Air Vice Marshal Rameshwar Nath (8913) AE (L) was commissioned in Air Force in Oct 64 in AE (L) Branch (erstwhile Tec/Sigs). During his 37 years of service, the officer has maintained an impeccable record - both in terms of his professionalism as well as human relations.

He was associated with Air Defence Ground Environment (ADGES) Communication System right from the inception of the RCPO project. He was detailed for ADGES communication course in the USA in 1974, after which he was the first batch of ADGES TI instructors. After teaching for 2 ½ years, he headed the installation unit at the major ADGES communication hub centre at Kasauli. After a stint of 5 years of staff work at Air HQ, the officer was sent to command ADGES communication units at Mt Abu, Baroda and Dalhousie in succession. The vast experience of the officer in ADGES comm unication was utilized for inspection duties in DMI from 1991 to 1995. During his tenure at DMI, the officer headed the team to conduct quality audit of MiG-29 fleet - the first ever quality audit in Air Force, which was well received and implemented.

As an Air Commodore, he held the appointments of Command Signals Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command and thereafter, Director Signals (Air) at Air HQ. During these tenures, a major part of old exchanges were replaced by electronic exchanges. The officer was instrumental in preparing the first blue print of Air Force Component of Defence Communication Network and induction of The Integrated Cipher System (ICS) for securing data exchanges between computers over LAN/ WAN. The officer introduced the hiring of Data Communication circuits from DOT in place of Speech Communication circuits, which were thereafter modified to be used both for speech as well as data communication.

As an Air Vice Marshal, the officer was appointed as ACAS (Eng-B) to look after the Indo-western aircraft fleet. The officer initiated many new measures, as given below, during his tenure: a. Revision of Maintenance Schedules for Jaguar and Mirage aircraft, so as to reduce the number of servicings. This led not only to saving but increased fleet availability. b. Setting up of 1200/2400 hrs servicing for Dornier at Sulur. c. During the Kargil operations, the avai-lability of Mirage aircraft was increased from 24 to 33 by hastening supply of spares and repair efforts from OEMs in France. Based on experience, the officer initiated cases for procurement of additional rotables and role equipment to strengthen Mirage fleet.

The officer has also worked as ACAS (System) for more than a year. His major contribution during the tenure was streamlining the Matcal Project for repair/calibration of aircraft testers, induction of UAVs/LDPs and modification of aircraft for fitment of CDMS/ GPS. The issue of life expiry of majority of Air Launched Missiles in next 3 to 4 years was brought to the fore while recommendation for setting of life extension/refurbishment facilities within India. After extensive discussion, MOD has designated BDL as the agency to set up facilities for undertaking this task. This project may save millions to exchequer.

Air Vice Marshal Rameshwar Nath has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Naiyer Iqbal Razzaqui (9642) Adm was Commissioned on 26th June 1965 in the Administrative Branch of IAF. In a career spanning 36 years, he has held several important and varied field, staff and instructional appointments. He has made creditable contributions as Chief Instructor at Air Force Admin College, as the Chief Administrative Officer at a flying base, as the Director Admin Inspections and Director Personal Services and as Provost Marshal (Air) at Air Headquarters. A high sense of integrity, courage of conviction and a keen sense of responsibility have been the qualities that dominated his approach and attitude throughout his career.

As Provost Marshal (Air) at Air HQ, he was instrumental in the introduction of new security system and in strengthening of the provost and security environment in the IAF, both, in terms of equipment, as well as procedural aspects. As Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Avadi, he demonstrated exceptional professionalism, dynamism and remarkable dedication in the performance of his duties. With meticulous planning, emphasis on quality and standardization, pragmatic application and close supervision, he could significantly enhance the productivity levels and add to user satisfaction. In his present appointment as Senior Officer Administration of HQ Training Command, he has in a very short time demonstrated his administrative acumen by streamlining various aspects of administration, reviewing administrative procedures.

His initiative in the critical area of security at the airbases of his Command, as well as in a large measure in strengthening the all important task of ab-initio as well as inservice training of our defence personnel.

Air Vice Marshal Naiyer Iqbal Razzaqui has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Sharad Yeshwant Savur (10525) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 29 Oct 66. He is an exceptional transport aircraft pilot with more than 7500 hours of accident free flying in air logistics over hazardous mountainous terrain in Ladakh and the North Eastern States as well as VVIP/VIP flights. He has commanded the prestigious Air HQ Communication Squadron as well as three major transport/helicopter bases, has undergone the course at National Defence College, besides undertaking instructional staff appointments.

As Station Commander, he was in charge of the trials for formulation and Standard Operating Procedures for air-sea rescue by Mi-8 helicopters. Later, as Air Officer Commanding, he inspired all aircrew to maintain sustained accident-free operations from the short runway by his personal example in flying the IL-76. Again, whilst in command of Air Force Station, Palam, he motivated all personnel to produce two highly successful Air Force Day parades. With tact and his previous experience he interacted with several agencies and reviewed security procedures to make them more effective and less obtrusive in handling high profile VVIP/ VIP visits without effective routine operations. In the after math of the devastating earthquake in Bhuj, he geared up the Station to receive and dispatch immense quantity of relief supplies and personnel to Bhuj, and provide assistant and make adequate arrangements for the victims and their next of kin on their evacuation from the affected areas.

AVM Savur, as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (PA&C), has continued to interact with other agencies to expedite the issue of non-effective benefits and has obtained approval for recruitment of civilians, which was pending since 1996. he has initiated several measures to accelerate staff work dealing with personnel below Officer Rank.

Air Vice Marshal Sharad Yeshwant Savur has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Thiruvengadam Ramanujam VSM (10695) AE (L) was commissioned on 02 Mar 1967 in the Engineering Branch of IAF. In his 34 years of his distinguished service, he has held several important maintenance, staff and Command appointments including command of a Station, a Base Repair Depot (BRD), EDP manager of a larger depot and Chief Systems Engineer, RCPO. He is a postgraduate in Computer science from IIT Kanpur and a graduate of Defence Services Staff College. For his innovative modification in Data Processing equipment of THD radar, he was awarded VSM in 1982 as a Flight Lieutenant/Squadron Leader.

As Air Officer Commanding of a BRD, he ensured a sustained level of production around 30% more than the allotted task for two years and received the best System BRD trophy in 2000. He also contributed significantly in trend analysis of failures, especially in respect of VUC 201 (an airborne R/T equipment), and by adopting various remedial measures, he was able to improve the life of this equipment, which till then had a history of premature withdrawals. As Global co-coordinator (GC) IMMOLS project, he was able to sort out contentious problems between IAF and the vendor (M/S TCS) and the software development was completed well in time during his tenure.

AS GC IMMOLS and presently as ACAS (Systems), he has been a key member of Air Officer Maintenance's core team streamlining various procurement procedures and in preparation of canons/directives in the Maintenance Branch. As ACAS (Systems), he is now handling the daunting tasks preparation of Armament Compendium, Life extension of air launched Missiles and Pechora missiles, execution of work services for armament storage on a turn key basis, and procurement of vegetation-clearance and material-handling equipment for all bomb dumps, which are basically inter-disciplinary in nature. In addition to all these time consuming tasks, he has also been actively involved in ling range communication plans and Revised ADGES Plan for the IAF in coordination with Ops Branch.

AVM Ramanujam has the desirable combination of a workaholic and a planner with a vision, a rare quality that is immensely beneficial to the service.

Air Vice Marshal Thiruvengadam Ramanujam VSM has, thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Fali Homi Major SC, VM (11422) F (P) has been Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of a forward Air Base, which has the distinction of being the highest operational airfield in the world, since Sep 99. Air Cmde Major on assuming the Command analyzed the vital role played by this Air Base due to manifold increment in the airlift/heli-lift with the induction of 14 Corps at Leh. He facilitated increased air maintenance sorties both at Leh as well as in the Siachen Glacier region, post Kargil operations. More than 9000 sorties were flown during the last 18 months, despite limitations due to harsh climatic conditions, and inhospitable mountainous terrain. Such operations demanded high skill levels and thorough professionalism.

Consequent to Kargil operations, there was an operational necessity to train Fighter and attack Helicopter aircrew for carrying out weapon training at high altitude. Though superior interpersonal relations and leadership qualities, Air Cmde Major ensured that more than 75 aircrew carried out regular air to ground armament training at Kharbutang Field Firing Range. Due to his untiring efforts, today, and a large reserve of aircrew are qualified and available for this task. Night air operations by fixed wing aircraft at Leh was accomplished through innovative approach, in spite of the non-availability of an electrical flare path (runway lights). Air Superiority Fighters were able to operate on a regular basis at this airfield, even though this base is not established with requisite support facilities. In spite of operating under these conditions, the flight safety record at this Base has been very impressive.

Air Cmde Major worked tirelessly to ensure that impeccable living conditions are provided to the personnel so that optimum utilization of resources is ensured. Morale of personnel operating at this forward base, in debilitating conditions is high due to persistent efforts of the AOC.

Air Commodore Fali Homi Major SC, VM, has, thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore (Mrs.) Padmavathy Bandopadhyay VSM (11528), Med joined Army Medical Corps on 22 Jan 1968 and seconded to the Air Force from the same date. Her career spanning over three decades has been full of achievements. She has held key appointments and demonstrated dedicated hard work and foresight. Academically, she is highly qualified in Aviation Medicine and Physiology. She is also a post-graduate of Defence Services Staff College and holds MSc (Defence Sciences). She has flown as passenger (and for research work) in quite many types of aircraft, which has contributing in enriching her knowledge with regard to the problems faced by aviators.

Her interaction with the flying and being with the aircrew was appreciated during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, and in recognition, she was awarded 'Vishisht Seva Medal' in 1972, and commendation by the Chief of Air Staff in 1982. Well attuned to the adventure, she has been a member of Arctic Team in 89-90 where she collected a lot of data for physiological research.

In the present assignment as Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Central Establishment (AFCME), she has effected substantial improvements in the working conditions of the unit, acquisition of high-tech equipment, as well as in the aesthetics. As chairman of the officers' Mess Committee, she has been able to improve the functioning of the Mess, which has been quite obvious in the recent past. Work services to the tune of Rs. 30 lakhs have been completed/in the pipeline in the Mess and about Rs. 75 lakhs in the unit during the year.

She has displayed exceptional qualities of leadership. She has been able to harness all the resources, which are required for smooth functioning of the AFCME, which is always in the notice being premier institution for aircrew evaluation, service as well as the civil. Her dedication to work, forthrightness, futuristic vision has led to all round improvement in the functioning of the unit.

Air Commodore (Mrs.) Padmavathy Bandopadhyay VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Maheshwar Dutt, KC (11607) F (P) was commissioned on 18 May 68 in the IAF. In 33 years of distinguished service, he has held several important command and staff appointments that include command of Mi-17 units both in Siachen and Tawang sectors, Director of Training in DGR (MOD), Air II J&K, Command of two flying stations, Command Personnel Staff Officer at HQ Western Air Command and Director Operations (T&H) at Air HQ.

He is one of the first two Commanders of Mi-17 units in IAF. He raised the Unit and declared it operational in Siachen area in record time. During the first year itself, unit was awarded the best helicopter unit trophy under his command. During this tenure he had single handedly carried out the famous 'Zojila Rescue' operation, which features in the Books of World Records. He was awarded Kirti Chakra on 26 Jan 86.

During 1991-93, he was Air II J&K area and had streamlined and optimized the air maintenance activities in Siachen area. He was appointed Station Commander of a station in J&K in 1995-96, when it was worst affected by militant activities. He vigorously motivated others and professionally organized all activities to meet challenging task in J&K and Siachen areas. During 1996 he was selected as Task Force Commander to conduct Heliborne Exercise Chakravyuh involving 47 helicopters in formation at night.

Air Cmde Dutt was the Director Ops (T&H) at Air HQ from 08 Aug 98 to 03 Jan 2000, which was crucial period since Air Logistics in Siachen area had increased manifolds and country was hit by unprecedented number of floods and natural calamities followed by Kargil Operations. Air Cmde M Dutt assumed command of 36 Wing on 04 Jan 2000. Station is dispersed at four locations and poses many challenges. With his foresight and dynamic approach, he has brought up the station in all respects and has tremendously improved the quality of life of all personnel. He has made a big headway in all areas involving Operations, Maintenance and Administration through innovation and self help schemes under station arrangements.

Air Commodore Maheshwar Dutt, KC has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Selvam Kulandaisami Jayarajan VSM (11695) Lgs was commissioned on 23 Jan 68 in the Logistics branch of the Indian Air Force. In 33 years of distinguished service, he has held several important command and staff appointments that include Senior Logistics Officer of a Flying Station, Commanding Officer of Air Stores Park and Director of Purchase at Air HQ. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and College of Defence Management. For distinguished services, he was awarded VSM in 1997.

Air Cmde Jayarajan was appointed the Air Officer Commanding of the biggest Equipment Depot of IAF on 19 Jan 2000. This depot caters to the requirements of almost all front line aircraft of IAF, and plays a vital role in the supply chain. From the time he took over as AOC, a positive, dynamic and result oriented approach was seen from this officer in not only reorganizing the storage sites and streamlining the procedures to achieve maximum demand satisfaction but also to identify non-moving stores to vigorously pursue their disposal. During this period, he organized three new dust-free modern storage sites for raw material, free length hoses and MiG-21 BIS upgrade items, which besides ensuring proper identification and accounting, enhanced functional effectiveness. His exemplary alacrity and accomplishment of tasks with commendable speed and efficiency, is a direct result of his dedicated planning, timely initiatives and dedication to duty.

Air Cmde SK Jayarajan had dedicated himself to improving the quality of life of the station personnel. Considerable improvement was planned and brought about in the messes, living and working environment at the Depot. Air Commodore Selvam Kulandaisami Jayarajan VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Yashwant Rao Rane VM (12210) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch as a fighter pilot on 20 Dec 69. He has commanded two fighter squadrons, been the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of a fighter base, served on the faculty of College of Defence Management, and has undergone the National Defence College course. He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader and, is at present, Air Officer Commanding of a Mirage 2000 base. He was awarded Vayu Seva Medal in Oct 89.

Whilst having a commendable service record, the Air Officer has contributed handsomely to the operational efficiency and preparedness of Mirage-2000 base. His unfettered zeal and dedication has shown significant improvements in the development of Singpur Range, which is the only multi-directional, multi-target air-to-ground firing range in the IAF. The development of this range has immensely contributed towards enhancing the training value of operational pilots while carrying out live firing sorties. In other ranges, firing can be carried out only from one direction only, which restricts the training value of these missions. Due to his drive and motivation, he has ensured improved operational status of the Mirage 2000 Squadrons. His attention to details towards the environment and living conditions has ensured a quantum leap in the quality of life for all personnel at the Air Force Station. His approach has been balanced and result oriented, with personal involvement in every sphere of life. He has also been able to motivate the personnel of the station to constantly strive and achieve higher standards, so as to improve operational potential of the station. Due to his dedication and motivation, this base has become model representative of one of best that exists in service today.

Air Cmde Rane has contributed significantly immensely to the enhancement of the operational potential of the IAF. He has also brought about significant improvement in the quality of life for all personnel at Air Force Station, Gawalior. In addition, the improvements in the environment and working conditions have contributed towards safe, accident free operation.

Air Commodore Yashwant Rao Rane VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Sadasivan Radhakrishnan VM (12408) was commissioned into the flying Branch of the IAF on 13 Jun 70. He is a qualified Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader and has flown close to 4000 hours. He has held several prestigious Command and Staff appointments, including command of a MiG-21 squadron, Air Defence Direction Center (ADDC) and an Advance HQ. During his tenure, his ADDC was adjudged to be the best in South Western Air Command. He was also the Chief Instructor at the College of Air Warfare.

Air Commodore Radhakrishnan took over the command of Air Force Station, Chabua, on 01 Jan 99. At that juncture, the station was in the middle of a large-scale revival after prolonged disuse till 1996. During this difficult stage he was tasked with accelerated MiG Operational Flying training.

Realizing that it was the human element that would make the vital difference between mediocrity and excellence, he galvanized the manpower under him into action. Instituting a series for steps for close interaction between officers and other ranks, the Air Officer built up a very noteworthy camaraderie and spirit-decorps among his personnel. Simultan eously, he addressed core issues pertaining to Operations, Maintenance and Administration. The result was a quantum jump in produc tivity, as became evident from prompt task completion, extensive environmental beauti fication and accelerated completion of many on-going works services. He also brought about discernible improvements in three critical areas viz. Flight Safety, security and quality of life. During his tenure as the Air Officer Commanding, the station has maintained an excellent flight safety record. The only Cat I accident during his tenure was on 15 Mar 99 where the pilot rejected take off because of engine failure. The station has flown 17823 sorties amounting to 10160 hours since this accident. He ensured continuous productive actions to clear the flight safety zone of unwanted vegetation thus ensuring a bird free environment. Since 15 Sep 99, the last case of a bird hit, the station has flown 3985 sorties amounting to 7966 hours without an incident of bird hit.

Through his interactive style of management, Air Cmde Radhakrishnan infused a new sense of enthusiasm and purpose in his station personnel. A large number of welfare measures saw perceptible improvements take place in the quality of life and a consequent rise in the morale of his station. His close liaison with the civil agencies resulted in a marked improvements in the power situation in the station.

Air Commodore Sadasivan Radhakrishnan VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Swaminathan Gopalakrishna VSM (12437) AE (M) was commissioned on 06 Jul 70 in the Technical Engineering Branch of IAF. In 31 years of distinguished service, he has held several important command and staff appointments that include Chief Engineering Officer of a fighter base, Commanding Officer of a Base Repair Dept and Joint Director and Director of Weapons systems at Air Headquarters. As Director Engineering 'D', he is responsible for the maintenance of important but troublesome transport and helicopter fleets of IAF which are beset with problems of low serviceability and difficulties in obtaining spares. With his systematic approach and clear vision to focus on key result areas, he has set about to streamline and put in place an effective support system. from a beginning in IAF based on aircraft maintenance on tarmac and in hangars to formulating policy and plans, Air Cmde Gopalakrishna has come a long way by stint of hard work, commitment to organizational goals and his storming zeal.

As an engineering officer at the Mirage 2000 base, Air Cmde Gopalakrishna set up the Engine Module Change facilities and Engine Test Bench for the modular engines of Mirage 2000 aircraft that were damaged in a hangar collapse in 1989, in record time. This was possible only due to his single minded dedication, devotion and hard work.

Air Cmde Gopalakrishna commanded a BRD, which was tasked for overhaul of AN-32 aircraft. Before Air Cmde Gopalakrishna took over command of the BRD, some AN-32 aircraft were being dispatched abroad for repair/overhaul. Air Cmde Gopalakrishna resolved not to send any aircraft abroad for overhaul and meet the complete requirement indigenously. No AN-32 aircraft has since been sent abroad for overhaul and this BRD has met the complete overhaul and repair requirements of IAF. It was during this period that the BRD undertook structural repair of corrosion affected IL-76 aircraft, which otherwise would have been sent abroad for repairs. All this was possible because of the leadership qualities of Air Cmde Gopalakrishna.

Air Commodore Swaminathan Gopalakrishna VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.