Wing Commander Dayashanker Mishra was posted to a Base Repair Depot in January, 1970, and was entrusted with the task of organising the major servicing of certain types of aircraft and helicopters. The Depot was required to shoulder a commitment far in excess of its approved task. He made a realistic appraisal of the whole situation and planned the aircraft production sections on modern lines to meet the increased com mitment. He evolved certain repair and servicing schemes and planned the re­sequencing of various technical activities and processes so as to cut down turn-round time. This greatly accelerated the aircraft production programme. He also launched a drive for utilisation of indigenous items and the reclamation of parts in short supply. As a result, the Depot not only exceeded its production task but has also been placed on a more sound footing.

In 1964, a large number of aircraft had accumulated in one of our Base Repair Depots awaiting production. There was, therefore challenge to be met and the backlog to be cleared for improving the operational preparedness of units in the Air Force. Wing Commander Ganendra Mukherji who was posted to this Base Repair Depot as Chief Technical Officer in September, 1964, set about this task with grit and determination. Within a short period he organised the working of the various sections and increased the productivity.

During the hostilities with Pakistan in 1965, necessity for even better effort was clearly the need of the hour. Wing Commander Ganendra Mukherji rose to the occasion and by his sustained hard work, inspired leadership and efficient direction, achieved maximum results. It is also largely due to his personal guidance and participation that an important operational modification on Mi-4 helicopters was undertaken and completed by this Base Repair Depot in record time during this period.

Again during December, 1965, and the subsequent months, when this Base Repair Depot was reorganised Wg. Cdr. Mukherji was called upon to put in very hard and exacting working routine to ensure speedy completion of the tasks. This officer once again displayed qualities of resourcefulness and organising ability of a high order and notwithstanding his poor state of health at that time, achieved commendable results.

39556 Warrant Officer Raghbir Singh, Fitter I was enrolled in the Indian Air Force as a technician in July 1944. Recently, he was selected for training abroad on the maintenance of engines of a particular type of aircraft. At present he is serving in a Base Repair Depot which repairs these engines.

During his tenure at the Depot, Warrant Officer Singh been personally responsible for the development and manufacture of a variety of handling and cleaning equipment which is needed during the engine overhaul. He designed a jet nozzle which can be used for pressure cleaning of parts with kerosene and petrol. It is a simple item in design, capable of manufacture even at a unit workshop, which can reduce hours considerably.

Warrant Officer Singh has also commissioned and serviced a large number of complex machines, often without guidance of publications, and by substituting indigenous parts.

Warrant Officer Singh's personal example of dedicated service and high professional ability has been a constant source inspiration to his men. He has made a significant contribution to the operational efficiency of the Service.

Flight Lieutenant Kashinath Hanumantappa Anadure made a major contribution in the production of aircraft and Helicopters from a repair depot.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for a high standard of professional skill, keenness and initiative.

Sergeant Pandey was enrolled on 11 Jun 57. During his tenure he has carried out structural repairs of helicopters in difficult areas under field conditions despite limited facilities. He was responsible for the repair of one helicopter which had main shell and the stub boom damaged in a crash in a snow covered valley beyond a forward base. There were no jigs available to align the shell, stub boom and tail boom. Yet he carried out the repair by fabricating a new stub boom with frames and strings. He was also called upon to undertake the structural modification of a helicopter for mineral survey purposes which he carried out in a very short time.

Wing Commander Kalyanaraman Badrinarayanan was commissioned in the technical branch of the Indian Air Force on 16th November 1962. He has been on the posted strength of a Base Repair Depot since October, 1975.

The take-off performance of a type of helicopters in the summer months and at high altitudes had then become a problem of much concern. Wing Commander Badri narayanan was posted to the Base Repair Depot in Oct 75 to specially study and establish the technique without any foreign assistance. He successfully modified two helicopters using his own technique.

During April-December 1976, Wing Commander Badrinarayanan along with a team of technicians took upon the problem of another type of helicopter experiencing excessive oil temperature while operating in hot climate. He developed a simple modific ation to rectify the problem.

While on deputation abroad he was given the task of evaluating the service life and devise maintenance schedule of a new type of helicopter, which with his professional acumen, he successfully completed in a record time, he made fifteen helicopters operationally flying worthy. The technical knowledge of Wing Commander Badri narayanan was mainly responsible for over coming many hurdles during his deployment abroad.

With his extra-ordinary technical competence, initiative, imagination and qualities of leadership Wing Commander Badrinarayanan has rendered distinguished service of a very high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Wing Commander Ghanshyam Gururani was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December, 1961. He has been closely associated with AN-12s right from the beginning and since November, 1978, he is heading the AN-12 overhaul line. During his stay, he had planned and executed 11 overhauls, 6 full life extensions, 14 mid-life extensions, 31 emb odiment of bulletins and special tasks, 7 Category 'B' repairs and 38 Category 'C' repairs.

The sustenance of AN-12 heavy transport fleet is vital and inescapable for the air maintenance of the troops deployed in farflung borders. It is therefore essential that a maximum number of this type of aircraft is kept flight worthy. This calls for elaborate repair schemes, extensive structural checks and incorporation of is large number of modifications. Wg Cdr Gururani with his excellent professional knowledge, meticulous planning, successfully executed the overhaul/ repairs of these aircraft well within a very strict time name, against innumerable odds like shortage of spares, technical expertise and manpower. He showed qualities of leadership, devotion to duty and determination in executing this formidable task.

In rejuvenating this heavy transport fleet and giving a further lease of 5/10 years life, Wing Commander Ghanshyam Gururani has made a significant contribution to the operational tasks of AN-12 fleet. For the excellent work done by hire, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Ghanshyam Gururani.

Sqn Ldr Manmohan Kumar Rana was commissioned into the IAF in July, 1967. He has held several important and challenging assignments during the last 17 years of his service.

For his outstanding performance in the ab-initio course at the Air Force Technical College, he was awarded the Chief of the Air Staff Medal. Subsequently, for his brilliant achievement in the Guided Weapons Course, he was awarded the President's Plaque.

In 1975, he was selected to be a member of the pioneering team for computerisation of Air HQ Information System. Single-handed, he conceived, designed, developed, programmed and implemented Aircraft & Aeroengine Status Reporting System "AIRSTAR", in the shortest possible time. For his invaluable contribution, he was awarded a commendation by the Chief of the Air Staff.

In 1981, Sqn Ldr MK Rana was posted to a Base Repair Depot, as Project Leader of the computer team. Immediately on arrival, he analysed the complex matrix of overhauling the AN-12, Mi-8, AI-20 and TV-2 systems. He then designed five technical systems and five separate logistics systems in an incredibly short period of two years. When the ICIME 29 computer was received at the BRD, it was installed and put on stream within a week. In spite of power failures, low voltage and airconditioning problems, Sqn Ldr Rana worked long hours to achieve the targets on time and ensure high qualitative outputs.

For his excellence in the field of computerisation, analytical abilities, devotion to duty and achievement of high quality outputs for the technical and logistics systems, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Manmohan Kumar Rana.

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.

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.

Group Captain Dharam Singh Minhas has been on the posted strength of a Base Repair Depot since Jun 84. On being appointed Officer-in-Charge Material Planning and Control, he streamlined the procedure for rotables production and control, mandatory and non-mandatory lists preparation, for accurate provisioning and local purchase of consumables. He took over the AN-12 Division in Aug 84, where overhaul of AN-12 Aircraft was behind schedule. With his tremendous zeal, organizing capability and excellent interpersonal relations the assigned AN-12 task for the year 1984-85 was completed well in time.

In Apr 85 he was appointed Production Planning and Control Officer to plan and control overhaul of AN-12 Aircraft, Pratap Helicopters and their engines. With critical analysis of the work contents of various overhaul divisions based on Government approved tasks, he redistributed the manpower for effective utilization. With commendable devotion to duty, exemplary initiative and sustained hard work he introduced the system of direct loading of components for Pratap helicopters overhaul which not only resulted in less handling of components, reduced paper work and little wastage of precious manpower, but also helped the depot in its improved monitoring and streamlined information collection for effective control. Besides, having been detailed to look after the Engine Overhaul Division, Group Captain Minhas brought about record production of engines in the year 1985-86.

In recognition of his dedication to duty, exemplary initiative, exceptional professional skill and outstanding qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Dharam Singh Minhas.

Squadron Leader Brijesh Kumar has been on the posted strength of No. 3 Base Repair Depot. Air Force since 10 Jun 85.

Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar had been entrusted with the tasks of overhaul of TV2 aero engine and VR-8A reductors. He took up this challenging of TV2 aero engine and VR-8A reductors. He took up this challenging task willingly. As a result of his meticulous approach and dedicated effort, the depot achieved 100% production target during 1985-86 for the first time in respect of aeroengines and reductors. This substantially improved serviceability and availability of Mi-8 helicopters in Operating Units.

Again during 1986 when the depot was called upon to undertakes still higher task for overhaul of TV2 aeroengines during 1986-87. Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar achieved 100% production targets.

During the years 1987-88, the requirement of engines once again shot up sharply due to operation on southern frontier of the country. Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar planned repairs of 31 TV2-117A aero engines during well and there by repaired all these engines over and above completing the overhaul tasks of 48 aero engines.

For his devotion to duty, professional acumen of a very high order, innovative capabilities, total involvement in his profession and distinguished service of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar.

For his initiative, courage, hard work and complete dedication to service, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Cp1 Venumadhavan Talappil.

Group Captain Surinder Mohan Nagpal is held on the posted strength of a vital Base Repair Depot since 02 Mar 87. On 15 Apr 88, he was given the charge of the Engine Overhauling Branch of the Depot. During this period, he has been directly responsible for the production of TV2-117A and AI-20 series aeroengines at the Depot.

In Aug 89 due to involvement of Mi-8 fleet in operation 'Pawan', there was further increase in the demand for TV2-117A engines to keep the fleet operational. A stage came when Gp Capt SM Nagpal himself took direct control of the TV2-117A overhaul line as there was mass exodus of experienced technicians.

The Engineering Branch was also entrusted with the responsibility to establish the overhaul facilities for AI-20D series engines (of Sutluj Aircraft). He was able to undertake this additional task also despite innumerable constraints.

For his organizational and managerial capabilities, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Surinder Mohan Nagpal.

Wg Cdr Onkar Bhattacharya is on the posted strength of one of the Base Repair Depots of Air Force since Oct 88 and has been working as officer incharge production of Main Hanga Line since Jan 89. He took over as Senior Production Engineer (Mi-8) with effect from 26 Jun 90.

In the task year 1989-90, Wg Cdr Bhattacharya was responsible for completing overhaul of Mi-8 helicopters. Despite posting out of a large number of trained technicians and all round shortage of spares, he took up the challenge and infused in his men the required sense of purpose and motivated them to successfully complete the task for the year on time. In the year 1990-91, the officer had to contend with the task of modifying five Mi-8 helicopters to the executive/VIP version in addition to the annual task. By streamlining production process and introducing a large number of innovations, the officer reduced the time for overhaul from 142 days to 119 days. To overcome the almost non-existent supply of hoses from abroad, he arranged for production of hoses at HAL (ND) by arranging for use of end fitting retrieved from old hoses and testing for serviceability on the free length available at the HAL Division.

He also was instrumental in getting the Durite hoses developed through indigenous source. For completing the task, he worked for extended hours almost throughout the year unmindful of personal commitments. For four months of the task year, aeroengines and Main Gear Box were not available for fitment on the helicopter. The officer overcame this hurdle by cannibalising these items from the produced helicopters to the next in line. His ingenuity and exceptional professional ability enabled the Depot to complete the task of overhaul and modification of helicopters in time.

For his unflinching devotion to duty, exceptional professional ability and astute leadership, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Onkar Bhattacharya.

In addition to the task of overhaul of aerongines, Wg Cdr Yadav was actively involved in calendar life extension of AI-20 'M' Naval aero-engines, TBO life extension of AI-20 'D' aero engines and modification on AN-12 aero-engines for use on AN-32 aircraft. Recommendations given by the Depot based on the work carried out by Wg Cdr Yadav were instrumental in extension of calendar life and TBO of these aero-engines.

For the technical competence, innovativeness, ability to motivate and total devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr KS Yadav.

Squadron Leader Dipak Kumar Lahiry (18001) AE (M) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 19 Aug 85. He has held many important assignments in the last 15 years. He has performed as the Senior Technical Officer of Air Headquarters Communication Squadron of Mi-8 helicopter flight, technical team leader for Mi-8 helicopters in the 11th Antarctica Expedition and technical officer-in-charge of Mi-8 helicopter operations in 'Op-Pawan'. Presently he is working as the Senior Production Engineer of TV-2 aeroengine overhaul line.

The officer's professionalism was translated into a record overhauling of 25 engines during 2000-2001 in the TV-2 line. He has the distinction of overhauling the first AG series engine and chrome build up on costly components. His dedicated efforts to identify the source of defect and eliminate the same have reduced premature withdrawal of TV-2 aeroengines due to static oil leak. His personal involvement in assembling the TV-2 aero-engines, where parts coated with indigenously developed VK-2 glue were used, has resulted in trouble free operation of the engine of the test bed till date.

Sqn Ldr Lahiry's initiative to design and develop a trolley to convey the main gearboxes of Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter in the horizontal position, facilitated its shipment by AN-32 aircraft instead of IL-76. Further fabrication of 269 special tools and testers for VR-14 gearbox has helped enhance the production. This was a cost of mere Rs. 1.09 crores compared to Rs. 7.40 crores of import. This has resulted in considerable savings on account of foreign exchange, while reduced IL-76 flying effort helped saving exchequer's money.

He is highly professional, creative and highly service oriented. He exudes zeal for innovation and modernisation. For his distinguished service of a high order, exceptional professional knowledge and devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader Dipak Kumar Lahiry.

Group Captain Sant Prakash Singh Virk (13491) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Aeronautical En gineering Branch of the IAF on 09 Jul 1973. After serving as Engineering Officer in various capacities in different MiG-21 Sqns for over a decade, the officer was specially selected for training on Mirage-2000 Main tenance in France during 1984-85. His in-depth knowledge on "Fly by Wire" system has contributed significantly to the Mirage-2000 Maintenance/ Flight Safety. As Dy Director at Air HQ (Mirage Cell), his services to put the Mirage fleet on solid foundation were immense.

As Chief Engineering Officer of a premiere Mirage-2000 base, Gp Capt Virk has demonstrated his ability as a team leader and a hardcore professional. By optimising resources placed at his disposal, he sustained record high serviceability of Mirage-2000 fleet with exceptionally high mission success rate during "Kargil Operation". A document called "VISION-2000-MIRAGE MAINTENANCE" prepared by him has become the basis of projecting future requirements of Mirage Fleet. Due to his dynamism and professional approach, his Sqn was adjudged "Best Fighter Sqn" and the base "Best in Maintenance" in the IAF. He was also instrumental in numerous adaptations of new weapon systems like integration of Litening, Paveway, Griffin, CMOS and indigenous SYREE Data Processing System, which enhanced the operational capability of Mirage Fleet. As a result of foresight in planning, professional acumen and dynamic vision of Air Cmde Virk, Mirage2000 fleet is best-managed fleet in the IAF.

During his tenure at a BRD, Gp Capt Virk has held two most important portfolios as Chief of Aircraft and Chief of Planning. Due to his personal involvement, planning and guidance the depot has been successful in completing the task of producing 30 helicopters for second consecutive year against all odds. With his personal involve ment and commitment to quality, he secured ISO 9001:2000 certification for the Depot in a time bound manner. His proactive, positive and visionary approach has resulted in overall improvement in work culture, effic iency and generated professional work ethos at the depot, which provides a healthy place of work, thus improving overall pro ductivity and enhanced operational capability of helicopter fleet of the IAF.

For his distinguished services of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Sant Prakash Singh Virk.