Wing Commander Narayanan Krishnan Nair (4075) Technical Electrical during his long service career has held a wide variety of important assignments. Presently, he is serving as Deputy Director, Maintenance Plans at Air Headquarters.

Throughout his service career this officer has conscientiously and consistently discharged the duties entrusted to his in an exemplary manner. Whilst serving on the staff of Headquarters Maintenance Command, he was responsible for the high standard of maintenance of instrument and electrical systems at Depots under the Command. The professional skill displayed by this officer in the discharge of his duties proved an asset to the units and formations. When the Directorate of Maintenance plans was formed this officer did all the spade work to get the Directorate functioning effectively. As a result of his personal conduct, initiative and drive, he has set an example worthy of emulation by others.

Wing Commander Shri Krishna Chandra Gupta has served as Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at several operational stations. During the emergency in 1962 he earned the Commendation of the Defence Minister for his efforts for the welfare of the Armed Forces. Later, during his tenure as Deputy Director of Personal Services he made a significant contribution in enforcing discipline in the Service.

For the distinguished service he has rendered throughout, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Jammalamadaka Lakshmi Narasimha Sastry was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Air Force on Republic Day, 26th January, 1950. After serving on the staff of a Command Headquarters he underwent a specialist course in photo interpretation. Thereafter, he served for a number of years in a photographic reconnaissance squadron, and in a similar capacity at Air Headquarters. Since then, he has served in administrative appointments at Command and Air Headquarters. In all these appointments he has acquitted himself well.

Since May, 1967 Wing Commander Sastry has been serving at Air Headquarters in the Directorate of Personnel (Airmen) first as an Assistant Director and later as the Deputy Director.

Wing Commander Sastry, who is responsible for a broad spectrum of subjects such as recruitment, training and promotion, which directly affect the career and morale of airmen, has displayed great diligence and insight and achieved a high degree of effic iency in various aspects of the administration of airmen.

Wing Commander Sastry has also worked on the scheme to introduce Non-Combatants (Enrolled) and seen to its implementation. He has consistently displayed qualities of exceptional devotion to duty, cheerfulness and willingness work under conditions of stress, regardless of personal convenience.

Wing Commander Jammalamadaka Lakshmi Narasimha Sastry has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Rattan Singh Dhindsa has held a number of important appointments during his long service career. During the Indo-Pak hostilities of 1971, he arranged movement of men and material at a very short notice and worked round the clock to accomplish the task.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for professional ability and devotion to duty.

During the Indo-Pak operations in December, 1971, and the period preceding the same, the requirement in the field of photo interpretation had increased many folds. Under the circumstances Wing Commander Chaudhuri did not allow himself to be handicapped by the limited staff available to him and on the contrary organized his section to a closely knit, hard working and efficient team. Working continuously day and night on many occasions, he and his staff had always been able to complete all tasks assigned to him in time and achieve a high degree of accuracy in the Photo Interpretation work. The valuable information produced by him out of photo interpretation, was usefully utilized and contributed towards the successful planning and execution of many operations.

Wing Commander Prasanta Kumar Chaudhuri (3676) Administrative displayed leadership and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Cheeren Verghese Thambi was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) of the Indian Air Force in August, 1951. At the time of outbreak of Indo-Pak hostilities in December, 1971, he served as the Deputy Director Ground Radar (Tech.) at Air Headquarters. During the recent emergency, Wing Commander Thambi showed initiative and technical ability of a very high order. In the case of radar stations, the rectifier valves were in short supply and could not be imported from abroad. This situation could have prevented the radar stations from functioning within a short period as the consumption of these valves was very high due to continuous operations. Wing Commander Thambi successfully designed and developed a solid state rectifier for replacing these high voltage rectifier valves and arranged to get them indigenously manufactured. This modification proved a great success during the present emergency and, in fact, improved the radar performance due to continued ability to withstand high voltage. By this modification, he not only overcame a critical shortage but also insured lesser reliance on import, thus saving valuable foreign exchange.

Throughout the emergency, Wing Commander Cheeren Verghese Thambi displayed initiative, leadership and devotion to duty, and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Om Parkash Kukreja was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1953. During his early period of service career, he attended Air Interception Course in the United Kingdom. After completing this course, he served as a Navigator in a Night Fighter Squadron. Later, he served as a Navigation Instructor in the Air Force Flying College and as Flight Commander of a transport Squadron. He has successfully completed the School of Land/Air Warfare Course, Ad hoc Navigation Instructors Course and Interviewing Officers Course. At present he is serving as Deputy Director Operations Room at Air Headquarters.

His Zeal, organising ability and devotion to duty have been instrumental in streamlining the set-up the Operations Room. During the Indo-Pak operations in December, 1971, he put himself on the roster with other Officers in addition to being overall incharge of the Operations Room and worked long hours untiring. He was responsible for giving comprehensive and detailed briefing to the Chief of the Air Staff and the Principe Staff Officers every morning during the operations. During this period, he handled many intricate problems with remarkable efficiency.

Wing Commander Om Parkash Kukreja displayed leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Vinayak Bhiwaji Sawant Vr. C. was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch the Indian Air Force in January, 1953. He has been working as Deputy Director of Intelligence at Air Headquarters for the last two years. During the tenure of his duties he has affected many improvements in his Section. In the discharge of his duties he showed keenness and resourcefulness and executed all tasks with skill. Under his able guidance, his Section worked very hard and produced valuable results in the collation, analysis and dissemination of intelligence information. His note-worthy achievement, in particular, has been consolidation of Intelligence information into a pamphlet, which was issued to all units well in advance before the recent Indo-Pak hostilities started.

He conducted all tasks allotted to him with determination and zeal. His unflinching devotion to duty and tenacity of purpose were a source of inspiration to others who worked with him.

Wing Commander Appakudal Jayaraman Srinivasan was Commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1955. At the time of outbreak of Indo-Pak hostilities in December, he served as the Deputy Director Engineering (A) (Project) at Air Headquarters.

During the Indo-Pak operations, there was an urgent operational requirement for providing photo recce capability to a supersonic aircraft and modifying a small transport aircraft for offensive role. Wing Commander Srinivasan took of these two projects and achieved excellent results. With his remarkable ingenuity, superior professional knowledge and exceptional devotion to duty he achieved the tasks in a record time. Both the projects required designing of various fittings and pods for carrying aerial cameras. All the aspects including designing, fabrication, fitment and trials were personally undertaken and supervised by him. He was all along aware that he was working to a very tight schedule and, therefore, unhesitatingly worked long hours and was quite indefatigable in carrying out the work. All along he inspired the men working under hum to give their best to the service at a most critical juncture. Wing Commander Appakudal Jayaraman Srinivasan has displayed ingenuity, superior professional skill, devotion to duty and leadership and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal

Wing Commander Rajindra Nath Dawar with his meticulous attention to detail, contributed significantly to the production of vital data for long term financial plans.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished Service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Pramod Chandra Joshi modified a number of Fighter/Bomber aircraft through ingenuity and improvisation. By his efforts and initiative he saved the country Rs. 33 lakhs in foreign exchange. His project improved the operational capability of aircraft.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

37694 Master Warrant Officer Sirichand Singh Sandhu, M.T.D. was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 1st April, 1944. He has the distinction of having served as the staff car driver for all Chiefs of the Air Staff since 1954.

Since May, 1970, he has been serving as M.T.D. at an Air Base in a forward area. From the time he took over his duties, the maintenance and serviceability state of M.T. vehicles both common user and specialist, have shown marked and rapid improvement reaching their zenith during Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971. Under his personal supervision and guidance his section has met all the M.T. requirements of the Station. He has set a good example to all personnel and has kept the morale of the men working under him at the highest level.

Throughout his career, Master Warrant Officer Sirichand Singh Sandhu has displayed excellent organizing abilities, devotion, sustained hard work and personal example. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished services of a high order.

Wing Commander Ghose has acquitted himself in an admirable manner in various appointments during his long service career. He served with distinction in a number of staff appointments. He made significant contribution towards obtaining better terms and conditions of service for service and civilian personnel of the Air Force. Throughout his service career he displayed zeal and spirit of dedication beyond the normal call of duty.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Sakitmay Ray Chaudhri (4046) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1951. He has acquitted himself in admirable manner in various units and staff appointments.

In March, 1972, he was appointed as a Deputy Director in the Directorate of Armament and Safety Equipment. In this capacity he was responsible for progressing the indigenous development of Armament and Explosive stores and development of modifications to improve the striking power of aircraft. He undertook the task of evolving a modification for carrying and firing of high caliber rockets designed in one country to an aircraft designed in another called for a detailed and careful study of the two systems and design of a suitable launcher adopter. He applied himself to the task with zeal and determination and evolved a modification in a short time.

Wing Commander Chaudhuri also undertook a study on the possibility of firing at extended ranges. This called for painstaking and time-consuming study, for long hours, of available literature on various types of rockets used by various countries, their performance characteristics and test results. As a result of this study, trials were arranged to establish increased firing ranges. These trials have been completed with success.

Wing Commander Sakitmay Ray Chaudhri is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for selfless devotion to duty and exceptional technical ability.

Wing Commander Chandy has specialized in Electronic Data Processing. His efforts have resulted in considerable progress in the field of inventory control by computer. Due to his untiring efforts the time of processing foreign indents was reduced by three months thereby reducing the inventory propor tionately with resultant saving in foreign exchange. His achievements and efforts have put computerization in the Air Force on a firm footing.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for outstanding professional ability and extraordinary devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Bajpai, an Education Officer is also a qualified Parachute Jump Instructor. He has held various staff appointments. He was intimately associated with planned Air Transport Operations including Logistics support, heliborne operations and airborne assault during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Placing service before self he has all along gone beyond the call of his normal duties.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for his selfless devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Bana Behari Bhattacharjee has served with distinction in a number of staff appointments. While posted as Deputy Director Education at Air Headquarters, he made significant contribution towards improving the education facilities for the children of service personnel and development of units schools. He has also been responsible for improvement in the Indian Air Force Quarterly and Air Headquarters Reference and Technical Library.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Group Captain Gowrishankar Narayan Baindur (4064) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has served with credit an a number of appointments at units, Eastern Air Command and Air Headquarters.

Group Captain Gowrishankar Narayan Baindur served in the Directorate of System Evaluation in Air Headquarters from its inception in 1970 till April, 1973. He has been outstanding leader of various study teams constituted in the Directorate. Because of his very hard work, wide ranging knowledge and in-depth examination of the whole gamut of the mechanism of the Air Force, he has been a prime contributor to the successful studies carried out in various fields. They have encompassed policy making, direction and the working level in the Air Force and have ranged from the constitution of a MiG Squadron to the evaluation of technical effort in war and the optimization of the total resources at a Wing. These studies have generated a change in the perspective in which systems are now viewed in the Air Force. Besides leading to a significant savings in manpower, material and other sources, Group Captain Baindur's work has contributed to an increase in operational potential of units.

Because of his example, zeal and drive Group Captain Baindur has been able to weld his officers into an impartial, capable and homogenous team who have carried out their studies and indicated their reports without fear or favour. Because of his initiative, clear thinking and intuition and perspicacity he has been a noticeable influence in putting the new Directorate working in a totally unfamiliar and alien field, on a path which should result in the optimization of resources and cost effectiveness of systems in the Air Force as a whole.

Squadron Leader Som has held various administrative appointments and carried out his duties in the best traditions of the service. He was chosen as a member of the Computer Feasibility Team with a view of Computerisation of AOA's branch. It was in the field of computerisation that his qualities and capabilities found their ultimate expression. The reports written by him, complete with System Designs have been accepted by the expert body of the Ministry of Defence.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for professional efficiency, devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Ashok Sarkar was commissioned in the Logistics Branch in March 1953. Since then he has held many important staff appointments and also served as member of Air Force delegations proceeding abroad.

In January 1972, he joined the staff of a composite supersonic aircraft cell at Air Headquarters. He has been primarily responsible for effecting the reorganization of this important cell. By dint of his sustained hard work much beyond the call of duty, perseverance, personal example, ingenuity, skill and considerable man-management techniques, he has particularly instrumental in streamlining the provisioning the entire range of spares and equipment for the first line aircraft. The high serviceability rate of this aircraft fleet and its consequent operational preparedness own in no small measure to his untiring efforts, high professional zeal and competence. Besides, it was solely due to Wg Cdr Sarkar's wholehearted energy and enthusiasm that a beginning has been made in the compilation of the alphanumeric catalogues of spares which is already bearing fruit in proper identification of items, quick clearance of demands, regulated and rationa lized holdings and in servicing of aircraft.

During April-May 1974, Wg Cdr Sarkar was hand picked as a member of the high powered Defence Delegation that visited USSR. His penetrating insight and clear concept of out logistic requirement vis-à-vis the intricate knowledge of the Russian supply set up and system, coupled with his capacity for mastering all relevant details was mainly responsible in rendering the Delegation's task simpler and easier. By arduously working long hours with sustained zeal and enthusiasm, totally unmindful of his own personnel inconvenience, Wg Cdr Sakrar had been instrumental for the significant achievement and success of the Delegation's mission.

Notwithstanding many odds and constraints like limited manpower resources, Wing Commander Sarkar has now upon himself the onerous responsibilities of logistics management of two of the supersonic aircraft weapon system.

Wg Cdr Sarakar has displayed exemplary leadership, professional skill and competence and has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Janak Kapur (5585) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 29th May, 1958. Since then he has served in five different air defence squadrons. He is fully operational on subsonic and supersonic fighters and has done a large number of flying hours.

In carrying out his flying duties over the last 16 years, he has displayed great abilities as a fighter pilot and commander. He possesses courage, determination and professional competence of a high order. He is an example which has been emulated by his juniors.

Squadron Leader Janak Kapur is also a keen, disciplined and dedicated staff officer. He accepts responsibilities entrusted to him cheerfully and carries them out efficiently. With his qualities, he has proved to be of a very good pilot and an excellent administrator.

Squadron Leader Janak Kapur with his high sense of dedication to duty and great professional competence in the air and on ground has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Verma was posted as Assistant Director of Flight Safety after attending a specialist course in West Germany. In a short span of six months, he created and built up a truly professional Fight Safety magazine which has become a powerful tool for accident prevention in the Air Force. Through his efforts and selfless devotion to duty, aircraft accident rate has been considerably reduced.

Wing Commander Dharamalingam Kalyana Sundaram (3726) Administrative joined the Indian Air Force in the ranks in April, 1943. With his brilliance and hard work he became a Warrant Officer in the incredibly short space of 4½ years. As a Warrant Officer he acquitted himself in an admirable manner which resulted in his commissioning on 26th January 1950,

As a Commissioned Officer, Wing Commander Sundaram was employed on varied administrative assignments where he displayed initiative, tact, drive and devotion to duty of a high calibre. By his outstanding organising ability and sound planning, his tactful handling of intricate situations, he earned the appreciation and admiration of his superiors and juniors alike He accepted additional tasks cheerfully and carried them out with great zeal and efficiency. His outstanding performance as Officer Commanding Headquarters Training Command (Unit) was commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command, Indian Air Force on 26th January 1972

In May 1972 Wing Commander Sundaram was specially selected to take over the duties of the Deputy Director Pay Commission Cell at Air Headquarters On 11th February, 1974 when the post of Director of this Cell was abolished, the sole task of processing Air Force case with the Government was entrusted to Wing Commander Sundaram. During the entire period Wing Commander Sundararm was thus engaged, he made a significant contribution towards speedy finalisation of the new pay/pension scales for officers and airmen. He was able to carry out this task most successfully because of his background knowledge of intricate matters and rules and regulations relating to service conditions of Armed Forces personnel and commendable capacity for sustained hard work. He continues his efforts with the same zeal in his present assignment as the Deputy Director of Pay Pension and Regulations which he took over on 1st June, 1975.

For his brilliance, zeal, professional competence, infinite capacity for hard work and dedication to the service which goes far beyond the call of normal duty. Wing Commander Dhararmalingam Kalyana Sundaram is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Khorana as Deputy Director at Air Headquarters since October 1971, has been responsible for the planning and processing of a Radar project. He has shouldered responsibility of a very high degree and has applied himself with exemplary energy and earnest enthusiasm. In this challenging task, he has displayed very high caliber of professional competence and resourcefulness. He has carried out critical studies and analysis of system requirements, specifications of imported and indigenous equipment with a view to find cost effective solution for meeting operational requirements and has made valuable contributions. His study and recommendations on the power supply configurations for the Project has resulted in most cost effective and highly reliable Power Supply System. Wing Com mander Khorana has also been responsible for the integration of modern IFF Ground System with existing radars and in guiding the development Computer Based Data Handling System of future radars for the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Hamid Mohamed Shahul (5461) was commissioned in Flying Branch (Navigator) of the Indian Air Force in December, 1957. He was posted to Directorate of Operations (Transport and Maritime) Air Headquarters in November, 1971. Considering his background and maritime experience, he was attached to Eastern Naval Command during the 1971 operations with Pakistan to assist the Air Force Commander in planning and execution of all maritime operations.

As Assistant Director Maritime Operations, Squadron Leader Shahul has worked extremely hard in preparing the policies and training schedules of maritime forces that have been earmarked to undertake maritime operations. This has largely contributed to the operational preparedness of the maritime forces. Squadron Leader Shahul has also been associated with the selection of a suitable maritime aircraft for our country.

Squadron Leader Shahul has flown total of 5534 hours. He has been graded "Exceptional" in flying assessment since 1965. He has held responsible appointment as Squadron Training Officer and Air Force Examiner, himself holding 'A' category on transport and his maritime operations.

By his dedication to work, cheerful disposition and professional discipline, he has set an example which is in the highest tradition of our service and worthy of emulation by others. For displaying very high flying skill, operational performance and capability and rendering distinguished service of a very high order, Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) Hamid Mohamed Shahul is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Group Captain Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan was commissioned in the Accountant Branch of the Indian Air Force on 26 January 1950. Group Captain Gopalan has displayed great foresight, perspicacity and maturity in tackling complex accounting problems. His attempts to improve budgetary planning and control in Units are resulting in optimisation of resources. His studies and recommenda- tions on the contractual purchases at Units have led to considerable savings and greater benefits to the Units. He has also refined and improved the system of performance analysis of accounting function which has been in the Air Force since 1973-74 and made it a reliable yardstick for measuring the absolute perfor mance of individual Units and the compara tive performance of various Units.

His judicious interpretation of regulations has achieved economy in expenditure, while meeting service requirements fully. His organising ability is exceptional and he has been a source of inspiration to all Officers. Group Captain Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Pritam Singh joined the Indian Air Force as an airman on 22 November, 1943. He was commissioned in the Administrative Branch on 30 December 1959.

His first tenure was a Fighter Controller from March 1960 to August 1963 at a Signals Unit in the most active sector in Punjab. Whilst at Air Headquarters, he dedicated himself to his task whole heartedly and contributed a great deal to the consolidation of Air Defence System of number of Signals Units integration of Surface-to-Air Guided Weapons and the formulation and issue of Air Defence Air Staff Instructions, directives, procedures and connected Air Publications.

Throughout his service career, Squadron Leader Pritam Singh has displayed high sense of loyalty, exemplary devotion to duty and a high level of professional knowledge and skill.

In recognition of the distinguished service of a high order rendered by Squadron Leader Pritam Singh the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Kunnathidathil Sanjeevan (5615) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1958. After passing out of Air Force Technical College as a triple trophy winner, he had held appointments as Engineering officer/Flight Engineer in fighter, helicopter and transport Squadrons. Subsequently he underwent the Defence Services Staff College Course and the Senior Technical Officers' Management Course wherein he was the winner of the Harjinder Trophy for having stood first in the course. During 1970-74, he held the appointment of Staff Officer (Tech) to three successive Air Officers-in-Charge Maintenance. At present, he is serving as Deputy Director of Engineering at Air Headquarters. As Deputy Director Engineering at Air Headquarters, Wing Commander Sanjeevan has consistently displayed singular drive and professional acumen in solving numerous problems connected with the Maintenance and operation of a type of aircraft resulting in substantial improvement in reliability of engine and appreciable reduction in failure rate.

There were two incidents of runway propeller on the type. The pilot abandoned take off and managed to stop the aircraft just in time in both cases. Air Maintenance operations with the type were, therefore, immediately suspended as a precautionary measure.

A specialist from Manufacturers was called for, who carried out detailed investigations into both these incidents. However, he could not arrive at any definite conclusion with regard to the cause for these two malfunctions. Wing Commander Sanjeevan was detailed as Leader of the Team to carry out further investigation into these two incidents. As a result of his meticulous investigations based on an exhaustive analysis of all information pertaining to the incidents, it was possible to establish the cause of malfunction beyond any doubt. Quality Control Specialist of the firm agreed with the solutions arrived at and commended him for his investigating ability. As a result, the morale of the aircrew operating the type has been raised significantly and resumption of operation for air maintenance tasks has been made possible.

With his devotion to duty and complete involvement in his profession Wing Commander Kunnathidathil Sanjeevan has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Vilampil Gopal was posted to Air Headquarters on 27 Jun 77 as a Deputy Director. He was responsible for the maintenance of Kiran (HJT-16), HT-2, Krishak and Devon aircraft fleets, for both technical and logistics activities. Kiran aircraft is an indigenous aircraft which has several problems associated with a newly inducted aircraft. As against this, HT-2, Krishak and Devon are vintage aircraft and have innumerable problems because of their old age. Further, due to shortage of staff, the provisioning reviews were in arrears and the serviceability of the fleet was very low.

With concerted efforts and meticulous attention to details, Wing Commander Gopal was able to overcome the shortcomings in the provisioning and supply of the maintenance and overhaul spares which directly contributed to the improvement of serviceability and reduced AOG percentages. By his personal example, he imbued enthusiasm in the officers and staff working under him and guided them in their day-to-day work. It was due to his sustained hard work in providing the product support to the BRDs, that the production at the repair agencies of all the aircraft, aeroengines and rotables showed considerable improvement. The very close and timely attention to the defects and their investigation paid by him made a significant contribution to flight safety in respect of these aircraft which are handled by ab initio pilots.

In the years 1977-78, the serviceability of the Iskra fleet was adversely affected. As a result a lot of extra load of pilot training was put on the Kiran aircraft. It was only because of Wing Commander Gopal's devotion to duty much beyond the normal requirements, that it was possible to meet the extra commitment, without any break in training. With his industry and hard work for long hours, unmindful of personal considerations, in spite of continued shortage of staff, he was able to bring up the maintenance preparedness of the aircraft fleets entrusted to him, to a highly commendable level,

For his keenness, devotion to duty and sense of responsibility, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Vilampil Gopal.

Wing Commander Balchandra Ganesh Chitnis was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force on 4 Aug 56. During this period he has held various Staff appointments at Command and Air Headquarters.

In Oct 78, he took over the duties of Deputy Director (POL) at Air Headquarters. This Deputy Director deals with the provisioning and supply of all items of petroleum, oil and lubricants as well as compressed gases. Since the range of material is vital for the operation of Air Force, it is of paramount importance that constant vigil is kept on the availability of adequate stocks and no effort is spared to avert low stock situation which may be determinal to the operational preparedness of Air Force.

When Wing Commander Chitnis took over his duties, the country was in the grip of severe fuel crisis and consequently supply of aviation fuels at Air Force airfields was adversely affected.

Wing Commander Chitnis was quick on to grasp the gravity of the situation and though beyond the call of normal duty, formulated plans for movement of fuels from Refineries and Port Installations of Indian Oil Corporation to various Air Force airfields. This task involved deciding upon the production levels of the Refineries, firming up the targets for movement of rail tank wagons and arranging alternative modes of conveyance viz. tank trucks, barrels etc. for effective and purposeful planning and its execution. He took timely and sustained action at all levels to ensure fuel stocks at our strategic airfields remained within acceptable limits and operational preparedness was not impaired due to inadequacy of fuel stocks. Because of his single minded, persistent and relentless efforts, supply situation of Aviation Turbine Fuel, used by all combat aircraft gradually improved.

With the diligence, vivid imagination, mature judgment, sense of perception, sound pragmatic approach and total dedication, Wing Commander Balchandra Ganesh Chitnis has rendered distinguished service. For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Balchandra Ganesh Chitnis.

Wing Commander Sham Rao was commissioned in the year 1961 and having held various assignments in different types of units with outstanding professional competence, he graduated from the DSSC in 1973. He served as SO to the CI (Air) for about 2½ years prior to his posting to the Directorate of Financial Planning in Aug 77. He took over the job of Assistant Director (Cost Analysis) at time when draft plan 1979-84 was being formulated. He very ably contended with the intricacies of the planning process and contributed significantly in the making of the plan and its formulation by the target date. He also very ably assisted in the preparation of briefs to the Committee of Defence Planning and provided the justifications for many on going and new schemes and the necessity for resources allocations.

In the preparation of rolling plan 1980-85 and annual plan 1980-81, he again displayed outstanding initiative and completed the difficult task which covered acquisition cost of major weapon systems with different mix and varying payment patterns in record time. He devised the format and procedure for monitoring both physical and the financial progress of approved schemes from various sponsoring and procuring agencies as a result of which the progress in the implementation of the plan and review of approved schemes could be effectively monitored.

The introduction of costing of courses at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment, a very complicated process, was also done under his guidance. In addition, rational allocation of overheads on different courses being run at training institutions was made possible only through his professional competence.

He has been responsible for the scrutiny of various price proposals of HAL products and through incisive scrutiny substantial savings in the areas of Dakota servicing, HS748 for photo-survey role, RMS orders for spares were identified.

For his distinguished services of a very high order Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sham Rao.

Wing Commander Kapil Kak was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) branch of the Indian Air Force in Nov 62. He served with distinction as a Navigator in transport and bomber Squadron and lastly in Air Headquarters Communication Squadron where aircrew with proven merit are posted. Till date he has flown 4580 hours and for his flying proficiency he had held transport category 'A' an exceptional achievement for a transport aircrew.

He successfully graduated from Defence Services Staff College in Nov 75. In view of his excellent record as VVIP/VIP aircrew, in Jun 78, he was selected to take up the duties of DD OPS (VIP) in the Dte of Ops (T&M) at Air Headquarters. In this appointment he was assigned an exacting task of complete reorganization of the VIPs' Cell with a view to streamline its functioning. By dint of sheer hard work, resourcefulness and deep professional knowledge, he rose to the occasion and in short span of time he was able to give a face-lift to the VIPs' Cell.

Planning and coordination of VVIP/VIP Flights involve liaison with civil/service agencies at various levels. It is largely a measure of his personal tact, organizing ability, purposeful intelligence and dedicated hard work that all VVIP/VIP commitments were carried out to complete satisfaction of his superiors. The officer had to put in 15 to 18 hours of work a day to organize VVIP/VIP flights, particularly during Lok Sabha/Assembly elections held in the last two years. To arrange a VVIP flight involving both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters and entailing activation of as many as 15 to 17 helipads on a single day. With cool determination, exemplary zeal and unflinching devotion to duty, he was able to accomplish the task creditably. Some of his noticeable achievements in the Dte are appended below:- a. During the last three years, flying effort devoted towards VVIP/VIP flights has increased by 20%. From 3100 in 1976 the effort increased to 3900 hours in 1979. Wing Commander Kak handled the increased commitments with requisite professional skill and utmost confidence. b. The entire procedure for obtaining, processing and forwarding the special flight return for the VVIP/VIP flights has been rationalized. c. He has made significant contribution in identifying suitable replacement for TU-124 aircraft in Air Headquarters Communication Squadron and also in determining the Standard of Preparation for AN-32 (the proposed METAC). *Name as it appears in the Gazette is Kapila Kak - the original name of the Officer. d. Considerable staff action has been put in by him to have the necessary modification done on Mi-8 helicopters for undertaking VVIP/VIP flights.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kapil Kak has displayed remarkable sense of duty, singular intelligence and professional competence of a very high order. By his personal example and relentless enthusiasm he has won for him the confidence of his superiors and willing support of his subordinates. For his distinguished service of a very high order, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Kapil Kak.

Squadron Leader Shamir Choudhuri was commissioned in Indian Air Force on 18 Nov 64. He has been on posted strength of Directorate of Plans at Air Headquarters as Asstt Director, Forecasting and Planning from Nov 77 to Jun 79 and thereafter has been working as assistant Director Admin Plans with added responsibilities.

While working as Asstt Director, Forecasting and Planning along with other duties he was required to progress a complicated legal case for release of certain aircraft purchased by Indian Air Force but impounded under court orders in a foreign country. This case on behalf of Govt of India was taken by the Addl Solicitor General and the officer was required to brief and provide required information on behalf of Indian Air Force. This complicated task which was performed by Squadron Leader Choudhuri in a most commendable manner and it was his hard work that went a long way in getting case decided in favour of the Govt.

As Asstt Director, Admin Plans, he is responsible for progressing cases for formation, disbandment of non flying units, KLP of Indian Air Force and War Wastage Reserves. During this period he was given a very important and responsible task of preparation of cases for upgradation of selection grade posts and sanction of substantive cadre posts for Indian Air Force officers. Squadron Leader Choudhuri completed these tasks by his direct involvement, keenness, professional knowledge and most important of all, his ability and willingness to work hard.

In view of his ability and expertise, he was entrusted with the task of Cadre Review for the Indian Air Force as ordered by the Govt of India. The Cadre Review cases involved preparation of statistical data, graphs and charts in respect of three Services to justify increases in the Selection Grade ranks. The Cadre Review was being progressed at the highest level and top priority due to its impact on the morale of the Armed Forces. Squadron Leader Choudhuri accepted this challenge and completed the task entrusted to him.

Throughout his tenure of duty Squadron Leader Shamir Choudhuri has displayed highest professional ability, initiative, zeal and steadfast devotion to duty with complete disregard to his own personal comfort. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a very high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh was commissioned in the year 1965 and passed out from the college standing first in the course. After successfully holding of various appointments like SATCO, Stn Adjutant, Deputy Camp Commandant etc. he has been posted as the Secretary of Central Vista AF Officer's Mess since July 1977.

Central Vista AF Officers' Mess is the premier officers' mess of the Air Force having a membership of almost a thousand officers including a large number of very senior ones. Apart from managing the affairs of about 100 to 150 living in officers, he has to cater to the needs of a large membership and run an institution in a manner befitting the unique position it holds. With unflinching loyalty, determination and single minded devotion to duty, he has been able not only to handle the affairs of the mess with commendable management skill but also effect all-round improvement in the various aspects of administration.

The officer took over his duties when the mess was passing through a difficult time and he was able to set things in order by clearing the arrears and bringing the accounts uptodate. With his sound financial acumen, he has been able to affect various economies in the mess expenditure as a result of which the general mess fund increased from Rs. 2.85 lakhs to Rs. 4.85 lakhs in a short span of one year. This was possible only due to his sincerity of purpose with which he took care of each and every aspects of the functioning of the mess and this impressive record is a testimony to the sterling services he rendered. Besides, he has carried out a complete survey of the property of the mess and added items worth Rs. 40,000 without drawing on the general mess fund.

Air Force Officers' Mess, located as it is and catering for the needs of Air HQ is called upon to arrange several functions mostly connected with the Air Force anniversary, 'At Home' by the CAS, tea party for the SNCOs and parties for foreign air attaches etc. It also caters for the entertaining of big dignitaries calling on the CAS at Air HQ and various high level conferences and meetings held there. His greatest contribution to the Air Force Officers Mess has been in the field of organizing these functions which are attended by no less personages that the presidents, the prime ministers, ministers and very high ranking civil and military officials. The arrange ments that he has ensured on these occas ions have not only enhanced the prestige of the Air Force and the reputation of the Air Force Officers Mess but also helped in providing excellent service at comparatively less expenses. Because of his intimate knowledge of the Indian and continental cuisine, he has been able to supervise and produce delicious food, drink and beverages which have always been appreciated by the VVIPs and VIPs.

With his calm and collected manners and cheerfully disposition, Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh has been able to manage the staff of the mess at their peak efficiency. Working under difficult conditions in shift system the staff had found him a good leader and manager who has always kept their welfare and interest his primary consideration. He has done much to help them in their needs.

Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh's contribution to the improvement of Air Force Officers Mess has been real and substantial and this he has been able to do because he is always out to do anything, even beyond the normal call of his duty, to ensure proper and efficient management of the mess. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh.

Till 1980, IAF was using a system for writing Annual Confidential Reports which had been introduced in 1953. In view of the growth of the Indian Air Force and far reaching changes in its organizational structures, technology and administrative functions, doubts were expressed about the validity and objectivity of the Annual Confidence Reports. A review of the Appraisal System therefore became essential and this onerous task was assigned to Wg Cdr Sharma.

Wing Commander Shrama, single-handedly, made a deep study of the concepts, philosophy and techniques of appraisal and studied the appraisal systems followed in Government, public sector and private sector as well as in the Air Forces of developed countries. Following an empirical and scientific approach, he interviewed a large number of senior officers in order to identify the areas requiring review and changes. He designed a Survey Questionnaire of 56 questions which was sent out to 265 senior service officers to elicit their views and opinions on various alternatives for different aspects of the system. The detailed analysis of the responses obtained through the questionnaire was carried out in a record time and helped in early drawing of the blue print of the new system. A symposium on Appraisal System was organized at Air HQ wherein the reactions of the Command representatives were ascertained on the blueprint of the new system. Wing Commander now designed the system. It was presented to the Commanders in 1979 and was approved with some minor changes. Before installing the system, the new Appraisal Forms were tried on 600 officers of Junior level and 200 officers of the senior level. The trial results helped in validating the system and improving the final versions of the Appraisal Forms which were introduced from 1980 onwards.

In order to bring in uniformity in standard of assessments, Appraisal Training was made an essential feature of the system. For this, a curriculum for the Appraisal Workshop was designed by Wing Commander Sharma and these are being conducted at Command Headquarters and field units.

Wing Commander Sharma has also organized the Appraisal Cell in the Directorate of Personnel (Officers) and undertook statistical analysis of all reports at various levels. This analysis yielded useful input for follow-up action pertaining to training and development needs of officers

The introduction of the system in entirely due to the untiring efforts of Wing Commander Sharma. For his exemplary service, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Tilak Raj Sharma.

Wing Commander Rameshwar Dayal Vinayak was commissioned in the IAF on Jun 60. Prior to his posting to Air HQ Wg Cdr Vinayak has served in various appointments and his performance on all these has been excellent.

Since 1977, Wg Cdr Vinayak has been working at Air HQ in the Maintenance Cell responsible for providing complete logistic support to Hunters and Canberra Fleet of the Air Force. Immediately on taking charge of the logistic support of these vital weapon systems, Wg Cdr Vinayak set about in right earnest and in a methodical manner to streamline the organization and functioning of the Deputy Directorate. By meticulous planning and foresight, he rationalized the allocation of duties in consonance with the weapon system concept and improved the office layout and work condition. He inspired and guided his small band of subordinates into a well-knit team of highly motivated personnel ready to accept any challenge to improve the spares support to the Hunter and Canberra fleets. He did this by setting personal example of selfless service, sustained hard work, unswerving dedication to duty and unflinching loyalty to the service. Under his dynamic leadership, systematic reviews were carried out of the entire Canberra and Hunter inventory in a thorough and imaginative manner. As a result of his deep involvement, personal attention and expert analysis, many a distortion in provisioning were corrected leading to substantial reduction in expenditure and improvement in Demand Satisfaction Rate.

The professional knowledge and logistic acumen displayed by Wg Cdr Vinayak in the discharge of his onerous duties are indeed of an exceptional order. He has been keeping himself about the latest developments in the fields of Material Management, Inventory Control, Warehouse Planning and Material Handling Techniques. By virtue of his outstanding knowledge and expertise, Wg Cdr Vinayak has made a single contribution to the improvement of logistics procedures and practices, especially in computerized operations, followed at this Headquarters. His imaginative and constructive suggestions for modifications in the design and review statements. Due-in records, inability statements and various other systems were widely appreciated and have enhanced the utility of the computer service to the Maintenance Cells by enabling realistic and accurate provisioning and control of the spares inventory.

In recognition of his admirable initiative, commendable drive, selfless service and complete identification with the service, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Rameshwar Dayal Vinayak.

Squadron Leader Rajinder Singh Chib (7964) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the IAF in 1965. During the course of his service, he has undergone the Post Graduate Course in Industrial Management at the Institute of Science, Bangalore. He has held various appointments like Squadron Signals Officer, Commanding Officer of an Early Warning Unit, Officer incharge Rotable Repair Shop and planning Division of a major overhaul line of Hunter Aircraft. Squadron Leader Chib was commended by AOC-in-C Maintenance Command in 1976-77 for his contribution to the Hunter production line attaining a very high production target of this ageing aircraft and its effective management.

As Assistant Director Avionics Modification team at Air HQ since December, 1977, Sqn Ldr Chib has played an important part in the successful completion of a number of sophisticated and challenging venture which has saved the country lakhs of rupees of foreign exchange, besides making aircraft avionics operationally effective and efficient. Sqn Ldr Chib took over as the Chief Executive of the Defence Services Officers Institute in January, 1980. He held the post for a period of 1½ years. During this period the general fund of Defence Services Officers' Institute shot up by lakhs besides substantial improvements in all sphere of activities. It was much to his credit that the multipurpose hall costing 35 lakhs as extension project of the existing facilities was planned and finalized during his tenure.

While it was his searching mind and thoroughness in technical matters that enabled Sqn Ldr Chib to rise high in the technical front in the Air Force, it was largely due to his managerial skill and administrative capabilities that enabled him to gain ground in Defence Services Officers' Institute. In short, his contribution to the image of three services as Chief Executive Officer of the DSOI has been unique, substantial and unforgettable. His achievements are ample proof of his dedication, sincerity of purpose, managerial skill, keenness to learn and bringing new ideas. For his qualities of leadership and managerial skill, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Rajinder Singh Chib.

Flight Lieutenant Harsh Kumar Bhardwaj was commissioned in the Meteorological branch of the IAF on 26 Dec 70. During the tenure of his service he has held multifarious assignments, shouldered numerous responsibilities, served in the field with distinction. He proved himself to be an energetic and efficient officer possessing a high degree of professional knowledge and practical application of the same. For his outstanding performance and hard work, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in August, 1979.

As Officer-in-Charge Central Met Stores, Flt Lt Bhardwaj conceived and implemented a scheme of making efforts to repair instruments locally in the Section. From within local resources, he set up a workshop and conducted courses for airmen of Met trade. He also compiled a handbook for repair and maintenance of Met instruments. By acts of extreme dedication to his profession, about 30 to 40 percent of instruments are now being repaired locally in the section. This in itself has amounted to saving of repair charges paid to India Met Department and has also speeded up the availability of serviceable instruments in units.

In addition to his primary duties, he was given the responsibility of administration of the Airmen's Mess and Air Force Canteen. He cheerfully and willingly accepted and executed this task with remarkable maturity and confidence which won him the appreciation from all quarters.

Flt Lt Bhardwaj displayed a special aptitude and initative for secondary duties involving public relations, organising skill and tact. He was the main organizer for all Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) functions, Station sports/welfare activities and flood relief operation in 1978. Due to his special aptitude and dedication, he has been detailed to work with AFWWA (Central) at Air HQ. Besides, he was entrusted with onerous task of setting up and organising a Vocational Training Centre at Air Force Station, New Delhi. His high standard of judgment, balance and realistic approach have contributed in a large measure towards speed administration of AFWWA projects.

As Hony Secretary of AFWWA, he has introduced new schemes bringing about considerable benefit and assistance to the families of serving, retired and deceased Air Force personnel. Dealing with the human problems with his analytical and pragmatic approach, he has shown in abundance his unsurpassed quality of human approach, sympathetic attitude and has given new dimensions to the very concept of welfare.

With his brilliant uptake, clear thinking and deep insight, Flt Lt Bhardwaj accredited himself with the singular honor of being probable the only Met Officer to have been ever associated with such intricate projects. He is not deterred by obstacles or difficulties and can be depended upon to produce results in an unbelievable short time.

Endowed with the faculties of systematic analysis and pragmatic approach, he has brought about a system and sense of purpose amongst all his colleagues and subordinates in all assignments. For his outstanding services rendered throughout his career with single minded devotion and loyalty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Flight Lieutenant Harsh Kumar Bhardwaj.

Wing Commander Surinder Mohan Bhatia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 31 January, 1463. While serving as Engineer Officer of a Transonic Fighter Squadron he was commended twice by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command for his outstanding work in the Squadron. During the 1971 Operations, he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff for distinguished service. Subsequently, he was posted as the Squadron Technical Officer of a Supersonic Fighter Squadron, where he earned commendation by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command for the high standard of aircraft maintenance.

Later, the officer was selected for a postgraduate course in Aircraft Propulsion at IIT, Bombay, from 1976 to 1978. He passed out with distinction and stood first in the course. After post-graduation, he was posted to a Base Repair Depot, where he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff for achieving an ambitious target of aircraft overhaul.

After the successful completion of his training abroad he was posted to Air Headquarters in 1980 and was entrusted with the maintenance planning connected with the induction of the latest type of aircraft and weapons system. The officer toiled ceaselessly with a determined bid to ensure smooth induction of the latest type of strike aircraft in the Indian Air Force. In the shortest possible period, a few Squadrons have become fully, Operational.

For his exceptional professional ability, effectiveness in management of resources and devotion to duty of a very high order, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Surinder Mohan Bhatia.

Wing Commander Sundara Krishna Suresh Sitaram was commissioned in the IAF in October, 1968. He has so far served with distinction in Air Force Signal Centre, a Fighter Squadron, Base Repair Depot and Directorate of Air Staff Requirement, Air Headquarters where he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff in 1978, for his pioneering work in the satellite communication area.

A graduate of Communication and Electronics Staff Course, USA and Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, he was posted to Directorate of Signals where he successfully carried out the trials of establishing an air-to-ground telephone.

Wg Cdr SKS Sitaram in February, 1982 was given the responsibility of organising the nation-wide live telecast of Fire Power Demonstration held at Tilpat Range. In order to successfully organise the telecast within the short time that was available, Wg Cdr SKS Sitaram had to personally coordinate with Indian Space Research Organisation, Door Darshan, Department of P & T and HQ Western Air Command. Under the guidance of Director of Signals (Air), Wg Cdr SKS Sitaram succeeded in positioning the Transportable Remote Area Communication Terminal of ISRO, Outdoor Broadcasting Van of Door Darshan at Tilpat on time and in aligning the P & T microwave circuits for telecasting of event throughout the country in real time. By his untiring effort, initiative and derive Wg Cdr SKS Sitaram successfully organised the nation-wide live telecast of Fire Power Demonstration. This was the first time an event of this kind was live telecast throughout the nation using a satellite.

For having displayed a high degree of professional competence, dedication and result oriented approach to the task assigned to him, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Sundara Krishan Suresh Sitaram.

Squadron Leader Samuel Simon was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in December 1964. He had held variety of appointments which include Assistant Administrative Officer, Security Counter Intelligence Officer at an operational Base, Assistant Provost Marshal and Staff Officer.

At Bombay, where the Officer was posted as Assistant Provost Marshal, he was instrumental in ensuring smooth and efficient movement of a large number of road convoys, especially relating to the setting up of Guided Weapons units. It was again during this tenure that Sqn Ldr Simon played a leading role in apprehending some personnel involved in smuggling activities. This was an operation beset with great personal danger and the officer carried it out with imagination and utter disregard of the risk and threat that his family and himself were faced with.

Having gained in experience, particularly with regard to security and investigative operations, the officer was specially selected and posted as Assistant Provost Marshal at Bagdoara, at a time when the general law and order atmosphere to the region had deteriorated. His tact, sense of involvement and mature judgment came in handy towards establishing cordial relations between the Air Force and the local population and he contributed substantially in enhancing the image of the Air Force in a difficult situation.

In all his recent appointments, as Staff Officer to Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Staff Officer to Vice Chief of Air Staff and presently as ADC to Chief of the Air Staff, he continued to display exemplary devotion to duty and a forthright and positive attitude.

During all the 18 years of his commissioned service for having rendered dedicated service of a high order the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Samuel Simon.

Squadron Leader Jayanti Swarup was commissioned in the IAF in December 1964. He has worked as a Fighter Controller, as a Station Adjutant-cum Counter Intelligence Officer and later as Command Organisation Officer. He acquitted himself creditably in all these assignments.

In December 1979 he was posted to Air Headquarters and has been working as Assistant Director in the Directorate of Personnel (Airmen). In this capacity he was entrusted with the policy relating to moves of airmen, laying down of manning levels for different types of units, plans for the augmentation of manpower during emergency and selection of airmen for posting to our Missions abroad as well as within the country. He discharged these responsibilities in an exceedingly efficient manner. Another important aspect relating to his day today functioning was to interview airmen as well as their relatives. He handled their representations in an admirable manner and was able to provide relief to the maximum possible number of deserving cases without sacrificing the general interests of the service. In this manner, he made a valuable contribution to the upkeep of the morale in general.

For the meritorious service of an exceptional order rendered by him the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Jayanti Swarup.

Squadron Leader Rajvir Yadav was commissioned in the IAF in 1967. He has served as a Navigator in Packet and AN-12 Squadrons. Because of his hard work and involvement in his basic profession he was selected for an Advanced Navigation Course and was later posted as an instructor at Navigation and Signals School. During the tenure at NSS he was commended by the AOC-in-C Training Command for a very high sense of dedication and responsibility.

Squadron Leader Yadav also did a Fighter Controller's Course in which he stood first with an A-2 category. During the 1971 conflict he was posted in a Signal Unit and was commended by the ADDC Commander for having shown great presence of mind in skillfully controlling MiG aircraft which was unsure of its position and critically short of fuel.

For over 3½ years, Sqn Ldr Yadav has been working as the Staff Officer to an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief and Principal Staff Officer at Air Headquarters. He has been thoroughly reliable in undertaking all the responsibilities of his task and has shown great tact, and where necessary firmness, in handling matters.

For his distinguished service of a high order spread over a period of many years, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Rajvir Yadav.

Group Captain Pooran Dev Adlakha was commissioned in the Accountant Branch on 17 November, 1956. A master of Commerce and MBA, the officer has also done Advance Accounts Course, Senior Defence Management Course, EDP Project Formulation and Budget Management Course. The officer has served with distinction as Senior Accountant Officer of four major Wings, an Equipment Depot and a Training Establishment. In 1971 he was appointed as Assistant Director Resettlement in the Mini stry of Defence and was responsible for rehabil itation of war-disabled soldiers and windows. With total dedication and resourcef ulness, the officer was highly success in substantially enlarging the avenues of resett lement and helping these unfortunate personnel to resettle themselves. As Group Accountant officer, by personnel involvement he not only achieved the audit objection targets set for the Group but also raised the state of accounting at units. He was then posted as incharge of Airman Pay Wing at Air Force Central Accounts Office where he tackled with commendable zeal and thoroughness the problem of debit balance in airmen's accounts.

In Feb 81 Group Captain Adlakha took over newly created post of Joint Director, Financial Planning. He took a leading part in the formulation Air Force Plan 80-85 and also improved information systems for monitoring the progress.

For having rendered distinguished service of exceptional order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Pooran Adlakha.

Wing Commander Sadasiva Dass was commissioned in the Air Force on 01 June 63. Since then he has held various field as well as staff appointments with distinction.

In Jan 79 Wg Cdr S Dass was specially selected to lead a Missile Project Management Team which was having slippage in work service and problem in procurement of indigenous equipment. As a result of sustained hard work, detailed planning and close liaison with the concerned agencies, Wg Cdr S Dass was able to get the works service executed by due date, indigenous equipment purchased and positioned at site in time for installation. Infrastructure for the overhaul facilities at site was completed by May 80 and pilot overhaul completed in Nov, 80. Thus, overhaul of equipment for operational Squadron has been put on a sound footing.

For having displayed qualities of leadership, devotion to duty and professional skill, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing commander Sadasiva Dass.

Wing Commander Desika Thatham Rajagopalan was commissioned in the Air Force on 5 Oct, 64. An M Tech from IIT Delhi, he specialized in Control Engineering and Instrumentation. The appointments held by him include Assistant Direct of Air Staff Inspection, Flight Test Engineer, Instructor at Ground Training School and Assistant Director Air Staff Requirements. In each one of these appointments he distinguished himself by achieving much beyond normal expectations.

As Assistant Director of Air Staff Requirement he was assigned the task of looking after all projects relating to electronic and electro-optical systems and various simulator projects. He has, during his tenure in the Directorate, handled over 25 complex projects which required has full involvement in some of the developmental work.

Electronic and electro-optical systems are highly sophisticated and complex in nature. There has been rapid improvement in technology which demands continuous updating of knowledge. Wg Cdr Raja gopalan has made the utmost effort to keep himself abreast of the developments in the field and has been able to study various proposals for electronic and electro optical systems with a very critical eye and prepare exhaustive and thorough reports and briefs which helped a great deal in make decisions at higher level.

For his devotion to duty of a very high order and outstanding performance, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Desika Thatham Rajagopalan.

Squadron Leader Padamjit Singh Ahulwalia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 2 June 1968. He served with great credit and distinction with a transonic Squadron for nearly four years, before selection for position to a high performance aircraft, where he served for two years. In recognition of his outstanding performance and ability he was awarded the Best Pilot Trophy in Command Gunnery Meet of Western Air Command event as a relatively junior pilot.

Squadron Leader Ahluwalia during a tenure with Iraq AF, successfully executed a forced landing on an L-29 aircraft. He was specially commended by the Commandingin-Chief, Iraqi Air Force for his highly professional, cool and competent handling of a grave emergency and saving the aircraft and the life of the pupil.

Squadron Leader Ahluwalia was specially selected for training abroad on a new aircraft in 1981. He was graded "Excellent" by the host authorities and once again brought great credit to IAF and the country in the eyes of a foreign Air Force. He was posted as Assistant Director Operations at Air Headquarters in March 1982 where he has been competently handling the staff work associated with the aircraft induction.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and dedication of the service, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron leader Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia.

Wing Commander Dinesh Chander Nigam was commissioned into the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch in Oct 63. During his service career, he distinguished himself in such challenging assignments as management of guided weapon firing ranges and introduction of the GW equipment and its subsequent modification. He was Officer-in-Charge of Project ELINT and Tail Warning Systems which played a vital role in operations.

As Officer-in-Charge, he was responsible for technical evaluation, planning and execution of avionics projects of varied nature. In carrying out this task, he demonstrated technical acumen of a high order.

During his tenure as Officer-in-Change Avionics Modification Team, he was entrusted with the task of installation of Doppler Radar on the Canberra aircraft, Weather Radar on the Mi-8 helicopter and Omega Navigation System on the Avro, the Mi-8, the AN-12 and the Canberra TT aircraft as also trial installation of important secondary Radar on various MiG variants. When called upon to install and commission three sets of Weather Radars on the Mi-8 helicopters, earmarked for the third Antarctic Expedition, the officer undertook the task with zeal and determination and completed it within a short period of ten days, a commendable achievement by any standard. His technique of planning, procurement of installation material and fabrication of the required bracketry helped immensely in speedy completion of the installation task.

For his exemplary devotion to duty, able leadership, resourcefulness and diligence beyond the call of duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Dinesh Chander Nigam.

Wing Commander Jagdish Singh Dalal was commissioned in December 1964. During his service career, he has distinguished himself in various challenging assignments at Wings and Equipment Depots.

During 1970-71, he excelled himself in the field of indigenous substitution of technical spares, which resulted in substantial saving of foreign exchange, for which he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff. Later, as Officer Commanding of an Equipment Depot, he took over aircraft equipment of the MiG-25 aircraft in record time which contributed substantially to the operational efficiency of the Air Force.

Wing Commander JS Dalal was posted to Air Headquarters on 04 July 83 and was entrusted with the responsibilities of finalisation of Courts of Inquiry, audit object ions and loss statements on stores losses, in addition to Annual Audit Certificates and Appropriation Accounts and Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. A sizeable number of them pertained to occurrences which were between three and twenty three years old and were causing grave concern at the highest level at Air Headquarters and Ministry of Defence. Undeterred by the heavy arrears and undaunted by the regular inflow of fresh cases, he formulated a crash plan and with his varied experience, missionary zeal and an analytical mind, he evaluated the circumstances under which those occurrences had taken place and made fresh comprehensive statements. His untiring efforts resulted in regularisation of a large number of outstanding cases, within the powers of the CAS.

For his outstanding devotion to duty, exceptional initiative, high professional knowledge, a keen sense of perception, sound pragmatic approach and untiring efforts extending beyond normal working hours, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Jagdish Singh Dalal.

Wing Commander Ramesh Chander Gosain was commissioned into the Air Force in May 1965. A fighter pilot of proven merit, he was awarded Vir Chakra for his gallant acts during the Indo-PakWar of 1971. He is a Fighter Combat Leader, and QFI with A2 Category. As Flight Commander in a frontline fighter squadron, he distinguished himself creditably leaving his mark of ingenuity, resourcefulness, professional competence and administrative skill of a very high order. All his qualities when coupled with his capacity to work hard under stress, acquired entirely new dimensions.

Since 10 May 1982, Wg Cdr RC Gosain has been holding the appointment of DDPO-I at Air Headquarters. His responsibilities entail posting of all officers upto the rank of Wg Cdr, acting promotions upto the rank of Sqn. Ldr., courses for all officers, temporary duty and attachment to and from Air Headquarters and Inter-Command attachment/ temporary duties, study leave, furlough and leave pending retirement, encashment of leave and regularisation of excess leave.

His tenure as DDPO-I has had to be a constant battle with increasing shortages of officers in all branches compounded by new inductions and new raisings, all to be manned effectively from existing resources. By sheer ingenuity, hard work, single-minded application and constant devotion to duty at great personal sacrifice, he has been mainly responsible for ensuring the viable manning state of all Air Force units in the rank structure of Wing Commanders and below, balanced manning at this rank level being most essential for the optimum achievement of the role/task, by the units.

For his diligence, sincerity, devotion to duty, integrity of the highest order and output beyond the call of duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ramesh Chander Gosain.