Wing Commander Shrikant Prabhakar Puranik has been commanding one of the operational helicopter units in the northern sector since 09 Jan 84.

Throughout his present tenure as Commanding Officer, he has displayed leadership, organizing ability, dedication and devotion to duty of a very high order. Under his able leadership and guidance the unit has won many laurels. The unit under his command has accomplished more than 8600 hours of operational flying, most of it in the treacherous region of the Siachen Glacier. During the very first year of his Command, the unit won the Best Performance Helicopter Unit Trophy. Then again in the subsequent year the unit won the Best Operational Helicopter Unit Trophy. These achievements together with the enormous task of maintenance of the Army at the Siachen Glacier by the Helicopter Unit were, to a great extent, due to the ingenuity, hard work and exemplary leadership of Wg Cdr SP Puranik.

Wg Cdr Puranik has to his credit 4600 hours of accident/incident-free flying, including 920 hours during the present tenure. Of these, 540 hours have been flown in the Siachen Glacier alone, where he has not only operated with skill and confidence but has also trained his junior pilots to undertake the exacting operations. This has helped in meeting all the demands placed on the unit for the Glacier operations.

For his outstanding leadership, devotion to duty and professional skill, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr SP Puranik.

Wing Commander Manpreet Singh Brar was the Commanding Officer of an Air Defence Fighter Squadron from Dec 83 to Dec 85. He took over the unit at a time when the unit had just overcome the after effects of a fatal accident. During this initial period he strove very hard and used every bit of his vast experience to get his squadron in the air again. With his relentless efforts and true personal example, he was able to motivate his personnel and guide them to achieve the stipulated task.

With limited resources both in terms of trained pilots and ground crew, the Squadron has been able to achieve a record number of hours in day and night flying for the year 1984-85. To achieve this gigantic flying task he has had to do extensive early morning and late evening flying. This exacting job demanded constant attention. Being an Air Defence squadron, the unit had to regularly do outstation Operational Readiness Platform commitments which were accomplished time and again to the entire satisfaction of all.

The Squadron carried out this extensive flying with absolute safety. This achievement is even more creditable in view of the fact that many of the young pilots were under conversion or operational training. This was recognized through the award of Western Air Command Flight Safety Trophy to the unit for the year 1984-85.

Wg Cdr Brar's operational orientation is remarkable. He has always displayed excellent professional skill, initiative combined with cheerfulness willingness to accept additional responsibilities at all times.

For his professional skill, devotion to duty and commendable contribution made to the operational efficiency of the Squadron, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Manpreet Singh Brar.

Wing Commander Nirmal Thusu was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December, 1964. To date, he has accumulated 4700 hours of total flying as well as 2700 glider launches, all of them accident­free. He has 2411 hours of operational flying on the Canberra, both in the Eastern and the Western sectors. He has been and outstanding A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor with over 1900 hours of instructional flying in India and abroad on such varied aircraft types as Canberra, Kiran, HT-2, HPT-32, and L-29. He has held the Master Green Instrument Rating on Canberra and Kiran aircraft since 1974.

Wg Cdr N Thusu has done two eminently successful tenures of duty as Air Force Examiner with the Aircrew Examining Board. As a 'C' Flight Air Force Examiner during these tenures, he has made remarkably significant contribution to the maintenance of a very demanding and high standard of Qualified Flying Instructors. A very keen, perceptive and analytical flier, this officer is endowed with a very rate sense of commitment to flying standards in the IAF in general and to standards within the Aircrew Examining Board, in particular.

For his exceptional qualities as a flierinstructor­examiner, he has been commended by AOsC-in-C on four different occasions and was also commended by the Air Chief of a friendly country for his performance while on deputation to that country as a Qualified Flying Instructor.

For his outstanding professional acumen and his exceptionally outstanding contribution to the maintenance of high standards of flying training, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Nirmal Thusu.

Wing Commander Mohinderjit Singh Singha was commissioned in the flying branch in Oct 65. An officer with exceptional professional competence, he has been 'A-2' flying instructor since Oct 75. He has 5800 hours of accident-free flying to his credit.

Wing Commander Singha has always displayed exceptional leadership, organsiational ability, ingenuity, dedication and devotion to duty. As a Flight Commander at a Training Air Base and later as Flight Commander and Command Examiner at Paratroopers' Training School, he made significant contributions to the improvement of professional standards. His cheerful acceptance of responsibilities, willingness to work long hours and ability to train and motivate his subordinates, coupled with professional acumen, have been a source of inspiration for every one.

As a Flight Commander of the newly inducted Gajraj Squadron, he took upon himself the arduous task of standardizing the operating procedures of the aircraft in the new environment and varied roles in which very little practical experience was available. His diligence and intimate personal involvement have made subsequent operations both productive and safe.

For his outstanding professionalism, leadership, devotion to duty and dedication, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Mohinderjit Singh Singha.

Wing Commander Satish Kumar Jain was commissioned in Oct 65. He has flown as many as 3760 hours accident-free on eighteen different types of aircraft.

He was assigned the command of a fighter squadron in Sep 84. This operational squadron also imparts flying training to freshly commissioned pilots. With superior organizational skill and total involvement, Wg Cdr Jain has reorganized and fine-tuned his squadron into a highly efficient and potent organistaion. He has been able to motivate his officers and men and has thus stepped up flying effort by 50%. Wg Cdr Jain has ensured a consistently high standard of training both for staff pilots and the trainees. With exceptional control and organization of maintenance activities, his Squadron established a record of high aircraft serviceability. In 1985-86 the Squadron recorded 100% serviceability on four occasions. No humanerror accident in 5600 hours of flying is the indicator of his direct involvement in all spheres of activities.

For his commendable organistational acumen, operational achievements and exceptional leadership qualities, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Satish Kumar Jain.

Wing Commander Puzhandara Ambalavattam Hari Mohan was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 16 Oct 65 and has been on the posted strength of a heavy transport squadron since Oct 84. He has distinguished himself with 5700 hours of accident-free flying on Packet, Chitra and Sutluj aircraft with an 'A' category on Chitra.

In Jan 83, Wg Cdr Hari Mohan was selected to undergo a conversion course on Sutluj aircraft in the USSR and formed the nucleus of Sutluj expertise in the IAF. He was subsequently posted to a transport squadron in the Eastern region, the first to be equipped with Sutluj aircraft. His laudable contribution and exceptional level of flying skill and competence earned him 'Check Pilot' status in Feb 85. Thereafter, he was asked to train other pilots of the unit both in basic and operational roles, especially in the new-profile Transport Support Role involving supply dropping/ landing at the Dropping Zones/Advanced Landing Grounds by the Sutluj in the Eastern Sector and formation of a new Standard Operating Procedure to cater for the characteristics of the newly inducted Sutluj. Though he had no previous experience in the area, which is notorious for its flying hazards. Wg Cdr Harimohan adopted himself very quickly and achieved the goals for him a very short time, through personal example, total dedication to duty, selfless and his ability to put in long hours of work by day and night over a sustained period. During his tenure, the squadron has achieved fully operational status in all roles.

For his exceptional flying capabilities, superb organizational skill and outstanding contribution to his squadron, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Puzhandara Ambalavattam Harimohan.

Wing Commander Ajit Bhavnani has been posted as Commanding Officer of a premier frontline squadron since 28 Jan 85. As Commanding Officer of the first Vajra squadron of the IAF, his performance has been truly outstanding. Having successfully led the team of Vajra pilots trained in France, he achieved the rare distinction of planning and successfully leading the first ferry of seven Vajra aircraft from France to India. Subsequently, he was involved in the successful ferry of three more batches of Vajra aircraft flown in by his squadron. Having assumed command of his squadron, he shou ldered the major responsibility of forming the squadron and inducting a very modern and sophisticated aircraft into the IAF. With his outstanding professional ability, he performed the arduous task in the most methodical and distinctive manner.

Overcoming all the initial hurdles, he organized the available resources to build his unit into a highly operational and efficient outfit within a very short period of time. Despite severe handicaps of shortage of manpower and equipment, he motivated his squadron personnel exceptionally well which resulted in heavy flying activity. Working relentlessly, he ushered in a new era of concepts and tactics related to fighter operations. His selfless devotion to work has been an exemplary source of inspiration and motivation for his personnel. Due to his deep personal involvement and exceptionally high level of professional competence, the entire Vajra force has reached a distinctively high level of operational efficiency.

As Commanding Officer, he has displayed an exceptional high level of professional skill.

For his outstanding achievements as Commanding Officer of the first Vajra Squadron, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva medal to Wing Commander Ajit Bhavnani.

Wing Commander Mahtab Rai Handa was specially selected as a helicopter pilot for the Fourth Antarctica Expedition. In Antarctica, Wg Cdr Handa showed tremendous zeal and contributed substantially to the flying effort and achievement of the expedition goals against tremendous odds.

On 24 Feb 85, as soon as it was learnt that a naval Chetak had force landed on a floating iceberg and could not be rescued by any available means within the capability of the ship, he took the decision in coordination with the Expedition leader to rescue the naval aircrew and recover their aircraft by the Pratap helicopter. He flew two sorties for rescue of the crew from a floating ice berg which had undulating surface and several cracks. He also helped Wg Cdr Simeos in flying the repaired Pratap helicopter which had suffered heavy damage. This helicopter was flown onto a small ramp on board the ship, after it was exposed to a number of blizzards for 42 days. With his dedicated participation in the flying effort with only serviceable Pratap helicopter, all men and material for the Expedition were airlifted to the new station at Dakshin Gangotri Hills.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, professional skill and competence, coupled with outstanding courage shown during the crisis, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Mahtab Rai Handa.

Wing Commander Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 02 Jun 68. After his short tenure of operating on high performance aircraft, Wg Cdr Ahluwalia was selected to undergo the Flying Instructors' Course. He excelled as a flying instructor and was awarded Category A-2 in recognition of his superior professional knowledge and instructional ability.

In 1976, Wg Cdr Ahluwalia was sent on an instructional tenure abroad. During this tenure, he successfully executed a forced landing of an L-29 aircraft. For his cool and competent handling of such a grave emergency and saving the aircraft and also the life of his pupil, he was specially commended by the Commander­in­Chief of the Air Force to which he was attached for instructional duties. He then did a tenure as Assistant Director Operations at Air Headquarters.

In 1984, Wg Cdr Ahluwalia was specially selected to undergo training in France for converting onto the Vajra aircraft. As Senior Flight Commander of the new raising, with his characteristic enthusiasm and total devotion to duty, he undertook the lion's share of the difficult process of starting the new squadron.

In recognition of the past performance in service, he was given the prestigious and onerous task of re-equipping the oldest squadron of the Air Force with the latest and most sophisticated weapon system (Vajra). Although he had just completed the trying process of setting up the previous squadron, he took on the new responsibility without any regard to his own comfort or leisure.

For his hard work, loyalty to service, devotion to duty, exemplary qualities of leadership and intelligent management techniques, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia.

Wing Commander Ivor Mario Simoes was one of the four Pratap helicopter pilots specially chosen for the Fourth Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica, 198485. Wg Cdr Simoes undertook 145 sorties in hazardous flying conditions and wind velocity exceeding 70 KMPH and was instrumental in ensuring the transportation of all the material required from the ship to construct three huts at Dakshin Gangotri and a garage at the Base Camp.

A Pratap helicopter, having suffered heavy damage, force landed on the shelf ice. This helicopter was patch­repaired over a period of 42 days under extreme cold conditions and frequent blizzards. However, there were no means of ascertaining its airworthiness other than by actually flying the repaired helicopter. Fully alive to the risks involved, this officer courageously flew out the repaired helicopter on 11 Feb 85 from the sea-shelf to the mother ship. But for his initiative, this helicopter might have been a total loss to the country.

Again, on 24 Feb 85, a naval Chetak helicopter force landed on a floating iceberg. The prompt rescue of the crew and recovery of the helicopter was once again effected once again by Wg Cdr Simoes, who flew six sorties for the purpose. It was brave action and professional skill that saved the situation. A short while after the Chetak was recovered, the iceberg began breaking up when it collided with two other floating icebergs. The landing of a Pratap helicopter on a floating iceberg is the only such record in the history of the Air Force.

For his extraordinary courage, superb flying skill and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Simoes.

Squadron Leader Kanwar Bharatendra Singh was posted to a fighter squadron as a Senior Flight Commander on 23 Mar 85. At that time this Squadron was the first unit to be fully equipped with Badal aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. As a Flight Commander, he had the arduous job of converting the squadron pilots onto a new type and to raise the operational status of the squadron.

It was primarily due to his initiative, farsightedness and organizational capabilities that the squadron was able to fly more than 3700 sorties without any accident. This incredible task has been achieved despite a low trained manning state, and the low serviceability state, with an average not more than 5 aircraft available daily. Notwithstanding the low manning and serviceability state, ten pilots were trained to fully operational status. Proper planning and correct staggering sequence enabled the squadron to fly the number of sorties already mentioned and also meet the additional requirements of frequently manning Operational Readiness Platform.

The squadron has an excellent record of flight safety and operational status till date. This record is attributable mainly to the high professional competence and close supervision exercised by Sqn Ldr KB Singh. He neglected his personal comforts and worked for very long hours to achieve this difficult task.

For his sincere work and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Kanwar Bharatendra Singh.

Squadron Leader Jatinder Pal Singh Talwar has been on the posted strength of a bomber squadron since 13 Feb 84. He has to his credit 1300 hours of accident-free flying on Canberra aircraft. Currently, he is a righthand seat qualified trainer captain and holds Master Green Rating.

On 15 Feb 85, after completing a hill flying exercise, Squadron Leader Talwar joined circuit. Even after the undercarriage was lowered by him on downwind, the red light of the starboard main wheel remained on. The ATC confirmed that the starboard main wheel was partially down. Despite every effort the starboard wheel could not be brought down. It was finally decided to land the aircraft in the existing condition. The demand and the responsibility on him increased further as damage to the delicate and expensive equipment housed in the radome (on the belly of the aircraft) seemed inevitable. Notwithstanding the pressure, the pilot, unperturbed and in full control for his faculties made a perfect touch down on two extended wheels and controlled the landing run with dexterity and ensured that while minimum damage was caused to the Airframe, the radome sustained no damage to all.

On another occasion, on 15 Oct 85, while carrying out A&E check at 40,000', Sqn Ldr Talwar displayed an exceptional degree of flying skill and professional competence in handling the emergencies and landing the aircraft safely.

In recognition of his exceptionally high degree of professional skill and outstanding airmanship, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Jatinder Pal Singh Talwar.

Squadron Leader Rajib Kumar Chakravorty has been on the posted strength of Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment with effect from 09 Jan 82.

From Dec 82 to Feb 84, he was involved in the successful and safe completion of numerous high priority trials allotted to the Flight Test Squadron of this establishment. He was on the Shamsher Darin project while, simultaneously, he was responsible for the singlehanded completion of five separate trials on Vajra aircraft. The latter had to be carried out from the home base. Their timely completion involved long hours of work on the tarmac in severe climatic conditions. During a reject take-off trial on Vijay aircraft, the brake parachute sheared off when deployed at limit speed. However, Sqn Ldr Chakravorty reacted in a cool and professional manner and averted what otherwise could have been a major accident. He also participated in trials on Vikram and Badal aircraft. By his application and industry, he set an example for younger test pilots to emulate. During his tenure with the FTS; Sqn Ldr Chakravorty displayed professionalism of a very high standard.

He was inducted into the Test Pilots School as the Senior Test Flying Instructor in Jan 85. During 1985-86, he was instrumental in the planning and completion of No. 8 Test Pilots' Course and the first half of No. 9 ETPC in spite of an acute shortage of test flying instructors. During this period, he discharged his duties as the Senior Test Flying Instructor and, for three months, as Officer Commanding, TPS, displaying instructional ability and flying skills of an exceptional order.

For his exceptional multifaceted professionalism, extreme devotion to duty and constant dedication to the task for test flying and training of test pilots, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Rajib Kumar Chakravorty.

Squadron Leader Deepak Balachandra Ajgaonkar, Parachute Jumping Instructor, has been posted to Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment, Agra as a Free Fall Qualified Parachute Jump Instructor with effect from 9 Jan 85. He has to his credit a total of 841 parachute descents inclusive of 285 free falls.

In Apr 85, he was assigned the task of completing an on­going Research and Development project in which Aircrew Parachute Chest Type was to be modified for fitment of an automatic opening device and also to carry out a first ever live trial of an emergency Aircrew Chest Type Parachute. He pursued the aim with extreme dedication and ingenuity. He was instrumental in redesigning the harness to incorporate a back type reserve and also in designing a jettisonable helmet mounted face guard for carrying out the liver trial for this very purpose.

On 29 Apr 86, he successfully carried out the first ever live trial of a chest type aircrew emergency parachute. This trial was the first in the world as per the literature available with the R&D organization. Due to the inherent risk involved, live trials of emergency parachutes are not recommended to be carried out anywhere in the world. Air Headquarters desired that at least one live trial jump should be conducted to instill confidence amongst future potential users, such as different types of aircrew of various types of transport aircraft. Sqn Ldr DB Ajgaonkar volunteered to undertake this pioneering feat which could have caused grave danger to his life.

For this first ever successful courageous attempt, dedication to duty and fruitful utilization of professional skill, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Deepak Balachandra Ajgaonkar.

Squadron Leader Rajdeep Singh Mann was commissioned in December, 1973. He was posted to airbase imparting flying training with effect from 15 Dec 83 and remained there for two years. A keen and above-average flier, he did over 600 hours of flying during this tenure. Thereafter, he was selected on merit for conversion to Rakshak aircraft. He did his Qualified Flying Instructors' Course in December, 1983 and during his two year instructional tenure at this Academy he did over 700 hours and trained 17 cadets. As a supervisor and as a Qualified Flying Instructor his performance has been exemplary. He has worked extremely hard and has always kept the interest of the service before his own. He was the driving force in completing the training of two Pilots' Courses on schedule.

On 17 Sept 85, while on an instructional sortie with a pupil, he experienced an engine flame out 50 feet off the ground during a roller take-off. Exercising exceptional skill and using split second judgment, he landed the aircraft back safely without any damage, thus saving a valuable aircraft.

For his exemplary professional ability and for his dedication to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader RS Mann.

Flight Lieutenant Anshu Kumar Matta was located at the Base Camp on Siachen Glacier as Captain of a helicopter detachment.

On 13 Aug 85 at 0815 hrs, a company commander, located at an extremely difficult forward post, passed a message to the Officerin-Charge Cheetah Helicopter Operation that due to heavy hostile shelling, one person was seriously wounded and could be saved only if he was speedily evacuated. Flt Lt AK Matta was close by and heard the message being conveyed. He, without wasting a moment for obtaining clearance, immediately took off leaving the clearance for the sortie to be obtained by the Task Force Commander. Not knowing the exact location of the casualty and to avoid delay in reaching the wounded soldier, he landed in the area of Company Headquarters which he was familiar with and picked up the Company Commander in his helicopter.

With utter disregard to his personal safety, he reached the area where hostile shelling was still continuing. The place where the wounded NCO lay was at an altitude of 19,200 feet above mean sea level. Due to heavy snow, no helipad could be constructed at such a short notice. Flt Lt AK Matta maneuvered and landed his aircraft at that altitude under bad weather and poor visibility conditions.

Against all odds and fully award of the risks, Flt Lt AK Matta lifted the casualty and brought the wounded person to the Base Camp for first aid. He only waited till the helicopter was refuelled and immediately too off and brought the casualty to a General Hospital at the rear.

For his exemplary courage, selfless devotion to duty and matchless initiative, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flight Lieutenant Anshu Kumar Matta.

Junior Warrant Officer Balwinder Singh, Flight Gunner, was selected for the Fourth Scientific Expedition to Antarctica since he had 2100 hours of flying experience on Pratap helicopter.

During the expedition he was assigned the important task of loading and offloading operations of all bulky and unwieldy construction material on Pratap for airlift from the ship to the Indian Station in Antarctica. Being the only Flight Gunner in the team, he had to fly all the sorties which demanded long working hours. His meticulous and most efficient approach to the task saved a lot of turn­around time, resulting in more sorties on any one clear day of flying. He carried out 192 sorties and flew a total of 72 hours, thus airlifting 132 tons of construction material and essential stores within the limited available time in sub­zero temperature conditions. Though JWO Singh was not a part of the technical team, he actively participated in all the maintenance activities of the expedition, right from the packing of the helicopter stores, its loading and the maintenance activities during the voyage. Even while in Antarctica he participated in the task required for servicing.

In an accident during the expedition, the undersurface of a Pratap helicopter was damaged. As a member of the aircrew on board, JWO B Singh displayed commendable initiative. Having ascertained the extent of the damage physically, he advised the Captain to attempt a precautionary landing. On reaching the base camp, he jumped out even while the helicopter hovered, and arranged a safe landing of the helicopter.

For his exemplary courage, high degree of professionalism and selfless devotion to service, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to JWO Balwinder Singh.