Group Captain HS Garkal was commissioned in the Administrative Branch on 15 Dec 68. He has acquitted himself creditably in a broad spectrum of challenging assignments which include Member of Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team, Command of a Ground Controlled Approach Squadron and Chief Administrtive Officer of an Air Force Station, Gp Capt Garkal attained a high degree of professional excellence as a category 'A' Air Traffic Controller and was selected as an examiner for five years. He was appointed Joint Director Organisation (Ceremonial) in Jan 95.

An alumnus of College of Defence Management, he applied his managerial skills and professional acumen in ensuring faultless planning and execution of National level ceremonial functions. In addition to his significant role in development of Air Force War memorial, the officer is also persuing the project of improving upon the Air Force Museum and Setting-up of IAF Archives. Gp Capt Garkal also played an important role in bringing out a documentary on History of Indian Air Force titled 'Air Force Day - A Time for Reminiscing' which was acclaimed by one and all. During his tenure the performance of AF Bands grew in stature and won laurels during the Victory Day celebration in Europe.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt HS Garkal.

Air Marshal Harendrajit Singh Garkal VSM was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the IAF on 15 December 1968. He is an alumnus of the College of Defence Management. During his distinguished service of over 35 years, he has held varied key appointments such as, Air Staff Inspector, Officer Commanding GCA Radar Squadron, Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Personnel Staff Officer, Air Officer Commanding Equipment Depot and Senior Officer-in-charge Administration. Presently he is Air Officer-in-charge Administration since 22 March 2004.

Air Marshal Garkal has brought laurels to the organisation through his exceptional calibre, sincerity, honesty and unimpeachable integrity. He has left an indelible stamp of professionalism in all his previous appointments. For his professional and distinguished service of high order, he was commended by AOC-in-C in the year 1977 and was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1997. As Officer Commanding GCA Squadron, Air Marshal Garkal pioneered the integration of GCA and Air Defence radar for optimum operational Results. As Chief Administrative officer of a major base, he brought about perceptible improvement in all spheres of administrative activities. As Air Officer Commanding Equipment Depot, his far-sighted and proactive approach saw creation of some strategic, permanent assets, besides establishing an innovative inventory management system.

As Senior Officer-in-charge Administration at HQ Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Garkal successfully used his vast experience to bring about qualitative and quantitative changes in the maintenance and upgradation of infrastructure. He took initiative to set up Command Museum and Archives. He ensured efficient management of Public funds and evolved an ethos of cost consciousness leading to desired improvements in all facets of administrative activities.

As Air Officer-in-charge Administration Air Marshal Garkal has initiated steps to ensure quality planning, effective monitoring and execution of operational and security related works. His professional and result oriented guidance to the AFCAO culminated into landmarks e.g. e-POR for officers and airmen, software for data inputs by units, etc. Under his able guidance, sports and adventure activities have got a fresh impetus. His tenure has brought in significant and genuine long-term welfare measures. A drive to improve education standards in Air Force Schools, office computerisation and greater attention to improving the infrastructure at remote locations deserve a special mention. His wholesome involvement and guidance are distinctly visible in every facet of administration, whether in support of operations, welfare, sports, discipline, security or financial management.

Air Marshal Garkal has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.