Squadron Leader Annaswami Sridharan was posted to an operational unit whose role was to train pilots on a new type of supersonic aircraft. He was the only Flight Commander in the unit qualified to undertake this task. He had to devise the entire training syllabus and programme, prepare orders and operating procedures. He flew on an average four instructional sorties daily, in addition to conducting ground lectures and training of pilots under conversion. He worked beyond the call of duty regularly, and was successful in converting pilots on to the new and sophisticated aircraft.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Annaswami Sridharan displayed initiative, drive and processional skill.

Group Captain Annaswami Sridharan was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in July, 1954. He has held various responsible posts in which he acquitted himself creditably. As a pilot, he has maintained a very high professional level throughout and has held various important jobs including those of Flight Commander, Commanding Officer of a S-22 Squadron and Officer Command ing Tactics and Combat Development and Training Establishment. He also went for an instructional tenure abroad.

In April, 1978, he took over the Command of a station in the Eastern Sector which coincided with the induction of Supersonic Fighter Squadron to the Station. It was a transport base and required re­orientation of the facilities and environment for the new aircraft. He undertook the task and despite innumerable difficulties succeeded in reorienting the air and ground environment needed for the fighter squadron within a short time. By his able leadership, he organised the whole Station to function as a cohesive and well knit unit. He also supervised all the transport operations from his base and achieved the flying task of fighters and transport units simultaneously maintaining a high degree of flight safety environment. Through his personal involvement by frequently leading tactical missions himself he inspired the pilots at the Station to achieve high standard of professionalism. He gradually achieved this goal and the same was proved when, at the Inter Squadron gunnery meet held in November, 1978, the squadron based at his Station won the Over All Trophy and Rocket Projectile Trophy.

In the field of Maintenance, he ensured the serviceability of all specialist and commonuser vehicles and aircraft. His all round high administrative performance is evident from the fact that, among other things, he took particular care to provide basic needs of accommodation, transport and other amenities to his men at the station. This ensured high morale among his men at the Station and also contributed directly to the operational preparedness of his unit.

Group Captain Annaswamy Sridharan has thus rendered distinguished, service of exceptional order.