Air Commodore Madhukar Keshav Joshi (4399) Flying (Navigator) was commissioned in the Air Force in January, 1953. He has over 3700 hrs, accident free to his credit. During his service he has held many important appointments like Chief Instructor (Air Defence), Station Commander, AF Station Begumpet and Air Officer Commanding Air Force Record Office.

He was posted as Air Officer Commanding Air Force Record Office on 05 Jan 83. He took over this office, at a time when a number of new weapon systems were being inducted which demanded an immediate need to evaluate the airmen manning levels of operational squadrons. He undertook the challenge and in a short span of six months improved the effective manning status in the Air Force.

In a pragmatic analysis of airmen manpower, he conducted a detailed study to assess the airmen manpower requirements till 1987 and made firm recommendations, with an aim to achieve 100% manning by 1988. the steps recommended by him are being pursued to bring up manning level, in the Air Force to 100%, in the shortest possible time frame. Besides, AFRO has streamlined the procedures of discharge of airmen and ensured timely finalization of the pension cases. Now the cases of regularization of grant of excess leave are also being regularized at AFRO itself. The Establishment and strength data, an essential information for updating statistical records of manning levels of airmen of the Indian Air Force, is readily available.

His methodical approach and detailed planning ensured that only about 800 personnel were moved on posting, while as many as 8500 promotions were authorized. Further, due to his personal involvement and visits to various formations, outstanding movements were reduced, drastically. Request postings, like 'compassionate ground posting' have now been restricted to two years only. Rationalisation of the categorization of units, for purpose of manning levels, has also been achieved, based on recommendation of this office. A number of positive measures like, first choice posting from hard areas, granted extended tenures, utilization of expertise in a fair and impartial way, are some of the measures which were implemented during his stewardship and are paying rich dividends.

Air Commodore Madhukar Keshav Joshi has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.