Wing Commander Sat Dev Gupta (5529) Accounts was commissioned in the Accounts Branch on 1st June, 1958. He joined Air Force as B Com with Intermediate Chartered Accountancy and acquired LL B and Cost Accountancy qualification while in service, a rare combination of academic and professional qualifications in the field of finance and accounts.

He has served with distinction in two major Air Force Stations viz Jalahali and New Delhi, two major Wings, Air Force Academy and two Equipment Depots. He also served with rare competence and personal involvement at Maintenance and Western Air Commands.

In July 1983 Wing Commander Gupta was posted to Directorate of Financial Planning as Deputy Director Cost Analysis. He is also entrusted with the work of evaluation of all HAL financial proposals. He has taken very keen interest in streamlining, updating and analyzing the costing returns to arrive at realistic flying and training costs. His searching and critical examination of HAL cost quotations in consultation with Defence (Finance) yielded in reduction of over Rs. 56 Cr during 1984-85. It was solely due to him that a saving of Rs. 72 lakhs was achieved in profit elements payable to HAL for Jaguar and Bahadur aircraft. His advice to Ministry on assessment of income tax on license fee paid to British Aircraft Corporation for manufacturing Jaguar Aircraft would result in a refund of Rs. 87 lakhs.

With his exceptional capabilities and their maximum utilization for the benefit of service, a highly devoted and result oriented approach, Wg Cdr Gupta has maintained a very high standard of performance and has build up a highly motivated team which has achieved extra-ordinary results. For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sat Dev Gupta (5529) Accounts.

Wing Commander Divaker Pande (5722) Administrative joined Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India on deputation from Air Force as Assistant Director in July 1980. Since then, he has been supervising the work relating to a very sensitive aspect of terrorism viz., hijacking of aircraft and terrorist tactics. From the beginning, he displayed a very keen sense of involvement and application in this highly specialized task. He has not only very competently

handled day-to-day requirement pertaining to continued threat to national security from various terrorist groups and extremists but also rendered valuable services during the national emergency arising out of as many as seven hijackings of Indian/foreign aircraft during the past four years.

Wg Cdr Pande has also very ably and successfully organized a number of Security Orientation Courses for police officers from within the country and abroad, briefing for Central Government Ministries/ Departments personnel and Seminars for senior level officers of Air India, Indian Airlines, DGCA and AAI. Besides, he has played an active role in the monitoring and review of security arrangements at airports in the country. In this capacity, he has represented the Intelligence Bureau in the appropriate airport review committee meetings.

In all operational and other assignments, Wg Cdr Pande has always displayed unfailing zeal, exceptional devotion to duty especially at time of pressure and emergencies, professional competence of a very high order and has contributed greatly to the overall task of organization as a whole. In view of the high professional competence displayed by him, his continuous deputation was considered as asset to the Intelligence Bureau.

He has always displayed a very high degree of involvement, firm determination and result oriented approach to his work. Besides, he has a very humane approach to welfare of his subordinates. He has at all times been able to maintain their morale very high and has always delivered their best from them.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, selfless devotion to work, inspiring leadership, brilliant professional skill and overall distinguished services of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Wing Commander Divaker Pande the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Ganaprakasam James Williams (6383) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in Dec 1961. He passed out of Air Force Technical College as the "Best in Aeronautical Engineering" of the course. He held various key appointments viz. Engineering Officer, Flight Engineer, Chief Engineering Officer, Officer Commanding Repair & Salvage Unit and Staff posts in Command and Air Headquarters with distinction. In the past, he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff in 1977 and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Headquarters Maintenance Command in 1971.

On being posted as Chief Planning & Coordinating Officer at a Base Repair Depot in Feb 83, he reorganized the complete planning Wing to make it goal oriented. In material planning, he ensured that all the daily requirement of spares (Consumable Automatic Replenishment System, Rotables etc) were packed in a kit as per the worksheet relating in that particular day's job and were made available to the technician before the commencement of the work. For this purposed he put the concept of kit marshalling into a real practice. Needless to mention that the depot could complete the full task well in advance and the entire credit for this goes to the unending efforts of Wg Cdr Williams.

For effective utilization of resources - men, material and machines - Wg Cdr Williams devised a system of quarterly forecasting, monthly planning and weekly schedule of production. Each schedule was daily monitored and re-scheduled to meet the available resources. This has paid a very high dividend in terms of depot morale since the technicians are fully aware of what they are required to produce and are fully equipped with these resources.

To keep the production going inspite of the difficulty in obtaining spares from abroad, Wing Commander Williams made a special drive in indigenous substitution of imported items. A special mention is made about his achievement in regard to Rubber items and Aircraft General Stores items.

It has been due to the efforts of Wg Cdr Williams, his intelligence and creative ideas that the Depot has been completing the full task since the time he has been posted to this Depot. He set a personal example of dedication and hard work which resulted in inspiration and enthusiasm to all the personnel of this Depot. His motivating techniques resulted in fulfillment of task which was instrumental in getting this Depot the "Best BRD" Trophy in 1984.

For his outstanding contribution and selfless devotion to duty of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ganaprakasam James Williams.

Wing Commander Vinod Kumar Parashar (6416) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in Dec 61. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College Wellington and has held various Command and Staff appointments with distinction. Presently, he is holding the appointment of Production Planning and Co-coordinating officer at one of the Base Repair Depots.

In Nov 84, the Base Repair Depot was called upon to accomplish a unique engineering feat in the annals of our aviation history. The project called for modification of Mi-8 Helicopter for Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO) by installing dispensing devices for spraying thousands of Ltrs of special fluid over a specific area in about thirty seconds. The time limit for accomplishing the task was very critical and the work had to be undertaken on a war footing.

The operational requirements (ORs) being very stringent project needed deep study and analysis. Wg Cdr Parashar went ahead methodically, carried out a number of experiments on the ground, using com pressed air pressure for spray initially. Further scientific study of various parameters brought about spectacular improvements. It needed indepth study of hydraulics, behavior of fluid spread under various conditions, particularly under helicopter hover to study the effect of down-draught. Installation of tanks, pumps and pipe structures etc was done ensuring rigidity under actual operational flying conditions. Final configuration could only be arrived at, after a number of unsuccessful attempts. Wg Cdr Parashar did not give up but went ahead with unflinching vigour using scientific methods.

As the time-schedule was very tight, Wg Cdr Parashar and his team put in prolonged hours of work extending beyond midnight hours which he did, disregarding personal comfort.

In the above task, Wg Cdr Vinod Kumar Parashar has achieved a rare distinction shown a very high degree of technical capability and devotion to duty. The President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ganaprakasam James Williams.

Wing Commander Amar Chand Sharma (6684) Dental was commissioned in the Army Dental Corps in August 1962. Throughout his 23 years of service he has acquitted him self with utmost distinction in a number of highly demanding assignments and conducted himself in exemplary manner in both professional and administrative capacitates. He holds Master's degree in Orthodontics from Lucknow University and a certificate of merit from American Society of Dentistry for children, Ohio University, USA. He stood first in the aviation dentistry course in 1967. Again he was placed first in senior Dental Officers' Course held at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune in 1970.

Wg Cdr AC Sharma has done extensive research on the craniofacial pattern of Gurkhas and Kumaonese in the Armed Forces. The norms established by him for them have revolutionized the concept of Orthodontic treatment in these ethnic groups. Besides this Wg Cdr Sharma has done a variety of other researches including two armed forces medical research committee projects which have gone a long way in improving professional standards in the Armed Forces Dental Services. He has presented numerous scientific papers at meetings of professional societies and won national acclaim.

Because of his outstanding qualifications, in 1982 he was appointed as an Orthodontist and Instructor to Officer trainees in advanced course in Orthodontics at the prestigious Armed Forces Dental Clinic, New Delhi. During his tenure at AFDC, Wg Cdr Sharma made numerous innovative changes in the concept of orthodontics treatment. His professional reputation has resulted in phenomenal increase in the number of personnel seeking corrective treatment for orthodontic problems. The average number of cases have gone up from 26 to 382.

Wg Cdr Sharma's professional competence came in for special mention during 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak Operations, where he was actively involved in treatment of Mazillofacial war casualties.

He is the visiting Orthodontist to the Royal family of Bhutan. His outstanding performance received special mention from Royal family of Bhutan and the high dignitaries of that country.

In recognition of his professional competence of a very high order, devotion to service and dedication to duty and consistently outstanding performance beyond the normal call of duty, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Amar Chand Sharma.

Wing Commander Ranbir Singh Chauhan (6965) Logistics was commissioned in Jan 63. He is an outstanding sportsman and was specially selected to undergo training in National Institute of Sports, Patiala. He has rendered distinguished service in all the Command and Staff Appointments held by him.

He was in Command of An Air Stores Park from 30 Dec 82 to 08 Mar 85. ASP has an extremely vital role to play in providing the Lgs Support to operational units in the Western and Southwestern theaters. Normally, it deals mainly with aircraft spares and Automatic Replenishment System items. During the tenure of Wg Cdr RS Chauhan the workload of ASP multiplied many times. With the introduction of revised clothing policy, with most of the supplies being located in the North, Air Headquarters decided to use the ASP virtually as a clothing depot for receiving urgently required consignments and distributing them to the units all over the Air Force in order to ensure timely kitting of airmen. Due to shortage of storage accommodation Wg Cdr RS Chauhan had to devise his own methods for ensuring the fastest turnover since he was in no position to store the clothing items for any length of time. This task involved meticulous planning and long working hours for the ASP. It is to his credit of this officer that he motivated his men to rise to the occasion and comp leted all the extra tasks assigned to him.

He is a dynamic leader and has a great sense of responsibility. It was due to his leadership, zeal, devotion and total com mitment to the tasks in hand that the ASP, under his Command, was able to bag the Best Equipment Depot/Air Store Park Trophy for the first time.

For his distinguished service of a high order, his devotion to duty and loyalty to service, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ranbir Singh Chauhan.

Wing Commander Subhash Krishnarao Parelkar (7145) was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch of the Indian Air Force in March 1963. He served with dis tinction in Transport squadrons and qualified as a Navigator instructor. Subsequently, he served in the Air Headquarters Communica tion Squadron where only aircrew of proven merits are posted. He has to his credit 4,645 hours and his flying proficiency has been graded as exceptional on two different occasions.

Since March 1991, Wg Cdr Parelkar has served as Deputy Director VIP Operations at Air Headquarters, throughout rendering exceptional service. In the wake of Lok Sabha elections, a challenging task was entrusted to him of planning and execution of tightly scheduled movements of fixed wing aircraft and helicopter for the tours of the Prime Minister covering as many as 190 helipads besides visits to several recognized airfields. The officer was responsible for coordinating these VVIP movements with Air Force Commands and was a single point contact for all civil agencies including the Ministry of Defence, Intelligence Bureau, State Governments and several others. Unmindful of his personal comfort, with a high sense of responsibility the officer had throughout put in work for almost 18 hours a day to organize those flights and monitored their progress for proper execution. He ensured compliance with all the flight safety considerations so vital in the execution of VVIP flights. It is largely a measure of his personal tact, organizing ability, purposeful intelligence and dedicated hard work that despite several last minute changes all VVIP and VIP flights were carried out smoothly thus winning the respect of several high government authorities. The efforts of the officer were highly appreciated by the Prime Minister himself.

Throughout, Wg Cdr Parelkar displayed exceptional sense of duty, efficiency and professional competence of an exceptional order. For his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Subhash Krishnarao Parelkar.

Wing Commander Bipin Chandran Kurup (7505) Administrative was commissioned in the Jun 63 and inducted into air defence stream. With his extraordinary keenness and devotion to his profession, he attained professional categories in very short time.

During his tenure at two premier Signal Units he worked hard, much beyond the call of duty, to prepare and formulate training documents. Some examples of the officer's total involvement are the work done by him on a number of fighter controllers' notes. The notes prepared by him on the sophisticated radar, when it was inducted into service, are extensively used by all controllers even today. His zeal, organizing ability and devotion to duty had been instrumental in enabling his units to maintain a high category state of controllers, thereby improving the operational potential of the unit.

The officer with unflagging zeal and utmost devotion carried out his excellent work, when posted to the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. He brought about many effective changes in the pattern of inspection, wherein realistic live and simulated exercises were undertaken for analysis of operational potential of units. He revised the syllabus and procedure of fighter controller's categorization scheme to meet the challenge of changing ground environment. Inspite of the busy inspection schedule, he always willingly involved himself in organizing professional activities, like workshops for examiners and publication of articles on professional subjects.

Wing Commander Kurup, with his keen intellect, professional acumen, untiring zeal, practical approach to problems and meticulous attention to details has made a significant contribution in improving the operational preparedness of Air Defence Units. The President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Bipin Chandran Kurup.

Wing Commander Manoj Ghosh (7641) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in Jul 63. Upto 1973 he was engaged in various duties in Signal units. In 1973, he was selected for training on advance radar at Thomson-CSF, France.

During the first installation of this advanced radar, IAF officers and airmen were imparted on-the-job training by French engineers on the system. Wg Cdr Ghosh had specialized in the transmitter system of this radar. Within a short period of time, by dedicated hard work and application he was able to master the transmitter system to such an extent that he was able to solve complicated problems faced during the installation even without the assistance of French engineers. The keen understanding, hardwork, sincerity and dedication shown by this officer during the period of installation of the first radar was highly commended by the Thomson-CSF engineers. Over the ensuing years he had improved upon this knowledge by dedicated application to his task as result of which he is today consulted as an authority on the transmitter system even by the manufacturers of this radar. Very often he had rendered expert advice to the manufacturer in solving problems faced by them during the process of manufacture and testing.

In order to effectively utilize the expertise gained by this officer in installation activities, Wg Cdr Ghosh was posted to a Radar System Installation Unit in Jan 83 as Commanding Officer. One such radar is being installed by the Radar System Installation Unit at a location in the Eastern Sector. This site is an isolated location with very poor communication facilities as a result of which Wg Cdr Ghosh had to function independently and set up from scratch the infrastructure required for installation of this magnitude. This involved not only coordination of al the activities pertaining to the radar system but also the civil engineering aspects connected with construction of various buildings constituting a totally new Air Force complex. The creditable manner in which this officer has been able to coordinate and execute the various activities has resulted in a new Signal Unit complex blossoming in this isolated location.

A smart and highly disciplined officer with very pleasing manners he has set a personal example for the officers under his command. For his high standard of professional skill, initiative, devotion to duty, ability for sustained hardwork and for his having rendered distinguished service throughout his service career, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Manoj Ghosh.

Wing Commander Awatar Krishan Zadoo (7922) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in Oct 63. He has been working as Command Ground Electronics Systems Officer at Headquarters Western Air Command, Indian Air Force since Dec 83. During his tenure, he has shown remarkable foresight, vision and high sense of perception in his job spectrum. He has completed successful tenures earlier as Senior Engineer (Electronics) at two major fighter stations, besides a challenging tenure as the first Chief Examiner (Electronics) at the Groundcrew Examination Board.

Due to his dedicated efforts, backed by technical knowledge of high order, Wg Cdr Zadoo was largely responsible for installation and operational availability of the first two indigenous produced high power mobile radars at operational sites in Northern sector. He displayed initiative and drive in coordinating efforts connected with providing technical advice, maintenance support and spares for bringing indigenously produced high power static radar to operational status.

Wg Cdr Zadoo has displayed personal drive, enthusiasm and zeal in equipping Mobile Observation Flights, Signals Units and Flying Stations with telecommunications equipment, navigational aids etc, thereby enabling them to meet various operational requirements effectively. He has identified and successfully put into operational use indigenous power supply units and power packs for fitment into imported telecommunications equipment, thereby effecting foreign exchange savings.

The officer with his personal drive, initiative, professional zeal and unflinching devotion to duty has proved an asset to the Service. For his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Awatar Krishan Zadoo.

Wing Commander Jaspal Singh Kalra (7999) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in Jul 64. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has held various Staff and Field Appointments with distinction. In his present appointment at Head quarters Eastern Air Command, he has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Soon after taking over his responsibilities, he studied the problems afflicting the aircraft fleets entrusted to him, analyzed each aspect thoroughly and set about removing constraints and improving the maintenance activities. By his systematic and persistent efforts, serviceability of aircraft and helicopter under his charge has consistently improved over the months and now stands well above the serviceability targets fixed for Badal, Pratap, Chetaks and Cheetah aircraft.

Wg Cdr Kalra's efforts on the improvement of maintenance culture by enforcing correct technical practices have been very rewarding. He has been largely responsible for formulating the task of 'Action Groups' and 'Hazard Evaluation Teams', and a number of Command Maintenance Instructions. He had ensured through frequent visits to the field units that the servicing personnel did understand various technical instructions issued by Air Headquarters and Command Headquarters and strictly comply these instructions.

Wg Cdr Kalra has taken keen interest in the promotion of better quality control of aviation fuel. He organized courses with the assistance of Indian Oil Corporation, helped units in improving quality control laboratory and thereby brought about significant improvement of Quality Control set up, even in the remote Advanced Landing Grounds.

To accomplish the above tasks, he has displayed commendable enthusiasm, perseverance, anticipation, analytical power, staff work, organizing capability and professional competence of a very high order. For his dedication, hard work and significant contribution in improving aircraft serviceability, training and technical practices, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Jaspal Singh Kalra.

Wing Commander Dasari Jaya Paul (8361) Dental was commissioned on 05 Mar 44 as General Duty Dental Officer. Even when young and relatively junior in service, the officer displayed exceptional professional skill and his consistent endeavour was to enhance the Dental coverage qualitatively and quantitatively. For his exemplary professional standards he was commended by AOC-in-C WAC in Jan 72.

Presently he is commanding a Dental Centre in the Western Sector. The officer, through his cheerful and pleasant disposition, keenness to maintain sound professional standards and dedication to his profession in the form of service to the maximum number of personnel and their families, has built up a very high professional reputation amongst all personnel and their families. He has developed a rare blend of dedication to the service and compassion and sympathy for patients upholding the ethics of Medical profession worth of emulation. Being the only Dental Officer for over 12,000 AF personnel and families, he is often called upon to attend to patients at odd hours. He undertakes this task most willingly.

Wing Commander Dasari Jaya Paul (8631) Dental, for his exceptional dedication to the service, professionalism of a very high order to maintain the ethos of the Air Force community, sustained hard, cheerful and pleasant disposition even under adverse conditions, initiative, enthusiasm and exemplary conduct and behavior and example worthy of emulation has rendered distinguished service of a high order. The President is pleased to award him the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Jagat Narain Shukla (8548) was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force on 27 Jan 64. Since then he has held several challenging appointments such as Fighter Controller, Assistant and Deputy Provost Marshal, Assistant Director of Personnel (Officers) and Camp Commandant at Air Headquarters.

At Air Force Station Bikaner, the unit faced acute shortage of water and considerable improvement was needed in the living conditions of the airmen. Though the problem was outside the charter of duties, Wg Cdr Shukla volunteered and worked ceaselessly to achieve the twin objectives through dedicated and effective liaison with civil and local Military authorities.

As Assistant Provost Marshal at Agra, Wg Cdr Shukla was an embodiment of discipline, courage and conviction. He, on a number of occasions, endangered his life to apprehend a large number of notorious thieves responsible for several thefts of valuable service property. On one occasion he displayed courage of a very high order to save the life of a labourer buried in a well by endangering his own life and earned gallantry award of Shaurya Chakra.

In Nov 83, the officer took over the appointment of Camp Commandant, Air Headquarters, an unenviable appointment by all standards. The officer introduced several cost effective methods, significantly reduced cost of maintenance and supplies of essential and routine items. An effective and dedicated liaison with civil authorities helped in completing several Works Services and clear administrative bottle necks. This greatly improved the efficiency and level of satisfaction among the staff.

During the month of Feb 85, the Chief of the Air Staff desired to re-organise Air Headquarters to achieve greater efficiency. The shifting of nearly forty Directorates and subdirectorates from Vayu Bhavan to RK Puram and vice versa was a Herculean task. Wg Cdr Shukla worked around the clock even on Sundays and holidays and executed the task in an excellent manner with least damage to service property and at a negligible cost.

For his consistent performance of a high order involving untiring hard work, devotion to duties, high quality of leadership, organizing capability, cost effective management of resources in achieving desired results, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Jagat Narain Shukla, SC.

Wing Commander Ganapragasam Usther Dhanaraj (8570) Administrative was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 27 Jun 64. He was trained in the Air Traffic Control and after attending some specialist courses had done field jobs for about 16 years and had earned a name for himself. He had to carry out his job even outside officer hours and he did it cheerfully and willingly with a high sense of loyalty.

Wg Cdr Dhanraj is on staff duties for the last five years. From Oct 81 to Nov 84, he had worked as Staff Officer to Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans), where he had to deal with four Directorates and was of great help to the ACAS (Plans) in the smooth functioning of this officer during the period. He had to receive large number of visitors, mostly foreigners, in connection with the evaluation and negotiations of new inductions and he performed this duty with utmost care, intelligence and devotion. For the last one year, he is working as Staff Officer to the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. He works very hard and is utterly devoted to his job and does more than his fair share - no doubt at considerable personal inconvenience. He has thus become utterly indispensable. For his high degree of involvement, total dedication, unflinching loyalty, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ganapragasam Usther Dhanaraj.

Wing Commander Sajjan Singh Sidhu (9188) Administrative was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Dec 64. Throughout his career, he has performed the duties assigned to him effectively, with utmost industry and in the best interest of the service. On a number of occasions, he carried out these tasks at considerable personal risk and inconvenience.

As a Station Security Officer and Counter Intelligence Officer at one of the forward AF Stations, Wg Cdr Sidhu established excellent rapport with his counterparts in local army units and civil intelligence agencies. He also maintained close liaison with all the Sarpanches and got regular inputs from them. He had geared up the Station Security staff to meet any unforeseen contingency, particularly during Punjab disturbances and operation Blue Star. He knew the pulse of the villagers all around the Airfield and was thus able to advise the Air Officer Commanding and ensure suitable anticipatory measures well in time.

When Wg Cdr Sidhu was posted in Jun 82 as many as fourteen cases involving this Station were pending in Civil Courts. The cases pertained to Air Force farmland leased out to civilians for cultivation. All these cases were followed vigorously by him and closed without any adverse reflection on the Air Force. He was able to use his experience favourable as a qualified lawyer.

Wg Cdr Sidhu has given an excellent account of himself in the capacities that he has functioned at the Station and is a very fine example of highly motivated and dedicated officer. He is willing, very positive and a very fine field worker. He works tirelessly throughout the day with total disregard to his personal convenience or family needs.

For his professionalism, sense of duty and distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sajjan Singh Sidhu.

Wing Commander Dinesh Chander Bhardwaj (9545) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force in May 65. He is an experienced pilot with over 4,800 hrs of accident free flying. He holds the highest transport Category and Rating.

He was in Command of a transport squadron from Oct 83 to Dec 84. His Squadron equipped with aircraft which had been in service for over two decades. When he took over command, the aircraft were having several incidents and failures and the reliability was low. Wg Cdr Bhardwaj, in consultation with his Squadron Engineers, devised preventive maintenance which greatly improved the aircraft reliability. During his command of the Squadron met, and even exceeded, the allotted airmaintenance and flying tasks. He also took keen interest in the training of his officers. It is because of his efforts that over 85% of the crew in the Squadron are categorized and large number are holding above the average categories. This could be possible only by his close and active involvement, dedicated and sustained efforts, outstanding managerial and organizing ability and skill, professional capability of a high order and capacity to ensure great personal discomforts for the sake of service. He was able to infuse a high degree of enthusiasm and dedication in his officers and men.

For dedication to duty, high professional standards, and exemplary leadership, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Dinesh Chander Bhardwaj.

Squadron Leader Ashok Kumar Marwaha (10418) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Air Force in Mar 67. He has held various field and staff appoint ments where he excelled himself.

Sqn Ldr AK Marwaha earlier as Officer incharge Test Equipment and Calibration Section at a Base Repair Depot had streamlined the procedure of calibration and repair of sophisticated equipment received from Air Force Units. Through his systematic and logical approach, he had minimized time consumed for repair and dispatch of test equipment back to units which is a vital requirement of the operational units.

Later Sqn Ldr Marwaha was detailed to work in the Engine Repair Section. Although, he is an officer from electronic system, he was given this responsibility because of his efficiency and interest in learning new jobs. Through his efforts and intelligent planning, he removed various bottlenecks in production of engines and has been instrumental in improving quality of overhaul and achieving record production inspite of shortage of spares.

At one time, the production of Engine used on Mi-8 Helicopter came to a grinding halt due to unserviceability of frequency testing machine used for testing the blades, compressors, turbine rotor. Inspite of the non-availability of spares from USSR for this machine, this officer accepted the challenge and took up the repairs of this critical machine. He applied himself methodically, modified circuit of amplifier unit, designed and fabricated components and was successful in servicing the rig. As a result not only production was re-started but at the same time, opened the way to indigenize repair of this machine and eliminated the dependence on foreign resources. Through his initiative and innovative ideas, this officer also indigenized the fabrication of many vital tools and components like bearing extractor, wire check tools and modification of templates etc. This avoided many hold ups due to non-supply of items from USSR.

For his professional competence, initiative, dedicated devotion to duty, eagerness to accept challenges and excellent contribution to the Engine Repair Section, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Ashok Kumar Marwaha.

Squadron Leader Kirti Shekhar Chaturvedi (12100) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in Air Force in Jul 69 and has held various field appointments with distinction.

Sqn Ldr Chaturvedi was one of the technical officers trained in the USSR on Vijay aircraft. On his return, his high degree of professional knowledge was evident when asked to give presentation to the AOC-in-C South Western Air Command on aircraft sight. His questioning attitude coupled with a friendly demeanor disarmed the pilots and he obtained a wealth of information about the sight's behaviour in flight. This led to his ensuring a better maintenance of sight and consequent improvement in the Squadron Armament results. As Officer Incharge Daily Servicing Section his able leadership contributed to a high standard of morale amongst his men. His high sense of cooperation has built an unbreakable bond between the pilots and the technical team.

As Senior Technical Officer of one of the Squadrons, his tireless quest for higher standards has led to a higher state of aircraft serviceability. His positive attitude to any innovation and subsequent encouragement has led the technical tradesmen of the squadron to innovate and improve the present available resources. The Squadron has many innovations to its credit like the engine inhibiting rig for which Sqn Ldr Chaturvedi provided the guidance and patronage.

For his consistent hard work, professional skill and knowledge and for his able leadership, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Kirti Shekhar Chaturvedi.

Flight Lieutenant Gurmeet Singh Sandhu (14786) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical), who was commissioned in Indian Air Force on 03 Jan 77, has been on the posted strength of Headquarters Western Air Command (Unit), Air Force w.e.f. 16 Jun 80.

Flt Lt Sandhu has been an outstanding sportsman and has the rare distinction of representing the country in international competition in two games i.e., Basket Ball and Hand Ball. He captained the services team in National Basket Ball and Hand Ball championships winning both of them.

Flt Lt Sandhu represented India in the first Asian Youth Basket Ball championship at Seoul, South Korea in 1970. He was a member of the Services Basket Ball team from 1978 to 1981 and captained the Services team in 198081. He was a member of the Air Force Basket Ball team which had visited Bhutan on a good will visit on the invitation of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Flt Lt Sandhu also represented India in the second Asian Hand Ball championship at Nanking, China in Oct-Nov 79. He was vice captain of the Indian Hand Ball team during the Asian Games held at Delhi in 1982 and also at the first International Hand Ball Tournament at Hyderabad in April, 1982. He has also the honour of winning seven consecutive National Gold Medals in the National Hand Ball Championships.

Apart from his personal achievements in sports, he has also, by his inspiring leadership, brought about tremendous improvements in the Basket Ball and Hand Ball teams of Western Air Command which resulted in the Command wining these two games in the last Air Force Sports meet. Due to his distinguished achievements towards the promotion of sports, he was adjudged the 'Best Sportsman of the year 1982' in the Indian Air Force and was presented the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy by then Prime Minister Shrimati Indira Gandhi in April, 1982.

Flight Lieutenant Gurmeet Singh Sandhu has not only brought laurels to the service in the field of sports but by his untiring efforts, personal example and fruitful guidance to the others has contributed to improvement in the standard of sports in the Air Force, the President is pleased to award him the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Presently he is posted as WO i/c Daily Servicing Section of an Air Observation Post unit. An unassuming and extremely dedicated Warrant Officer he has by sacrificing all personal comforts and leisure involved himself fully and ensured 100% serviceability of aircraft in the Unit for the last four months.

He is an outstanding supervisor who keeps the cutting edge of the Air Force sharp. He is not only an asset to any unit but also a shining example for others to emulate.

In view of his consistent distinguished performance, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Master Warrant Officer Manik Lal Saha.

220970-H Master Warrant Officer Pritham Pal Singh Mechanical Transport Driver has been working as Mechanical Transport Officer at HQ Training Command (Unit) since June 1984. The MT Section of this unit has large fleet of transports and provides MT coverage to a large number of units including HQ Training Command, IAF. Apart from this, the unit has to meet the additional task for providing staff cars to all visiting VIPs and high dignitaries from other formations. Inspite of acute shortage of experienced and qualified MTD tradesmen and transports, he has managed to achieve a high standard of maintenance and serviceability state of transports. By his superior planning ability and intelligence, he has always handled the difficult task very carefully and wisely. Recently, through his own efforts he has introduced a modern type of Daily Inspection point to facilitate the MTDs to carry out DI of MT vehicles quickly and comfortably.

In a short span of time he was instrumental in devising procedures for control and coordination of MT section particularly the large number of cars on its fleet. During the tenure he has achieved highest rate of fuel economy by means of his superior planning and coordination of MT runs to the maximum. On many occasions he has worked from morning till late hours in the night in order to meet the urgent and important task of the section.

MWO PP Singh has carried out his duties with exceptional enthusiasm and intelligence. With his exceptional ability and deep knowledge of his trade, he has brought the section to the highest standard of efficiency in all respects.

He has been constantly guiding and training his subordinates not only from supervisory level but also keeping close contact at the working level. For his exceptional work he was commended by Air Officer-in-charge Administration on 15 Aug 76 and by Chief of the Air Staff on 26 Jan 79.

For dedication and devotion to his duties and exceptional ability, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to 220970-H Master Warrant Officer Pritham Pal Singh.

230361 Warrant Officer Jai Singh Sidhu Indian Air Force/Police was enrolled in the AF in Dec 60 and ever since he has worked with distinction in various assignments entrusted to him as AF Policeman. Presently he is posted as Counter Intelligence Operator in a liaison unit.

During 1984, the situation prevailing in the country demanded the highest degree of

vigilance, diligence, dedication and total efficiency from CI Operators of this unit. WO JS Sidhu as a CI Operator worked with complete disregard to his personal comfort and greatly contributed to this Unit's efforts in providing effective CI cover to major AF establishments within its area of responsibility. He carried out his duties with total devotion, complete integrity and without fear or favour. On many occasions WO Sidhu was given the task of CI interrogations and in each assignment he came out with flying colours thereby making valuable contribution to the achievement of the unit's task.

WO Sidhu put in selfless service and exhibited the highest standard of devotion to duty. There is hardly a day, be it working or a holiday, when WO Sidhu has not performed at least 12 hours duty in the unit. Through his selfless devotion to duty and hard work he has set the finest example for his subordinates to follow for his superiors to cherish.

For outstanding devotion to service, untiring zeal, exemplary conduct, unflinching integrity and professional competence of a high order, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to 230361 Warrant Officer Jai Singh Sidhu

230990 Junior Warrant Officer Jung Bahadur Chand Airframe Fitter was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in Dec 60. He is a recipient of commendation by the Chief of the Air Staff for his dedicated exemplary work in the filed of aviation. He has shown an unmatchable example of hard work, zeal, enthusiasm and skill through out his service career and has shouldered greater amount of responsibility.

During the recent flood relief operations in Andhra Pradesh and its adjoining state Tamil Nadu, he relentlessly worked day in and day out, at base and at outstation and kept the involved aircraft flying-worthy throughout the operation. At times while being JWO i/c detachment he has not only worked on the aircraft tirelessly but has also taken part in flying activities as a member of food dropping party.

JWO Chand is not only keen and hard working individual but has a critical eye for details. He has on numerous occasions found technical defects/damages to aircraft which could have gone unnoticed and lead to serious problems. He inspired his crew with personal example and carried out all tasks in a most professional manner.

Just when the flood relief operations were getting over the unit was entrusted a gigantic task of looking after the Prime Minister's electioneering tour of whole of South and adjoining state of Maharashatra and Madhya Pradesh. Throughout the month eight helicopters of unit flew continuously: 50, 100 & 200 servicing fell due at the shortest possible period ever known to the unit. In five days two 50 hrs and two hundred hrs servicing were carried out. This, otherwise exceptionally difficult task, couldn't have been accomplished, if JWO Chand hadn't been there.

For his dedication, hard work, tireless effort, zeal, enthusiasm and professional competence, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Junior Warrant Officer Jung Bahadur Chand.

605854 Sergeant Mahanand Prasad Electrical Fitter was enrolled in the Air Force in April 68. His contribution towards better maintenance practices in his trade have been exemplary. His major achievements include: a. Fabrication of Current Consumption Tester. b. Fabrication of Trim Current Tester. c. Fabrication of Ignition Coil Tester. d. Fabrication of rig to carry out basic error check. e. Complete wiring and installation of pick up and drop out current tester. f. Wiring and installation of Inverter Test Rig. g. Wiring and installation of Milli Volt Drop Tester for undercarriage selector switch. h. Wiring and installation of tester to carry out pick up and drop out voltage and current.

Sgt Prasad is also currently working on the fabrication of an Inverter Test Rig. Also he has progressed substantially in a modification of electrical circuitry in order to avoid tyre burst on landing due to malfunction of inertia pick up. This modification when incorporated will go a long way in avoiding tyre burst on MiG-21 aircraft, due to malfunction of inertia pick ups.

Sgt Prasad has shown his exceptional skill and mettle over the years. His creative talents, innovative ideas and initiative are truly commendable. A dedicated worker, he has always upheld the finest traditions of the service and has always put service before self, a true professional in the real sense, his putting in a lot of hard work and produce results. The President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Sergeant Mahanand Prasad.