Group Captain Shreepad Achyut Ranade was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December, 1950. During his long Air Force career he has held posts of Assistant Director (Stores) in DR&DL, Command Accounts Officer, HQ Western Air Command and Director of Air Force Group Insurance.

As Director of Air Force Group Insurance Group Captain Ranade set about the job with total dedication and made it his purpose to improve the functioning of the Society and the Services it renders to its members.

He was the first to initiate the deposits in Public Sector undertakings, which gave a return of 40% above deposits in banks. With painstaking care the officer collected and sifted data and worked out the details of Post Retirement Insurance Scheme, 1981 and the enhanced Insurance Scheme, 1982 both of which have been heartily welcomed by members thus meeting a much­felt need. Deeply concerned over the lot of members and their families who due to unfortunate circumstances become ineligible to the benefit of Group Insurance Scheme, the Officer set up an Ex­gratia Award Fund to give succour to these disabled personnel and bereaved families. He also rationalised the internal processes of the Society so that survival benefit is paid to a member on the last day of his service and the TB patients are paid disability benefits before they leave hospitals.

Group Captain Shreepad Achyut Ranade has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.