Gauri was commissioned in the Air Force on 02 Jun. 68. He has over 14 years of uninterrupted accident free flying career in the Air Force. He is a qualified Production Test Pilot and has test flown and cleared over 100 helicopters. In addition, during his tenure at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment, Air Force, he has been successfully associated with several flight trials.

While on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit, Sqn Ldr TS Gauri was specially detailed to carry out flood relief operations at Bhubaneswar (Orissa). In a short span of one week, flying from dawn to dusk and with utter disregard to personal comfort, he air dropped/ landed over 100 tonnes of provisions and life saving medicines, flying as much as eight sorties a day. Through out the relief operations, Sqn Ldr TS Gauri displayed a high sense of duty thus living up to the best traditions of the Air Force.

On another occasion, Sqn Ldr TS Gauri by his skilful handling of helicopter saved the lives of 33 people who were marooned on an island during floods in Arunachal Pradesh.

For his devotion to duty, professional skill and qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Teninder Singh Gauri.

Squadron Leader Narayanan Sivaramakrishnan was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1967. Trained in UK on the Jaguar Recce Pod and Photo Interpretation Technique specific to the system, he is presently serving as the Photo Interpretation Officer at an Operational base of the Air Force. The introduction of new sophisticated equipment at this base called for a complete reorganisation of the Photo Section and for reorientation in training of Photo Tradesmen. His first achievement was re-commissioning of an automatic film processing unit from local resources. Earlier this machine had been lying unserviceable for over 2 years. Following this successful rectification work, he trained a large number of Photo Tradesmen in handling this machine and by constant drilling, achieved a very high degree of operational capability. Squadron Leader Sivaramakrishnan has also been instrumental in identifying initial flaws in some films and initiating corrective steps to be taken by the manufacturers. He has been involved in number of trials wherein he not only efficiently carried out his part but also gave valuable suggestions which were incorporated. In the process he has earned high praise from all the agencies involved in the trials. For the Fire Power Demonstration held at Tilpat Range and the IAF Golden Jubilee Celebrations, his contribution has been unique. Having moved a detachment of AF Stn Hindon and geared the resources there, he successfully met the task of dropping the Jaguar Reconnaissance Picture of the VIP enclosure, within 45 minutes from the time the aircraft was overhead the target.

For having rendered devoted service of an exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Narayanan Sivaramakrishnan.

On 17 Feb 83, Squadron Leader TPS Chhatwal was detailed to undertake a Casualty evacuation task for the Boarder Roads Organization. His destination was Udaipur, across the Rohtang pass.

Sqn Ldr Chhatwal on reaching Kulu was informed that the patient was in a critical condition and that he may collapse unless evacuated immediately. At this time the weather was getting cloudy and showed a marked deteriorating trend over the mountains.

He executed the mission with great courage and precision, carefully flying at low altitudes in the face of considerable air turbulence and a continuously lowering cloud base. Driven by compassion and a justified confidence stemming from innate, determination and flying skill, he succeeded in landing at Udaipur and evacuated the patient. During the return flight, the patient lapsed into unconsciousness despite the ministrations by the medical officer on board but was later revived at the hospital.

Sqn Ldr Chhatwal, in successfully accomplishing this mission, displayed courage, skill and determination of a very high order. By his selfless devotion to duty and zeal to undertake a difficult mercy mission in the face of heavy odds, Sqn Ldr Chhatwal saved a valuable life.

For his display of personal courage, selfless devotion to duty and cool professionalism, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Tejinder Pal Singh Chhatwal.

Flying Officer Badrinath Srikanth was commissioned in the Air Force on 15 Jun 79 and on completion of Advanced training was posted to a twin engined transport Squadron in the Eastern Sector. Within a very short time he attained 'C'/green rating on the aircraft and was assessed an above the average pilot.

Throughout his tenure in the Squadron, Flying Officer Srikanth has displayed exemplary professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order. This has been amply proved on more than eight occasions when against heavy odds he saved valuable transport aircraft each time.

For having displayed absolute coolness of mind, precision in flying, excellent control over the aircraft and professionalism of an extremely high order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Flying Officer Badrinath Srikanth.

Group Captain Herbert Moel David was commissioned in the Air Force in Aug 56. A fighter pilot of proven merit, he has been senor flight commander of two front line fighter squadrons and commanded with distinction an operational fighter squadron.

Since April 80, Gp Capt H. M. David has been station commander of a forward base. In fact this officer volunteered to extend his tenure at this hard Station to complete the first phase of its development into a mini Wing. During this period Gp Capt David has brought about several improvements at the base which can easily be seen in all echelons of activity. Particular mention needs to be made of the operational set up, the fact that the Station successfully accommodated and launched a very large number of aircraft and personnel during major joint exercises. On the domestic front he expanded all facilities with intelligence and in keeping with the needs of the community. He worked without flagging for long hours to achieve this and the fact that he volunteered to extend his stay speaks of his devotion and will to get things done.

For his distinguished service of a high order, the President, is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Ground Captain Herbert Moel David.

Group Captain Pooran Dev Adlakha was commissioned in the Accountant Branch on 17 November, 1956. A master of Commerce and MBA, the officer has also done Advance Accounts Course, Senior Defence Management Course, EDP Project Formulation and Budget Management Course. The officer has served with distinction as Senior Accountant Officer of four major Wings, an Equipment Depot and a Training Establishment. In 1971 he was appointed as Assistant Director Resettlement in the Mini stry of Defence and was responsible for rehabil itation of war-disabled soldiers and windows. With total dedication and resourcef ulness, the officer was highly success in substantially enlarging the avenues of resett lement and helping these unfortunate personnel to resettle themselves. As Group Accountant officer, by personnel involvement he not only achieved the audit objection targets set for the Group but also raised the state of accounting at units. He was then posted as incharge of Airman Pay Wing at Air Force Central Accounts Office where he tackled with commendable zeal and thoroughness the problem of debit balance in airmen's accounts.

In Feb 81 Group Captain Adlakha took over newly created post of Joint Director, Financial Planning. He took a leading part in the formulation Air Force Plan 80-85 and also improved information systems for monitoring the progress.

For having rendered distinguished service of exceptional order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Pooran Adlakha.

Group Captain Ujjal Singh Pruthi was commissioned in the Medical Branch of the Indian Air force in February, 1958. Having Served as General Duty Medical Officer at various Air Force units for five year, he specialised in advanced surgery through a course of nearly 13 months duration. Later, he also underwent a short course in Aviation Medicine.

As a surgeon of repute, Group Captain Pruthi not only gained valuable experience in appointment of his specialisation at various Service hospitals but also set up a high record performance thereby earning the appreciation of the patient who went through him as well as his superior officer in the Branch.

The exceptional professional skill and decimation of this officer found him, in course of time, performing valued and diversified duties as an adviser, post graduate teacher, university examiner and clinical surgeon. He has consistently displayed trem endous capacity for sustained hard work of high clinical caliber, cheerful disposition and commendable degree of compassion for patients under his care.

During his present tenure with Air Force Command Hospital, the Officer has organized a dedicated, well-knit and highly efficient surgical team under his stewardship which can be pride of any medical institution.

For his outstanding professional acumen, devotion to duty and exceptional clinical service to the patient community, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Ujjal Singh Pruthi.

Wing Commander Rajender Paul Singh was initially commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force as a Pilot in January, 1953, but because of lowered medical category due serious injuries suffered during a flying accident, he changed over to Administrative Branch.

Undaunted by his physical disability the officer adjusted himself to the demands of his new job as a ground duty officer. He con tinued to hold important and responsible appointments like Command Training Officer in Western Air Command and Command Works Officer in Central Air Command. In addition to staff jobs he has also performed his duties in various field appointments creditably. During his present tenure as Command Works Officer in Headquarters Maintenance Command, Wg Cdr RP Singh has been instrumental in bringing about excellent coordination between the Military Engineering Formations and user Air Force Stations. He had placed his demands for allotment of funds Capital Works by advanced planning and timely completion of pre-sanction formalities. The hundred percent execution of Capital Works Plan of Maintenance Command during his tenure as Command Works Officer was a noteworthy achievement.

For his devotion to duty and an indomitable will and unflinching determination, the President is please to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Rajendra Paul Singh.

Wing Commander Doraiswamy Sankaranarayana Sarma was commissioned in the Air Force in January 56 and has held various instructional and staff appointments. Some of the appointments held include Headmaster of a Sainik School, Assistant Professor in Elect Engg at Air Force Technical College, Assistant Director Data Processing at Air Headquarters and Command of Comm unication Training Institute. During all these appointments he left a mark of profe ssionalism and sincerity.

Wing Commander Sarma has been commanding Officer of Communication Training Institute since Force 80. The Command of an Institute with approximately 2500 trainees and a staff of 400 from different states and various walks of life is a challenging task and undaunted by the magnitude of the task. Wg Cdr DS Sarma has streamlined the unit administration. He has succeeded in bringing the unit administration to acceptable standard in a very short time.

Because of the changes in training methodology introduced by Wg Cdr Sarma the overall results of all trades in CTI are consistently above 95% as against 60 to 65% before his assuming the command.

Recently, Wg Cdr Sarma has been entrusted with the task of preparing the syllabus and programme of training for the Lead-in course for a new aircraft scheduled to commence at Air Force Technical College shortly. With his usual enthusiast and painstaking hard work, he has completed the in record time.

For his devotion to duty, initiative and loyalty to the service, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Doraiswamy Sankaranarayana Sarma.

Wing Commander Sikander Piroshaw Malao was commissioned in the Air Force in Jun 60. A brilliant technical officer, he successfully completed Technical Staff Course and Senior Technical Management Course. Thereafter, he was appointed Chief Inspection Officer and Senior Proof Officer at the Equipment Depot. One of the singular achievements of Wg Cdr SP Malao has been the setting up of proof testing facilities of 30mm and 23mm ammunition of foreign origin for the first time in the Indian Air Force. All lots of such ammunitions were successfully proof tested at the Equipment Depot. Thus considerable quantities of amm unition which could not be issued to operating units for lack of proof-test facilities would now be put into circulation leading to considerable savings in foreign exchange.

Wg Cdr SP Malao, with his sound professional judgment and positive innovative thinking, has put up certain proposal to improve the efficient functioning of the Equipment Depot.

For having done pioneering work in Proof Range and rendering meritorious service the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Sikander Piroshaw Malao.

Wing Commander Vinod Singh Rawat was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 17 Dec 60. Since then he has held various field as well as staff appointments. He was selected to be a member of purchase team of London. Later his outstanding capabilities and dedicated devotion to duty was utilized fruitfully as Project Officer of a fighter aircraft.

Wing Commander Govind Malhar Apte (6415) AE (L) was commissioned on 01 Dec 61. A graduated of Defence Services Staff College, he is a post graduate in Electronics holding an ME degree from Indian Institute of Sciences with distinction and first position. He is an expert in the field of Electronic Warfare and has been invited by inter services organistaions to conduct instructional work in this field.

Since Mar 81, Wing Commander Apte is posted at London Deputy Air Advisor (Technical). During the vital period of induction of Jaguar aircraft into Service, he established and maintained close contacts at personal level with the aircraft and system specialists of the Royal Air Force, the staff of the Maintenance Data Center and the weapons and electronics industry in Britain to success fully sort out many teething problems.

In his present assignment, he has used his personal expertise to obtain high-grade technical intelligence on Electronic Warfare Systems acquired by India's neighbours. By attending exhibitions and seminars with a discerning eye for detail and by fully exploiting his contacts with the industry and services, he produced valuable reports on systems such as Crotale, SAM and EL 70 deception jammer which would be of vital importance in evaluating our threat scenario.

He actively participated in all diplomatic activities. By his exemplary conduct he has maintained a very high standard of dignity and decorum and endeared himself to the diplomatic community and has thus established a place of prestige for his office, service and the country. For his distinguished service of a high order, he is awarded 'Vishisht Seva Medal'.