On 26 December 2004 at 0630 hours, Carnicobar was hit by severe Earthquake followed by Tsunami. During and after the Tsunami onslaught, Squadron Leader Sushil Vijay Sansare was involved in saving lives and organizing safe conduct of rescue and relief operations. After being hit by the first wave, he courageously waded through the chest deep water to help the stranded families in the buildings. Upon being hit by the second wave, he barely managed to evade the neck deep water and save his life by running towards tarmac. He instructed the crew to position the aircraft on the runway. He then went towards the submerged end of the runway entering into neck deep reptile infested water and helped 15 stranded families mostly ladies and children to the safety of high ground. He recovered two personnel almost dead and brought them towards ambulance, however inspite of his best efforts, they could not be revived. With the help of Sqn ground crew, the body of IOC manager was brought back from the rubble.

He organized the ATC personnel to recover all the communication equipment and fuel tankers immediately to the tarmac to refuel the helicopters towards uninterrupted rescue operations and for airlifting the stranded people. His relentless efforts toward search and rescue and total involvement in casualty evacuation/relief operations resulted in saving many lives. It aptly exhibited sense of 'Service Before Self'.

Squadron Leader Sushil Vijay Sansare, thus, showed exceptional courage and gallantry beyond call of duty, in saving lives in the face of natural disaster.

Flight Lieutenant Mukul Ekka was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June 180. He was posted to 41 Squadron in December 1980 and has been flying the Otter since then.

On 21 Nov 86 Flt Lt Mukul Ekka experienced an engine failure while flying over inhospitable desert terrain full of sand dunes. With his professional judgment and skills he glided the aircraft to the only available stretch of land beside a village and executed a flawless landing saving the life of a passenger on board and civilian property. The aircraft, too, was absolutely undamaged.

On 29 Jan 87, he again had an engine failure while on a cross country flight. One of the cylinders of the engine has burst and the cockpit was filled with dense white smoke. In spite of the adverse conditions, with commendable competence and judgment he executed a perfect force landing besides a river bed, saving the aircraft from any further damage. On both occasions the selection of force landing sites was praiseworthy as it facilitated work on the aircraft and the aircraft were successfully flown back to base after engine changes at the sites. The officer has thus exhibited his tenacity, courage and exemplary self- discipline both in the air and on the ground.

For his continued exceptional of performance of duties and remarkable professional skill, the president is pleased to sward Vayu Sena Medal to Flt Lt Mukul Ekka.

Wing Commander Vipin Indira Padmanabhan Nayar (16829) F (P) was commissioned on 04 Jun 1982 in the Flying Branch of the IAF. In his distinguished career, he has held several important appointments, including instructional appointments at the NDA and FTEs, Flight Commander, Command Examiner and Air Force Examiner at the Aircrew Examination Board.

Wing Commander Vipin has epitomized professionalism and leadership on many occasions. While in an AN-32 Squadron, he recovered an aircraft and its occupant to safe landing by his remarkable professionalism when it suffered the failure of a critical engine in the Siachen Glacier. For this he was awarded Commendation by the CAS.

The quality of training to his Sqn pilots was instrumental in the Sqn winning the 'Best Transport Sqn' Trophy. In recognition of his commitment, utmost dedication and devotion he was awarded the Commendation by the CAS again in 1999. Wg Cdr Vipin assumed command of a Tpt Sqn in May 2001. Under the able steward ship, the Sqn won the trophy for the 'Best Tpt Sqn' in Western Air Command. With his professionalism, and skilful guidance, he provided exemplary leadership and motiva tion to the Sqn personnel to bring out their best despite manning constraints. The achievements in maintenance practices, innovations in technical eqpt and resources management stand testimony to his commitment to the IAF. Wg Cdr Vipin not only practices 'Service before Self', but also inculcates the same in men he commands.

For distinguished service of exceptional order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Vipin Indira Padmanabhan Nayar.