On 13th October, 1980, Squadron Leader Anup Kumar Shyam was authorized to fly an instructional sortie with Flight Lieutenant DS Karnik in a Kiran aircraft. The sortie was to consist of Air Instruction exercises, general handling aerobatics and PFL. After getting airborne at 0700 hours the sortie proceeded uneventfully until the roller take off following a Practice Force Landing (PFL). After the roller take off, the aircraft turned onto downwind for an engine assisted approach and a full stop landing. With this in mind, the undercarriage had been left down. After rolling out on downwind, the pupil officer who had the control commenced vital actions. Just then a small thud was heard and this was followed by engine rumbling noise. The speed was seen to be decreasing. The pupil instinctively opened throttle to maintain speed but found no response to throttle movement. Realising the gravity of situation Squadron Leader Shyam immediately took over the controls. By this time they had flown just past the cross runway. Taking stock of serious situation, Squadron Leader Shyam immediately turned right to assess the possibility of forced landing on runway 30 failing which he decided that they would have to eject. At this time he realized that the engine had not flamed out and that a little partial power was still available. He skillfully maneuvered the aircraft on to approach and executed a safe landing on the cross runway.

Squadron Leader Anup Kumar Shyam has thus displayed high professional competence, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty.