Squadron Leader Prafullkumar Manohar Velankar while on the posted strength of one of the Base Repair Depot since 5 Dec 78 has been flight testing Kiran, Gnat and Ajeet aircraft.

During his tenure at this Depot Sqn Ldr Velankar has flown a total of 646.25 hours in flight testing of various types of aircraft. He has had an accident­free record during this time. He has also displayed cool professional competence in the handling of emergencies in the air when he experienced flame-outs on Gnats on three separate occasions, one flameout on Kiran at 5000 feet and one incident of Gnat canopy unlocking in the air. On each occasion he has competently taken the correct emergency action and safely landed the aircraft He has throughout displayed exemplary professionalism and zeal in his job.

He has flown 278 sorties/165.45 hours on Kiran Flight testing during the last nine months in addition to flying on other types of aircraft. He has been meticulous in his testing and has insisted on the highest standards of serviceability before clearing an aircraft. It is a matter of pride that ferry pilots from operating units have accepted all the aircraft cleared by Sqn Ldr Velankar with virtually no observations. For his extremely high professional competence, hard work and outstanding devotion to duty in the best traditions of the service, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Prafulkumar Manohar Velankar.

Wing Commander Subhash Chander Virmani was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1951.

Since July 1970 he has been commanding a Base Repair Depot. On taking over Command of this Depot, when faced with twin problems of shortage of water supply and domestic accommodation, which placed a limitation on the output of the depot, this officer solved these problems commendably in a short time. At the same time, within the limited resources available and despite shortage of spares, he increased the production of aircraft without compromising the welfare of his officers and men.

For his inspiring leadership, efficient management and sustained hard work, Wing Commander Virmani is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Shanti Swarup Gupta was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Nov 62. He has held a number of appointments in the field and Base Repair Depot as well as at Headquarters. He did his Post Graduation from Cranfield (UK) in Materials and secured first position. He also served as a purchase member on Indian Supply Mission in London in Feb to Aug 1977.

Because of his hard work, wide ranging knowledge and in depth examination of technical problems he has been a prime contributor towards achieving a very high standard of maintenance and serviceability of aircraft and support services at one of the stations. Inspired by his selfless dedication and personal guidance, the technical staff has succeeded in installing an Audio-visual remotely controlled warning system for Runway crossing, Zero-indicator Test Rig, Generator Control Unit and repairing Canberra Main wheel hubs and Avro's Servo Motor Mounting brackets R.C.

For his dedicated work at a Base Repair Depot he was commended by the Chief of Air Staff in 1972.

By his exceptional devotion to duty, dedicated hard work and sound professional knowledge, Wing Commander Gupta has been able to achieve outstanding results in the serviceability and maintenance of both Canberra and Avro aircraft based at the station and thus contributed to increasing operational potential of the Squadron. For his outstanding contribution, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Shanti Swarup Gupta.