Squadron Leader Sanjay Thapar is on the posted strength of Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment, Agra since 15 May 96. He is the most qualified Sky Diving Instructor in the country.

This enthusiastic and dynamic officer holds many records. He has 1806 accident free jumps from 21 types of aircraft and helicopters, the highest number carried out by any Indian so far. He is the reigning "National Champion" in various disciplines of sport since 1991. On 11 Mar 91 he set a world record by carrying out 46 skydiving jumps in a short span of three hours using two Mi-17 helicopters simultaneously. Another record was set on 26 Jun 1992 by jumping with an IAF flag measuring 1000 sq ft almost four times the size of his parachute. All these feats are duly recorded in "Limca Book of Records".

On 21 Apr 96, he earned yet another distinction when he carried out a Sky Diving jump at the North Pole. He jumped from the height of 10,000 feet in toughest weather conditions where the wind speed was above 40 kms per hour and the temperature was as low as - 26 degree C on the ground and - 68 degree C in the air. He became the first Indian to perform this daring act and hoist the Indian National Flag at North Pole. A pioneer in the field, he has brought laurels to the IAF and the country.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Squadron Leader Sanjay Thapar.