Group Captain Praveen Kumar (15970) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned on 07 Jan 1980 in the Engineering Branch of the IAF. During his distinguished service of 24 years he has spent a long time in the field having worked in various capacities on the Gnats and MiG-29 aircraft. He has also worked in 4 BRD as Chief of Quality Assurance and has held an important staff assignment at Air HQ. He is a graduate of Advanced Air Armament Staff College. He is a recipient of Commendation by the CAS and Commendation by AOCin-C SWAC. Presently, he is posted to Air Force Station Bidar as Chief Engineering Officer (CEO) since 11 Aug 2003.

As CEO of Air Force Station Bidar, Gp Capt Kumar has strived hard and ensured that the serviceability of Kiran Mk-1 and Kiran Mk II aircraft at the station remained above 80% and 90% respectively. Due to this, the flying training of 172 PC and 173 PC progressed very smoothly. On 08 and 09 Oct 2003 he ensured 100% aircraft serviceability at the station. He ensured that the Aircraft Maintenances Manual was always meticulously followed in all maintenance practices at the station.

When the Surya Kiran Aerobatic was to be prepared for their South Asia tour in early 2004, he left no stone unturned to ensure that this task was carried out very efficiently. All Suryakiran aircraft and ground equipments were painted and special boxes were made for carriage of tools and ground equipment. He ensured that all Suryakiran aircraft were properly serviced and had more than 40 hours of flying left prior to their South East Asia Tour. The 100% serviceability of Suryakiran aircraft during the South East Asia tour during Feb-Mar 2004 bears a testimony for his efforts.

Gp Capt Kumar ensured that regular audits were carried out into various maintenance practices at the station and remedial actions instituted forthwith. He has led by example and motivated all personnel under him to give their best to the service. He ensured that a Quarterly Maintenance Digest was published at the station for the benefit of maintenance personnel. Due to the efforts of his team, the station could fly over 10,000 accident free hours during the year 2003-04. He put in very long hours of work, well beyond the normal call of duty, to ensure a safe and healthy maintenance environment and culture at the station.

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