Flight Lieutenant Harsh Kumar Bhardwaj was commissioned in the Meteorological branch of the IAF on 26 Dec 70. During the tenure of his service he has held multifarious assignments, shouldered numerous responsibilities, served in the field with distinction. He proved himself to be an energetic and efficient officer possessing a high degree of professional knowledge and practical application of the same. For his outstanding performance and hard work, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in August, 1979.

As Officer-in-Charge Central Met Stores, Flt Lt Bhardwaj conceived and implemented a scheme of making efforts to repair instruments locally in the Section. From within local resources, he set up a workshop and conducted courses for airmen of Met trade. He also compiled a handbook for repair and maintenance of Met instruments. By acts of extreme dedication to his profession, about 30 to 40 percent of instruments are now being repaired locally in the section. This in itself has amounted to saving of repair charges paid to India Met Department and has also speeded up the availability of serviceable instruments in units.

In addition to his primary duties, he was given the responsibility of administration of the Airmen's Mess and Air Force Canteen. He cheerfully and willingly accepted and executed this task with remarkable maturity and confidence which won him the appreciation from all quarters.

Flt Lt Bhardwaj displayed a special aptitude and initative for secondary duties involving public relations, organising skill and tact. He was the main organizer for all Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) functions, Station sports/welfare activities and flood relief operation in 1978. Due to his special aptitude and dedication, he has been detailed to work with AFWWA (Central) at Air HQ. Besides, he was entrusted with onerous task of setting up and organising a Vocational Training Centre at Air Force Station, New Delhi. His high standard of judgment, balance and realistic approach have contributed in a large measure towards speed administration of AFWWA projects.

As Hony Secretary of AFWWA, he has introduced new schemes bringing about considerable benefit and assistance to the families of serving, retired and deceased Air Force personnel. Dealing with the human problems with his analytical and pragmatic approach, he has shown in abundance his unsurpassed quality of human approach, sympathetic attitude and has given new dimensions to the very concept of welfare.

With his brilliant uptake, clear thinking and deep insight, Flt Lt Bhardwaj accredited himself with the singular honor of being probable the only Met Officer to have been ever associated with such intricate projects. He is not deterred by obstacles or difficulties and can be depended upon to produce results in an unbelievable short time.

Endowed with the faculties of systematic analysis and pragmatic approach, he has brought about a system and sense of purpose amongst all his colleagues and subordinates in all assignments. For his outstanding services rendered throughout his career with single minded devotion and loyalty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Flight Lieutenant Harsh Kumar Bhardwaj.