Wing Commander Shashindra Pal Tyagi (8130) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 31st December, 1963. A Fighter Pilot of proven merit, he is both a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader. He has participated in 1965 Indo-Pak Operations flying Hunter aircraft and in the 1971 Indo-Pak Operations flying MiG aircraft. To date, he has to his credit 2800 hours of jut fighter flying.

Since December, 1982, Wg Cdr Tyagi has been commanding a frontline Strike Fighter Squadron. The Operational role of the Sqn is very demanding and accordingly the training has had to be optimised for its operational tasks. During his tenure, the Sqn has achieved a very high level of operational preparedness and has come out with distinction in flying exercises and commitments entrusted to it. It was recently under his leadership and planning that for the first time ever, a detach ment of Fighter aircraft was able to operate from a far flung Indian island territory. During his tenure, he has displayed unending enthusiasm, dynamism and professional competence in managing both his material and manpower resources. It is a direct reflection on his leadership and the performance of the Sqn that has resulted in the Sqn being adjudged the best Fighter Sqn in Western Air Command for two years running. On the welfare front, he has introduced many novel facilities to ensure that concurrent with the high professional output, the welfare of his personnel is equally covered. Throughout his tenure, Wing Commander Shashindra Pal Tyagi has displayed a very high level of professionalism, dedication and qualities of leadership in true traditions of the Air Force.

For his devotion to duty, high professional skill and exceptional qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Command Shashindra Pal Tyagi.

Air Commodore Shashindra Pal Tyagi VM (8130) was commissioned in the IAF on 31 Dec 63 as a fighter pilot. He has over 3020 hours of accident free flying experience on various types of fighter aircraft like the MiG 21 and Jaguar. He is a fighter pilot par excellence who underwent the Pilot Attack Instructor (PAI) course at early stage in his career and later completed the Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course and was adjudged first in the overall order of merit. He was the first batch of trainees who went abroad for conversion onto Jaguar aircraft. He very ably commanded the Jaguar Squadron and was awarded VM in 1986 for exceptional devotion to duty. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), he later served as Senior Instructor at DSSC for two years. He was specially chosen for the diplomatic assignment as Air Attaché in Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia.

Air Cmde SP Tyagi was appointed Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Jamnagar in Dec 90. During his tenure of two and half years, more than 26,270 hrs were flown and nearly 80 detachments of different flying units were handled by the station. It was mainly due to his personal involvement that all the detachments which operated from Jamnagar could achieve their task within the stipulated time frame. In May, 1992, the IAF specially selected Jamnagar to put the Night Fire Power Demonstration which was presided over by then Defence Minister, at Sarmat Range. The Night Fire Power Demonstration was the first of its kind in the history of IAF which required tremendous coordination both on the ground and in the air to ensure its success. This demonstration was conducted safely in the most professional manner due to his personal involvement.

Air Cmde Tyagi is a dynamic leader who, with his meticulous approach and analytical mind, produced excellent results in every aspect of operational preparedness. During inspection by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team, the station performed creditably in all three disciplines of Operations, Maintenance and Administration. This by itself is a unique achievement. During his command, the Air Force Station Jamnagar was adjudged the Best Wing of South Western Air Command for three consecutive years from 1991 to 1993.

Air Commodore Shashindra Pal Tyagi VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi AVSM VM (8130) F (P) was commissioned in the IAF on 31 Dec 63. He is a fighter pilot who has excelled himself during his career. He underwent the Pilot Attack Instructor (PAI) course at an early stage in his career and later completed the Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course and was adjudged first in the overall order of merit. He was in the first batch of trainees who went abroad for conversion onto Jaguar Aircraft. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and National Defence College (NDC). He was posted in a diplomatic assignment as Air Attaché in Embassy of India at Saudi Arabia. He was awarded VM in 1986 and AVSM in 1994. Presently, he holds the appointment of AOCin-C, Central Air Command since 01 May 02.

During his tenure as Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Air Force Station Jamnagar, more than 26, 270 h were flown and nearly 80 detachments of different flying units were handled by the Station. In May 1992, the IAF specially selected Jamnagar to put up the Night Fire Power Demonstration which was the first of its kind in the history of IAF and required a high degree of coordination both on the ground and in the air to ensure its success. This demonstration was conducted safely in the most professional manner due to his personal guidance. During his command, Air Force Station Jamnagar was adjudged the Best Station of South Western Air Command for three consecutive years from 1991 to 1993.

While holding the appointments of ACAS (Int) and ACAS (Ops), he made meaningful contributions in Operations and Flight Safety, and also evolved new concepts in the area of Intelligence gathering. With his analytical mind he contributed toward evolving new operational and strategic doctrines of the IAF.

As Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command, he brought his varied experience to bear upon the conduct of large number of Command level exercises and seminars successfully. As AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, he has ensured high standards from not only the Command staff but also the field units in all spheres of operational activity. He has taken personal interest in reviewing and optimising training schedules and facilities at the operational bases so as to ensure safety, efficiency and optimal utilisation of resources.

Air Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.