Squadron Leader Venkataraman Arunchala Eshwar (8246) AE (M) has been on the posted strength of one of the operational fighter Squadrons of the Air Force as Senior Technical Officer since 10 Jan 78.

He has been the STO of the Squadron from its conversion onto MiG Bis aircraft. Sqn Ldr Eshwar has put in long hours of work well beyond the call of duty and has shown total dedication to his job which is indeed worthy of emulation. He has been responsible for maintaining an extremely high serviceability rate of over 80% for the last 3 years continuously. It is because of his guidance and leadership in the field of maintenance that the Squadron has been able to fly 7500 sorties/5500 hours of accident-free flying.

Sqn Ldr Eshwar apart from setting up the Squadron has been guiding spirit behind the spare maintenance facilities set up in the Central Repair and Servicing Section during his tenure as Senior Engineer (Bis). The maintenance scheduling and management of resources have been of such a high order that the section set up by him has become a shining example for all Air Force Station. It is this ability to manage resources and his dedicated hard work which has kept the whole wing serviceability of aircraft above 80%.

Despite all these achievements Sqn Ldr Eshwar has found time for deeper thought and has been able to produce a FLAP trolley (Flying Lances All Purpose) which has been accepted as standard Air Force equipment for all Fighter Squadrons. This trolley has been made possible much greater accountability of tools, nearly 40% savings in time and obviously an ultimate gain in operational availability of the aircraft permitting for more sorties per aircraft.

In the Central Repair and Servicing Section he has been instrumental in setting up a fully automated Maintenance Control Centre where constant upto date information on all maintenance activities can be monitored thereby saving man hours and making servicing allotment far easier.

Sqn Ldr Eshwar is an exceptional officer who has proven his ability, dedication and qualities of leadership without a doubt. He has worked far beyond the call of duty and to the great benefit of the service. For his significant contribution to the servicing, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Venkataraman Arunchala Eshwar.