Flight Lieutenant Vidyasagar Bharti (16611) F (P) is posted t a helicopter unit as staff pilot since Dec 86. The Officer, while officiating as Flight Commander showed excellent organizing ability in consistently accomplishing the massive goals. He carried out versatile flying missions with great efficiency.

On 20 Jul 87, the unit was assigned a task to position two helicopters at Sulur for impending Sri Lanka Operations. The helicopters reached Bombay on 21st evening. On 22 Jul enroute weather between Bombay to Goa was of low clouds, rain and low visibility. Realising the Importance and urgency of mission, the officer took judicious risk and flew through this weather in patches of nil visibility and positioned the helicopter at Sulur on time. In Sri Lanka, the officer showed exceptional skill, mental and physical endurance and remained on alert for 40 days and successfully carried out 102 missions by day and 4 missions by night. On the evening of 7th Nov. 87 while on a special Heliborne operation mission to Marathama to Marathama madam, the helicopter being Captained by Flt Lt Bharti came under heavy rebel fire. Despite being aware of the battle damage to the helicopter and being aware of the hazards, Flt Lt Bharti continued and accomplished the mission at grave personal risk by sheer courage and dedication of duty.

Flt Lt Bharti repeatedly showed selfless devotion to service, exemplary courage and professional excellence in keeping with the highest traditions of the Air Force. For his outstanding efforts and achievements and distinguished service of an exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Yuddh Seva Medal to Flt Lt Bharti.

Wing Commander Vidya Sagar Bharati YSM (16611) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 11 Dec 81 in the Flying Branch of the IAF. For his distinguished service during the IPKF Ops in Sri Lanka he was awarded YSM in 1989. He has held appointments of Flight Commander of two operational units and is presently Commanding a Helicopter Unit since 29 Jun 98. He is a QFI and a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

The recent unprecedented floods in U.P. and Bihar left lakhs of people marooned and helpless. The State Administration sought immediate help of the Air Force. Wg Cdr Bharti's unit was tasked to provide relief and succour to the victims. With meticulous planning and foresight he led the three months long flood relief operations on a war footing. Under his dynamic leadership the unit airlifted 521528 Kgs of relief material and 342 personnel. The relief operations brought appreciation and laurels from all around and especially from the Government of U.P. The Prime Minister himself greatly lauded this effort during his visit to the Station.

Wg Cdr Bharti ensured very high aircraft serviceability and availability during the entire operations and capped it with 100% serviceability by flying all the helicopters on unit's strength on culmination of the relief operations.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Vidya Sagar Bharti.

Group Captain Vidya Sagar Bharti YSM VM (16611) Flying (pilot) was commissioned on 11 Dec 1981 in the Flying branch of the IAF. During his 23 years of distinguished service he has held important instructional, command and staff appointments that include Commanding Officer of a helicopter unit and Staff Officer at Air HQ and MoD. The officer is a Qualified Flying Instructor. He is a graduate of both DSSC and College of Naval Warfare. He has been awarded YSM in 1989 and VM in 2000 for his distinguished services. Presently, he is in command of a Forward Base in Northern Sector since 19 Jun 2003.

Gp Capt Bharti is a highly motivated and dynamic Air Warrior who has brought major improvements in every sphere of activity in the Northern Most Air Base of the IAF. In the year 2003, the air maintenance task of the "Op Meghdoot" sector was achieved and exceeded for the first time after many years, despite runway resurfacing work, which was completed without loss of a single day's flying.

He has encouraged a culture of self help among men. He has motivated his men to construct a 'Small Arms Range' cutting rocks and boulders all by themselves thus, saving about Rs. 60 lacs to the exchequer. In addition, to overcome the problem of water shortage in the station, located in the Highest Desert of the World a 'Dam' and a 'Pond' was cons tructed by Air Force personnel themselves. A major boost was also provided to improve the quality of life of men living in the harsh and isolated environs of Thoise through use of local resources.

Superior Leadership qualities and organising ability of Gp Capt Bharti came to the fore when he successfully conducted the first ever visit of The Honourable President of India to the station. Despite severe winter and very short notice the entire station was brought up to Presidential standards. The President himself was highly appreciative of the way the station looked and commended its Flight Safety record.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Vidya Sagar Bharti YSM VM.