Squadron Leader Nivarthi Chittaranjan was the Chief Technical Officer of a forward operational wing, when hostilities broke out with Pakistan. This base was the primary target of the Pakistan Air Force, throughout the period of hostilities.

During the period Squadron Leader Chittaranjan worked ceaselessly for 16 to 18 hours a day personally undertaking maintenance and servicing requirements. He was a source of encouragement and inspiration to all who worked with him, which resulted in maximum air effort being maintained in air defence and in support of our army.

On 6th September, 1965, there was a heavy air attack on this base by Pakistan Air Force which resulted in damage to some of our aircraft. At this time the full complement of the repair and salvage unit party had not arrived and Squadron Leader Chittaranjan had to fall mainly on his station resources of manpower, equipment and material to undertake the repair of these aircraft. He worked for nearly 48 hours without any rest and completed the repairs of these aircraft in a record time of just two days. Again on 9th September, 1965 when the Indian Oil Company fuel pumping equipment was suddenly rendered unserviceable due to a breakdown in the electric supply by a direct hit from an enemy aircraft, personal initiative and drive of this officer came to the fore. He immediately realized that to wait for the repair to the electrical supply and the pumping installation to be carried out through normal channels would be disastrous for our air operations. He at once organized hand pumping to fill up his refuellers as a stopgap arrangement. He procured a 25 KVA generating set from a local Army unit and put the pumping equipment in commission by some ingenious improvisations. The normal operation of the pumping equipment was thus completely restored in about 12 hours thereby ensuring uninterrupted refueling arrange ments. Both these achievements were outstanding and their fulfillment was most vital in the interest of air operations from this air base.

Had it not been for the professional skill, ingenuity, initiative and leadership displayed by this Officer, throughout the operations and particularly on the two occasions mentioned above, the availability of our aircraft for operations against the enemy would have been adversely affected. By his personal example and inspiring leadership, accepting almost impossible tasks cheerfully, this officer was a tower of strength to the technicians working under him. His work and efforts have been in the highest traditions of the Air Force.