Wg Cdr Monga was detailed as the Captain of the first microlight aircraft proceeding on a “Round-the-World” expedition. The expedition flew 40, 529 Kms, landed at 85 destinations in 19 countries and created a new world record of circumnavigating the world in 80 days, batteirng the previous world record of 99 days. This feat has brought glory to the country. The mission was flown in a single engine unpressurised aircraft weighing less than 300 Kg, without any redundancy features making the risk factor very high. As the expedition was undertaken without any accompanying technical, logistics or administrative support team, the officer had even maintained and rectified the aircraft on his own, a task beyond the call of duty.
The officer faced adverse weather, unfamiliar operating environment and harsh terrain ranging from sub-zero Arctic to scorching deserts and topical rainforests knowing fully well that survival in case of any eventuality would have been extremely challenging. He continued undeterred, as a true soldier to achieve the assigned task. In the course of the expedition, Wg Cdr Monga became the first Indian to fly solo across the Bering Strait as well as the formidable North Atlantic. Any incident/accident would have led to a situation, where the recovery could have been nearly impossible, but unfazed by such life threatening deterrents, he flew this leg of the expedition keeping achievement of goal uppermost in his mind. The Officer not only displayed exceptional courage but also professionalism and airmanship of an extremely high order. His fortitude and mental strength were critical for the success of the mission. Inspite of facing severe weather and life threatening technical malfunctions in the small aircraft he continued steadfast in his task despite the risk to his life, with the aim of bringing glory to the Nation and to the IAF.
For his thoroughbred soldierly attitude, display of conspicuous gallantry in the face of highly challenging task and regardless of his personal safety, Wg Cdr Monga has been awarded of Shaurya Chakra. | 
