Air Commodore Mohan Bhaskaran joined the Indian Air Force as a technician in January, 1936. In recognition of his abilities, he was commissioned into the Technical Engineering Branch in December, 1943. he retired from the IAF in 1958, when he accepted permanent service with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

Air Commodore Bhaskaran has had an outstanding career as an Engineer. During World War II he served as an Engineering Officer with an operational squadron in the North-West Frontier Province and in Burma. The technical knowledge, drive and organizing ability that he brought to his task enabled the squadron to maintain the highest serviceability for its type of aircraft tin the theaters where it operated.

After independence, he spent many years in senior engineering appointments at major Air Force flying bases and Repair Depots. During this period, he made very significant contributions to improving the maintenance organisation of the Air Force.

In 1963 Air Commodore Bhaskaran was placed in-charge of a project team for the setting up of an airframe factory for the manufacture of the MiG-21 aircraft in India. In the following years, he was appointed General Manager of the Factory, which became the Nasik Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. He continues to be in that appointment to this day.

Manufacture of sophisticated aircraft such as the MiG-21 calls for technical and managerial ability of the highest order. Air Commodore Bhaskaran has displayed these qualities in ample measure. Construction of the airframe factory began in 1964, and the first aircraft was delivered from it two years later, in 1966. In the intervening period, Air Commodore Bhaskaran trained his workmen, erected the manufacturing plant and initiated the assembly and testing of aircraft more or less simultaneously. Thereafter, he has consistently fulfilled the manufacture programme despite many difficulties inherent in a sophisticated project of this type. Credit for this is due to Air Commodore Bhaskaran's untiring efforts and unremitting zeal.

Air Commodore Bhaskaran has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.