Group Captain Asit Kumar Adhikari (13889) Adm/ATC was commissioned in the IAF on 18 Jan 75. During his tenure as an ATC officer, he attained his Cat 'A' and had been SATCO at three premiere fighter Wings of IAF. He held various important appointments such as CO, TGCA Sqn and CO Maintenance Command (Unit). At Maintenance Command (Unit), for his dedication and result oriented approach, he was awarded CAS commendation. While serving at Air HQ (VB), as DDPA-II and D Org, he contributed effectively in formulating policies related to personnel and organisation. At AF Station Srinagar, as Chief Administrative Officer (C Adm O), the officer performed commendably and was selected to visit USA for security appreciation. Subsequently, he was selected to undergo General Management Course at National Institute of Management at Kolkata, and on completion of course, was posted to a fighter Wing in Mar 2005 as C Adm O. On taking over as C Adm O of AF Station Kalaikunda in Mar 05, the officer was entrusted with execution of major works services and numerous admin related tasks that were urgently required for the smooth conduct of major international air exercises, planned to be held in this station in Nov 05 & Jan 06. The officer accepted the challenge and worked relentlessly with firm determination for successful completion of the assignment. Armed with his professional knowledge and experience, he led the Adm Support Group from front and as a result work services amounting to Rs 10.5 Crores were successfully completed in record time. However, this Herculean task did not deter him from focusing his attention to other routine administrative schedule. He worked tirelessly to ensure that all the maintenance works were executed efficiently and timely. Due to his persistent efforts and administrative acumen, the entire station was brought up to an international standard. His ceaseless involvement in procurement of quality items for various messes from public and non-public funds resulted in enhancement of the quality of life in the station which was highly appreciated by all visiting dignitaries and foreign delegates.

The officer's perseverance and strive for excellence continued even in handling security matters of the station. He was able to develop good rapport with the civil agencies in a short time. This was appreciably discernable with the kind of unconditional support extended by civil administration to tackle the protest meeting organised by local political parties, prior to commencement of Indo-US exercise. As a result of good coordination, both international exercises i.e., COPE INDIA 05 & SINDEX 06 which were held in this base, passed off without any untoward incident.

For distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Asit Kumar Adhikari.