Air Marshal Sahab Prasad Varma VSM PHS (6466) Medical was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Jan 1962. During a chequered career spanning over three decades, he specialised in Internal Medicine, underwent super-specialty training in Cardiology and was awarded post-doctoral degree of DM (Cardiology) in 1983. He was the Chief architect in establishing Cardiac Evaluation Centre at AF Central Medical Establishment in Sep 89. He was also selected to command the prestigious Air Force Command Hospital at Bangalore.

The Air Officer was instrumental in raising and updating the Medical Categorisation Policy in 1988, enabling several aircrew to regain their flying category after cardiac event, balloon angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery. This achievement earned him the award of VSM in 1990 and a place in Limca Book of Records in 1993.

While serving as Principal Medical Officer at HQs Western Air Command he was appointed as the project incharge and chief co-coordinator for planning and establishing a Super Specialty Veterans Hospital at Subroto Park, New Delhi. The Hospital was functional in record time and was inaugurated on 08 Oct 96. The Hospital is of immense benefit to the ex-Servicemen who suffer from terminal diseases. Under his dynamic leadership and initiative, all facets of health underwent a qualitative change in the Indian Air Force.

His initiative on review of medical standards and waivers towards medical licensing of civil aircrew in India, have been well appreciated and given due recognition by Head of Medical Section, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), as these are at par with Joint Aviation requirements of USA, Canada, and European countries.

Air Marshal Sahab Prasad Varma VSM PHS has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar AVSM VM (6748) F (P) is one of the most exceptional test pilots in the IAF. In September 1994 when he was the Additional ACAS (Ops) at Air HQ, he was deputed to the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to oversee the flight testing of the Light Combat Aircraft. This deputation was arranged at the request of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, SA to RM and Director General, ADA. During the past five years the officer carried out seminal work in the areas of control law development for the fly by wire control system by extensive use of ground based and in flight simulators. The real time simulator was developed over a period of three years by continuous interaction between the control law engineers, simulation engineers and the flight test crew. The simulator is now as good as any simulation facility being used in any development program anywhere in the world. He has set up the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) at the HAL Bangalore to conduct the flight testing of the LCA. The two technology demonstrator aircraft have been heavily instrumented with state of the art instrumentation. A real time telemetry monitoring station has been set up under his guidance. The use of telemetry for flight safety monitoring of flight tests is a concept, which is being tried out in India for the first time. After systems integration the first set of ground runs of the General Electric F-404 engine were carried out by test pilots of NFTC under his control. Thereafter a set of low speed taxi trials were carried out to test the software of the brake management and nose wheel steering systems at the managerial level. Air Marshal Rajkumar has participated in several hundred-review meetings held to monitor progress of systems development. He has continued to maintain his flying proficiency by flying at ASTE when required. He has flown 5200 hrs on 55 types of aircraft.

Air Marshal P Rajkumar AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Thirunillayi Ramaswamy Janakiraman AVSM (7058) AE (M) has been the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at HQ Maintenance Command from 16 Jun 97 to 23 May 99. Before coming to HQ MC, he was SMSO at HQ WAC and prior to that Dir Eng 'A' at Air HQ. For his outstanding contributions, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in the year 1995.

During his tenure at HQ MC, Air Mshl TR Janakiraman restructured the organization of the SMSO's Branch and created two very vital cells from within the existing resources. One was for monitoring the outstanding AOGs by using the data banks of last line balances and indigenisation. He also formed a cell for provisioning and procurement of items of indigenous origin. By the formation of this cell, HQ MC was able to procure spares required in matter of few months, which earlier used to take much longer. By this measure, stocking period was also reduced, thus resulting in lower inventory carrying cost.

He was instrumental in imparting a great impetus to the indigenisation effort of HQ MC. Under his guidance, elaborate compendiums were prepared outlining our requirement of spares under various categories. The compendiums contained detailed information of all kind so that the indigenisation effort could be directed to most productive areas. Indigenisation data bank was expanded from 50,000 records to more than 170,000 records. With these measures, import of spares from abroad is bound to come down significantly, resulting in savings of crores of rupees besides achieving limited self-reliance.

Air Marshal Thirunillayi Ramaswamy Janakiraman AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Satish Gobind Inamdar VSM was commissioned in the IAF as a fighter Pilot in Mar 63. He has flown over 3700 hours on a variety of fighter aircraft and took active part in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak conflicts. He has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Fighter Wing and the prestigious Aircrew Examination Board. An MSc (Defence Studies) and an AMAeSI, he is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, the Pilot Attach Instructor School, Higher Air Command Course, Senior Defence Management Course (CDM) and the National Defence College. He has held various Air Staff Appointment at Air HQ and Operational Commands HQs. He was the Chief Instructor at Defence Services Staff College and Senior Air Staff Officer at: HQ CAC (1998-1999) before taking over his present appointment as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.

He was chairman of the Pay Commission Cell, representing the Chiefs of Staff Committee on the fifth Central Pay Commission. As the chairman of the V CPC, he was responsible for formulating the norms, channelising and guiding the members for the first ever combined formulation of the three service proposals. It goes to his credit that an Armed Forces Joint Memorandum well researched and authentic document complete with full justification running into 600 pages was submitted to the V CPC in record time in Apr 95.

His vast experience and competence on the operational front became evident when he was SASO of an operational Command. During the Kargil crises his meticulous planning and guidance in respect of the use of right weapon system, especially Mirage aircraft and modified weapons, turned the tide of the battle and resulted in a comprehensive and convincing victory for the Indian Armed Forces.

Air Marshal Satish Gobind Inamdar VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Sayed Shahid Hussain Naqvi AVSM VrC (7193) F (P) wan commissioned as a fighter pilot in Mar 63. In his long and distinguished career he had the unique distinction of commanding seven establishments. These include commands of 5 FBSU, 17 FBSU and Air Force elements in Sri Lanka under challenging circumstances. He also commanded 39 Wing and 16 Wing with distinction. He has served on the staff of Pilot Armament Instructors School for a period of five years and served on deputation with the Iraqi Air Fore as a Flying Instructor. He is also a graduate of Defence Service Staff College, Wellington and Air War College, USA.

Air Mshl Naqvi is a veteran of two wars. In the 1971 operation, he was awarded the Vir Chakra for his valour in the face of enemy in the western sector. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for excellence in the year 1992. During the Indian Peace Keeping Operation Srilanka, the Air Marshal, then a Gp Capt, was appointed the first Air Force Station Commander with the responsibility of planning and execution of all Air Operation of IAF elements at Jaffna, in support of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. The Air Marshal has held various staff appointments and has displayed remarkable clarity in thought in modifying the Electronic Warfare Philosophy of the IAF during his tenure as Director EW in Air HQ.

As Deputy Chief of Air Staff he shouldered the overall responsibility of long term planning including the Force Structure Planning of the Indian Air Force. Special emphasis was made towards laying down qualitative requirements for the acquisition of all future equipments namely aircraft systems, radars, weapons etc. and testing of such equipments for the future induction into the Air Force. His services to the Air Force in the field of perspective planning have gone a long way both in enhancing the operational preparedness and capability of the IAF. During the recent operation 'Safed Sagar', following strict time bound programmes, aircraft were suitably modified with state-ofthe-art systems and made available for the operations under his guidance.

The Air Marshal has been on the Board of Director of various Public Sector undertakings namely Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Center for Airborne systems. He has been conferred fellowship of Aeronautical Society of India and holds the post of Senior Vice President of the Society.

Air Marshal Sayed Shahid Hussain Naqvi AVSM VrC has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Prakash Sadashivrao Pingale AVSM VrC VM (6755) F(P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in November 1962. He saw active service in 1965 war and was awarded Vir Chakra for gallantry. Subsequently he was chosen as one among the core group of pilots of the 1AF to undergo training in erstwhile USSR to become the nucleus for training other pilots within the country. Besides, he is a highly qualified instructor, one among the very few in the IAF to hold Instructional Category A-l.

The Air Officer has the distinction of having commanded two fighter squadrons and two major IAF Bases. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for distinguished command of the Hunter Operational Flying Training Unit. In higher appointments he has served as the Staff officer in-charge of Administration of an operational command and as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Inspection) at the Air Headquarters.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, he took over the vital post of Inspector General of the Air Force and was responsible to oversee the professional standard and Flight Safety in the Air Force. During two years of his service in the capacity of Inspector General of the IAF, the Air Officer contributed immensely in enhancing operational efficiency and Flight Safety. His untiring effort towards flight safety resulted in reducing the accident rate in the IAF during the 1996-98. He initiated the drive for quality assurance in the aircraft maintenance shop floors at Operational Bases, Base Repair Depots and the industry. This resulted in reduced defects and improved reliability of aircraft and its support facilities.

In his present appointment as SASO HQ SWAC, the Air Officer's contribution in operational matters has been once again of great significance which has helped in enhancing the Op preparedness of the Command.

Air Marshal Prakash Sadashivrao Pingale AVSM VrC VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Khushinder Singh Bindra AVSM VM (6863) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of IAF in Jan 1963. In 37 years of service Air Marshal Bindra has excelled both as a helicopter pilot and as an administrator. He has nearly 4600 hrs of flying to his credit, has commanded a front line Helicopter Unit and has the rare distinction of commanding the Helicopter Training School twice. He has been Air Attaché at Kabul, President of an Air Force Selection Board, Air Officer Commanding of a transport base, Deputy Commandant of Air Force Academy and Senior Officer In-charge Administration of Western Air Command. His service was of exceptional order was recognised by the award of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1997 and Vayu Seva Medal in 1975.

Through out his career, Air Mshl Bindra has displayed a very high degree of professional zeal and commitment. As Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air HQ the Air Officer displayed remarkable clarity of thought and reasoning and brought about a number of innovative improvements which significantly enhanced the lAF's security and intelligence setup. As Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command, he brought his varied experience to bear on the conduct of a large number of command level exercises and seminars successfully. As Senior Air Staff Officer, Training Command he was instrumental in successfully implementing the concept of Joint Training for all streams and branches at the Air Force Academy, which was a major change from the existing system that catered mainly to flying training. He was also responsible for the smooth and successful conduct of the Aero India 98 at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bangalore. Air Mshl KS Bindra was appointed Air Officer-in-charge Personnel (AOP) at Air Headquarters in Oct 99. As AOP he is responsible for all aspects of personnel planning, induction, training, education and personnel administration. He has introduced an innovative concept of Human Resources Policies in order to bring in greater organisation, transparency and information dissemination in areas of personnel policies. In a short span he has introduced a number of measures aimed at making the policies pertaining to Personnel and Training dynamic and effective.

Air Marshal Khushinder Singh Bindra AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Teshter Jall Master AVSM (7224) F (P) was commissioned in the IAF on 09 Mar 63 as a Fighter Pilot. He has to his credit more than 2500 hrs of flying on aircraft of both Soviet and Western origin. During his distinguished career he has held several important field and staff appointments. Apart from commanding an operational Squadron and an ADDC, he has commanded a premier fighter Base. He has contributed in the Field of EW and Defence Production when posted in staff appointment at Air HQ. He was Air Attaché at Washington before taking over the command of College of Defence Management. Prior to his present appointment as Inspector General (Flight Safety & Inspection) since Oct 1999, he held the appointment of Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of an Operational Command.

As Commandant of College of Defence Management, a Class 'A' Joint Services Institution, he brought about recognition to the college at the national and international level thereby enhancing its image. During his tenure an annual seminar was instituted at the national level. The recognition of the College at international level is evident from the fact that representation from friendly countries was for the first time at Major General level. With his zeal he got the long-standing proposal for permanent accommodation of the college cleared which will result in the move of CDM from its present temporary accommodation to its permanent location in the near future,

As SASO, of an Operational Command he was responsible for the smooth induction of the SU-30 fleet. With foresight and innovative planning he ensured that the Squadron achieved its full potential and was available for operations during the Kargil crisis. As SASO he was responsible for Air Power Demonstration both at Pokhran and Mumbai. The Vayu Shakti at Pokhran in Mar 99 had for the first time air to air missiles firing and full depiction of an air land battle. These events having been conducted safely speaks highly of the professionalism of the Officer. He was also tasked with the move of Command HQ to a new location, which he completed in meticulously under adverse circumstances. The HQ becoming operational in a short duration paid dividends during Op Safed Sagar, which was fully conducted from the new location of the HQ. He fine tuned Air Defence of Command area of operation along with revitalizing Pechora units and C&R system wherein a new CRC was introduced in the Gujarat area and Air Defence of Mumbai strengthened.

As IG (FS&I) he has put in considerable effort for accident prevention with special reference on accidents due to human error and technical defects. He has also been responsible for introduction of Role Specific Inspection and a new pattern for selection of units for annual awards. This will not only enhance the Op potential of the IAF but also foster air warrior qualities. During this period he was also a member of the Task Force on Review of Defence Management from May to Sep 2000, a task he carried out in addition to his regular duties.

Air Marshal Teshter Jall Master AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Surender Singh Chauahan AVSM VSM (7853) AE (M) was commissioned in IAF in Oct 1963. A graduate in Mechanical Engineering, he successfully completed his conversion course in Aeronautical Engineering and Engineering Management in IAF from Air Force Technical College at Bangalore in 1964. During his 37 years of meritorious service in IAF, he has qualified on a number of Fighters, Transports and Helicopters of IAF including modern front line aircraft like Mirage-2000. He was trained abroad on Jaguar aircraft and jet engine testing procedures on test bed. He is an alumni of National Defence College, New Delhi and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

A renowned Aeronautical Engineer in the aviation circles of the country, Chauhan has held various appointments in IAF. The most coveted of these have been as Chief Engineer in Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) where he was involved in instrumentation and modification of various aircraft systems for flight testing and evaluation and as Chief Engineer of the only Mirage-2000 base in IAF. He was Director of Engineering at Air HQ and was in charge of the entire Russian fleet of fighters, transports and helicopters. He also served as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Eastern Air Command.

In the present appointment as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Engineering) at Air HQ, AVM SS Chauhan has been in charge of maintenance of Western origin fleet and basic trainers. The sustained records of high serviceability and healthy flight and maintenance safety records of the fleet under him are a reflection of his foresight and managerial skill.

Air Vice Marshal Surender Singh Chauahan has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Gulshan Kumar Kwatra AVSM VSM (8001) AE (M) was commissioned in IAF in Apr 1964. A graduate in Mechanical Engineering, he successfully completed his conversion course in Aeronautical Engineering and Engineering Management in IAF from Air Force Technical College at Bangalore.

He is a Fellow of Aeronautical Society, of India and has held high offices including Presidentship of its Delhi Chapter. During his service in IAF, he has qualified on maintenance of five different types of aircraft and helicopters and underwent specialist training in UK and USA on aircraft and aeroengine.

A specialist in aviation maintenance, he has served the IAF during the last 36 years in various capacities. At the first and second line levels of maintenance, he rose to be a Chief Engineer of a Flying Training Establishment. He has also been the Chief of Production and Chief of Planning in a Base Repair Depot overhauling aircraft, helicopters and their accessories. In view of his rich experience, innovative thinking and unrelenting initiatives, he was deputed to a friendly country where he excelled in helping that country to set up its own infrastructure for aviation maintenance.

In his present appointment as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Maintenance Plans), he has been conceptualising maintenance policies in IAF. He is personally responsible for enabling the IAF in taking a significant step forward in setting up infrastructure at Type Training Schools which has set new standards of training in Defence Services with enormous contribution to Flight and Maintenance Safety.

A rare combination of multi-facetted talent with boundless energy, he finds more hours in a day and is capable of performing multiple activities concurrently. The indigenisation and self reliance efforts of IAF, which have reached new heights in the recent years, are clue to his singular contribution.

He is the Air Force representative of the Fifth Pay Commission and a host of sensitive issues have been resolved by his uncanny acumen for human psychology, trouble shooting and systematic analysis.

Air Vice Marshal Gulshan Kumar Kwatra AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Sriperumbudur Raghavan AVSM VSM (6710) Lgs was commissioned on 10 Nov 62 in the Logistics branch of the IAF, He has served with distinction at many field units, before holding prestigious appointments like Command Logistics Management Officer at Headquarters Eastern Air Command, Commanding Officer No. 56 Air Stores Park, Air Officer Commanding No. 25 Equipment Depot and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Logistics) at Air Headquarters (VB). While working as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Logistics) he was responsible for the smooth transfer of responsibility of provisioning and procurement of eight weapon systems to Headquarters Maintenance Command, and formulating their procedures. Closely associated with IMMOLS Project, his foresight and vision has contributed significantly to its inception and translation into reality. For distinguished services rendered, he was awarded VSM in 1995 and AVSM in 1997.

Air Mshl S Raghavan was appointed as Air Officer Logistics Management at Headquarters Maintenance Command on 22 Mar 99. With his remarkable skills and organising capabilities, he brought about several improvements in Warehouse Management, which include rationalisation of holdings, purification of data, correct documentation, and disposal of unwanted and non-moving items. During Kargil Operations, his overall management led to safe and expeditious movement of stores including explosives. Despatch of overhauled specialist vehicles by hired trucks and collection of repairable vehicles has been appreciated by operating units.

With a flair for bringing about changes, and commitment to greater decentralisation in decision making, he got Government approval for processing at Maintenance Command itself, indents for imported ranges, rotables, raw materials, machinery, testers etc, Introduction of ARS for CFT and ADGES, and budget management are areas of excellence worth mentioning. His steadfastness has ensured substantial increase of financial powers for Depots thereby considerably reducing lead-time in procurements. Revision of CRISP policy guidelines and realistic size wise management of airmen clothing items have led to cancellation of outstanding orders, and sayings to the state to the extent of Rs 10 crores.

Air Marshal Sriperumbudur Raghavan AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Manjit Singh Sekhon VrC SC VM (6756) F (P) was commissioned in the IAF on 10 Nov 1962. Through out his long and distinguished career, the Air Officer has held a variety of Command and Staff appointments, with remarkable success, aplomb and ease. He has flown many types of fighters, transport and helicopters.

During 1962 operations, he participated in casualty evacuation and supplying of stores. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry for helicopter operations during 196367 in Nagaland, Mizo hills, NEFA, 1965 war and for evacuating more than 4000 casualities from remote areas. He was commended by the CAS in 970 for saving a helicopter with engine malfunction, and carrying out 5 aircraft dead stick landings during 1968-70.

During 1971 War, as a Flight Lieutenant, he commanded 121 Vampire Squadron at Srinagar. For his conspicuous gallant contributions during the war, he was awarded Vir Chakra on 24 Dec 1971. He raised and commanded a Helicopter Unit for 2 ½ years. For a gallant search and rescue operation by helicopter at night, in which, beyond the normal call of duty on 25 Feb 1975, he saved two fighter pilots, he was awarded Shaurya Chakra for gallantry.

As Flight Commander of 37 Squadron, 47 Squadron and Chief Operations Officer of a Fighter Station he contributed significantly and achieved zero aircraft accident rate. He commanded a MiG 21 Squadron for 2 ½ years and achieved remarkable results. As Chief instructor at Air Force Academy, under his dynamic leadership, the Academy achieved a record flying of over 19050 hours in a year, without any accident.

As a Group Captain, he commanded Air Force Station Awantipur for 3 years and made significant contributions to operations, armament storage, work services, and improved the security facilities. This made Awantipur the best fortified Air Force Station of Indian Air Force.

When he was Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Bidar for 2 ½ years, his Station flew more than 30400 hrs on jet aircraft with no accidents. His station was adjudged the best in Flight Safety, Operations, Maintenance and Administration for 3 years consecutively. He also personally formed the Formation Aerobatics Team on Kiran aircraft at Bidar.

The Air Marshal is an alumnus of National Defence College. While holding various staff appointments at Air HQ, he made meaningful contributions in Operations, Flight Safety, Training, Induction of Women officers in the Indian Air Force, and in various other operational fields.

As Air Defence Commander and Officiating Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), South Western Air Command (SWAC), he made commendable contributions in re-organising and relocating units, Radars etc., Flight Safety, in concepts of Control and Reporting Centre, Mobile Pulse Doppler Radar busting, Special Heliborne Operations and Photo Reconnaissance, These contributions greatly improved the Air Defence and overall operational environment of SWAC.

As Air Officer Commanding Jammu & Kashmir, he once again brought about significant improvements in the operational environment, Air Defence set up and Air Maintenance doctrines in J&K to the entire satisfaction of Army and Air Force.

As SASO HQ Eastern Air Command, IAF, and later as SASO HQ Western Air Command, IAF he improved the overall operational, Flight Safety and Air Defence environment of the area. All air maintenance tasks, flood relief, casualty evacuation, counter insurgency operations and tasks given by Air HQ were achieved in the most professional manner. His services were also utilised during 1999 Kargil War. The Air Marshal has more than 8170 hrs of accident free flying on 46 types of aircraft.

As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command, IAF he has brought about remarkable improvements in the fields of Operations, Maintenance and Administration, and succeeded in achieving some of the tasks pending for more than 10 years. His Air Command has maintained zero accident rates. He is always willing to shoulder heavy responsibilities and additional tasks.

Air Marshal Manjit Singh Sekhon VrC SC VM has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Proteep Kumar Ghosh AVSM VSM (7106) AE (L) is functioning as Director General, Radar and Communications Project Office (RCPO) with effect from 01 Aug 2000. In his distinguished service career of 38 years, he has held many important appointments such as Officer Commanding, Station Commander, Air Officer Commanding of a very important Base Repair Depot, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer (SMSO) of an operational Command, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (System) at Air Headquarters for two years, and SMSO at HQ Maintenance Command, IAF for 14 months, prior to taking over as Director General, RCPO. Earlier in his career starting from 29 Jan 63, he has been the recipient of several fellowships of different academic institutions, namely, IETE, Telematics Forum of India, and holds the memberships of prestigious Indian Science Congress, Institute of Engineers (India) and Aeronautical Society of India. For outstanding contribution in his field, he was awarded VSM in 1995, and subsequently, AVSM in the year 2000. During his tenure as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance at Air HQ, the Air Marshal was responsible for the entire maintenance and execution of weapons/spares procurement and maintenance of aircraft/systems, which had a decisive effect during the Kargil operations. Thereafter, he took the assignment as SMSO, Maintenance Command, and was deeply involved in modernisation and re-vamping of infrastructure at various repair agencies, and has given impetus to the indigenisation for achieving the self-reliance of the Nation. Under his leadership, RCPO has successfully completed the long outstanding Futuristic Automatic Data Handling Systems Project, which also helped in development of Radar Data Processor. This is his unique achievement as the DG RCPO, and his processor can be fitted in any Radar System to be developed by the country in future. Undoubtedly, this development will save the national exchequer millions of rupees in terms of foreign exchange.

Air Marshal Proteep Kumar Ghosh AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Michael McMahon AVSM VM (7399) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in the Flying branch on 22 Jun 63. He commanded two Jaguar squadrons and held the posts of Director of Air Staff Requirements, Air Attaché, Paris, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Ambala, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations), Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at Headquarters Western and Eastern Air Command and Inspector General. He presently holds the appointment of Air Officer Commandingin-Chief of Headquarters, South Western Air Command. He served twice on the Staff at Tactics and Combat Development Establishment and is an A2Qualified Flying Instructor. He was twice awarded Mention-in-Despatches (1965 & 1971). He was commended by the CAS and awarded the Vayu Sena and Ati Vishisht Seva Medals. The Officer was the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) for a period of two and a half years during a critical time in the history of the Air Force. He handled Air Force and tri Service operations with balance and maturity. During this tenure, he was also a key member of Janakiraman Committee, which enquired into, and made recommendations towards resolving some of dire most contentious issues of contemporary times.

On promotion to Air Marshal, the officer was posted as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), HQ Western Air Command. Responsible for all the operational aspects of Op “Safed Sagar", it was his single-minded insistence that led to the initial location and subsequent destruction of the logistics camp at Muntho Dolo. This much publicised success was largely responsible for early culmination of the operations. Subsequently, posted as SASO, HQ Eastern Air Command, he provided the impetus towards greater operational thinking as well as for rationalising infrastructure requirements within the Command.

Air Mshl McMahon was then posted as the Inspector General. Despite a short stint in this post, he brought about an awareness of the need for greater clarity and transparency in all aspects of Flight Safety. The Air Marshal was promoted and posted as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQ South Western Air Command on 01 Aug 01. During this period, he applied his mind to the detailed planning of operational requirements, in the event that the effects of Op 'Enduring Freedom' unintentionally spread further than designed.

Air Marshal Michael McMahon AVSM VM has thus distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Teja Mohan Asthana AVSM VM (7672) F(P) was commissioned in 1AF on 28 Oct 63 as a Fighter Pilot. He has flown over 3000 hours on a variety of fighter aircraft. During his distinguished career, he has held several important field and staff appointments and performed consistently well in all of them. After notable tenures in many fighter squadrons, he had a very fruitful and distinguished tenure on the staff of Tactics and Combat Development Establishment, wherein his contribution in the development of new combat tactics and training of pilots earned much recognition. Apart from commanding an operational squadron, he commanded two frontline fighter bases, in the staff appointment as Director Joint Op Planning, he made significant contribution in the formulation of joint policies between the three services. After graduating from the prestigious Royal College of Defence, UK, he was posted as the Air Officer Commanding Advance HO at Western Command. While commanding the Advance HQ, he played a key role in forging better interservices cooperation and promoting synergistic relations between the Air Force and Army. He was also instrumental in the establishment of joint policies for the conduct of operations, both during peace and conflict. As Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Ops) during the Kargil conflict, he played a pivotal role in exercising higher control in the conduct and co-ordination of all air operations.

As Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers), besides making a comprehensive and much appreciated presentation to the Arun Singh Task Force on Higher Defence Management on all aspects of personnel and cadre related issues, he also coordinated the inputs of various Branches and Directorates. The resultant reforms and devolution of administrative powers to the service HQs owe much to the personal efforts of Air Mshl Asthana. In his subsequent appointment as the Senior Air Staff Officer of an Operational Command, despite the short tenure of four months, he was able to register his mark by initiating tangible measures for combating complacency amongst the aircrew, thereby enhancing flight safety. In his present appointment as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) since Dec 2000, he has been resolutely working towards expediting the acquisition of vitally needed capital equipment, and preventing the surrender of funds. Under his guidance and control, the Air Force prepared a wellresearched and logically structured 10th Plan document, which was much appreciated, and incorporated in the overall Defence Plan, without any alteration. As the DCAS, he has been maintaining a constant and healthy interaction at all echelons of the MOD and MOD (Fin), with complete focus and tenacity, to ensure that the modernisation of the Air Force does not suffer a setback due to inadequate utilisation of allotted resources. As a member of the Board of Directors of various PSUs, he has been able to put forth the Air Force viewpoint and objectives concisely, in periodical meetings. Similarly, in various Boards for the DRDO projects, he has been consistently highlighting the operational imperatives and providing inputs to keep the projects focused in the right direction.

Air Marshal Teja Mohan Asthana AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Manek Bomanshaw Madon AVSM VM & Bar (7681) F (P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 28 Oct 1963. During his long career of thirty-eight years, he has distinguished himself in some extremely important Command and Staff appointments. He has commanded a front line fighter squadron and an important operational base. He has also commanded the prestigious Air Force Academy and served in demanding staff appointments like the Air-I and Air Defence Commander in Operational Commands. Presently he is Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at Western Air Command.

An outstanding pilot, he has 5000 hrs of accident free flying to his credit. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry in the 1971 war, and Bar to the VM in 1985. For distinguished service of a very high order, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal while he was Commandant of the Air Force Academy. Air Mshl Madon is a graduate of two inter-services institutions, the College of Defence Management and the National Defence College.

During his tenure, as Commandant of the Air Force Academy all training had been successfully completed within the stipulated time frame regardless of natural or other constraints and hurdles. Complicated and sophisticated joint training programmes were drawn out within a short span without compromising on the standards of training. As a result of the initiatives taken by him, the Air Force Academy today is racing towards its ultimate aim of becoming an Air University.

Immediately after taking over as the SASO of Western Air Command, he set into motion a variety of measures aimed at sharpening the fighting edge of the most important command of the IAF. He has ensured high standards from not only the Command staff but also the field units in all fields of operational activity. He has reviewed and optimised training schedules and facilities at the operational bases towards ensuring safely and efficiency. His efforts and close monitoring of all Command policies has greatly helped in the achievement of a high state of operational preparedness and also a lower accident rate. All targets laid down, in fighter operations, in maintenance support by the Transport fleet in the development and progression of the computer network and in the field of Flight Safety have been achieved well within the stipulated time frames.

Air Marshal Manek Bomanshaw Madon AVSM VM & Bar has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Adi Rustomji Ghandhi AVSM VrC (7722) F (P) was commissioned in Air Force on 28 Oct 63. During his 39 years of service, he has held many Important and challenging field and staff appointments which include Command of a fighter squadron, Command of a prestigious Air Force Station, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (PO), Commandant of College of Air Warfare, Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of South Western Air Command and Western Air Command. Presently he holds the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-inChief, Western Air Command. He has taken part in both the lndo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. He was awarded Vir Chakra on 06 Sep 65 for acts of gallantry.

As Air Officer Commanding of an important fighter base, where both the Mirage of the IAF along with a Squadron each of Pechora and OSA-AK-M missiles are located, he displayed total dedication to service and absolute involvement in all activities of the base. As a result, the base and its lodger units acquitted themselves admirably during all Command and Air Headquarter exercises. For his exceptional service and devotion to duty, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1994.

As Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers) he took keen interest in evolving personnel policies for the Officer cadre of the IAF. As SASO of two operational Commands, he provided the impetus towards greater operational thinking as well as rationalization of infrastructure required within the Command.

On taking over as AOC-in-C of Western Air Command, he set into motion a variety of measures aimed at sharpening the fighting edge of the most important Command of the IAF. He also strived relentlessly to improve the work culture, morale and motivation level of the personnel at all levels. As a result, the Command was able to mobilise resources and move units to their Op locations in the shortest possible time during of Op Parakram.

Air Mshl Ghandhi has been instrumental in initiating a series of major drives to reduce accidents due to bird strikes, beautification of technical and domestic areas improving the quality of output by the MES and most important of all, improving the quality of life of Air Force Personnel specially at remote and difficult Stations.

Air Marshal Adi Rustomji Ghandhi AVSM VrC has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Dinesh Chandra Nigam AVSM VSM (7938) AE (L) was commissioned on 07 Oct 63 in IAF and is presently holding the appointment of SMSO at HQ Maintenance Command, IAF. During his career in IAF, he has held various important field and staff appointments like CEO of a fighter base, Chief Production Officer of BRD, DG RCPO, JDEW and GC IMMOLS, all with distinction. From the outset, Air Marshal Nigam has been regarded as an officer with vision and determination and is considered amongst the pioneers in the field of electronic warfare and information technology. As GC IMMOLS & ACAS (IT) at Air HQ, he ushered in the era of distributed data processing and satellite communication wide area network, which have provided significant impetus to computerisation.

Air Mshl Nigam took over as SMSO Maintenance Command on 01 Aug 2000 and immediately gave a massive thrust to the indigenisation of overhaul spares, life extension studies and modernisation of BRDs. By his sustained encouragement, BRDs have achieved almost 90% indigenisation of mandatory overhaul spares. On life extension studies, he mustered the support of a number of competent Government agencies like JGCAR, CEMILAC, HAL and DRDO laboratories. By associating them with BRDs, a number of life extension studies on aircraft and aeroengines could be completed at a fraction of the cost demanded by OEMs. With his penchant for futuristic planning, Air Marshal Nigam has initiated a number of steps towards modernisation of repair depots to bring them at par with international standards. Under his guidance, all the repair depots have already obtained ISO 9002 certification.

Air Mshl Nigam also has an in-depth knowledge and analytical mind to manage techno-logistics issues. With his sharp vision, he has embarked upon the task of liquidation of non-moving stores. He took up this challenge and issued various policies/orders on rationalisation of stores and purification of data. This exercise has started bearing fruits and a large number of non-moving lines have been converted to moving ones

Air Marshal Dinesh Chandra Nigam AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Satish Kumar Ramlal Dham was commissioned in the medical branch of IAF on 29 Dec 1963. An astute physician he has held coveted appointments as the Senior advisor in medicine, Head and Professor of medicine at AFMC, PMO at the operational SWAC, Consultant medicine to the armed forces at the apex tertiary care Army hospital, Research & Referral (AHRR) and commandant of the prestigious Command hospital Air Force, Bangalore (CHAFB). He was appointed Commandant of AFMC, the premier teaching establishment of the armed forces in the country in Jan 2002. Presently he is holding the appointment of DGMS (Air).

Earlier in his formative years he served with distinction as a specialist in medicine at the Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM). For his professional contribution to the vexing problem of ECG abnormalities in aircrew he was commended by the AOC-in-C TC in 1975. Later serving as a Staff Surgeon to Chief of Air Staff in 1978 he was commended by the CAS for his professional excellence. As Reader in medicine at AFMC, he distinguished himself as an excellent medical teacher and guided many research projects and PG students. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal by the President for distinguished services of high order in 1987. He has been a medical member UN fact-finding mission at Cambodia in 1989. Professionally acclaimed nationally he was awarded Fellowship of Indian College of Physician in 1993. He was instrumental in conceptualizing the functioning of medical departments at the newly formed AHRR during his tenure as consultant in medicine. He displayed excellent administrative skills as PMO, SWAC and later as Commandant CHAF(B). He modernised the command hospital and set up a nationally acclaimed hospital waste management system. For distinguished services of exceptional order he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal by the President in Jan 2001.

At AFMC, with his professionalism and vast experience in teaching and training, he brought out significant improvement in the academic environment and established a much needed department of medical education and information technology. As DGMS (Air), he has rationalized the entire medical board and categorization process in the IAF and revised the important medical IAP 4303 which guides the medical officers at the field level. A major fillip has been given to acquire much needed flight safety simulators (Human Centrifuge & Spatial Disorientation simulator) at IAM during his short span as President Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine. He has thus excelled as a Professional, teacher, research worker & displayed excellent organizational skills as an able administrator; during his career spanning over 39 years, and contributed to the growth of medical services of armed forces.

Air Marshal SKR Dham AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi AVSM VM (8130) F (P) was commissioned in the IAF on 31 Dec 63. He is a fighter pilot who has excelled himself during his career. He underwent the Pilot Attack Instructor (PAI) course at an early stage in his career and later completed the Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course and was adjudged first in the overall order of merit. He was in the first batch of trainees who went abroad for conversion onto Jaguar Aircraft. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and National Defence College (NDC). He was posted in a diplomatic assignment as Air Attaché in Embassy of India at Saudi Arabia. He was awarded VM in 1986 and AVSM in 1994. Presently, he holds the appointment of AOCin-C, Central Air Command since 01 May 02.

During his tenure as Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Air Force Station Jamnagar, more than 26, 270 h were flown and nearly 80 detachments of different flying units were handled by the Station. In May 1992, the IAF specially selected Jamnagar to put up the Night Fire Power Demonstration which was the first of its kind in the history of IAF and required a high degree of coordination both on the ground and in the air to ensure its success. This demonstration was conducted safely in the most professional manner due to his personal guidance. During his command, Air Force Station Jamnagar was adjudged the Best Station of South Western Air Command for three consecutive years from 1991 to 1993.

While holding the appointments of ACAS (Int) and ACAS (Ops), he made meaningful contributions in Operations and Flight Safety, and also evolved new concepts in the area of Intelligence gathering. With his analytical mind he contributed toward evolving new operational and strategic doctrines of the IAF.

As Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command, he brought his varied experience to bear upon the conduct of large number of Command level exercises and seminars successfully. As AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, he has ensured high standards from not only the Command staff but also the field units in all spheres of operational activity. He has taken personal interest in reviewing and optimising training schedules and facilities at the operational bases so as to ensure safety, efficiency and optimal utilisation of resources.

Air Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Ashok Kumar Goel AVSM VM (8151) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 31 Dec 63, as a transport pilot. He has over 9000 h of flying and has held the highest category of instrument rating on most of the transport aircraft of the IAF fleet. During his 39 years of service, he has held various key Staff and field appointments. Notable amongst these are Officer Commanding of two frontline transport squadrons, Air Officer Commanding of two Wings of the IAF, Director Training at Air HQs and Chief Instructor (Air) at DSSC. He is an alumnus of College of Defence Management (CDM) and National Defence College (NDC). He was awarded VM in 1988 and AVSM in 1994. Presently he is the Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command.

He was specially selected in 1984 to lead a team of officers and airmen for training on IL-76 aircraft in USSR and thereafter he was appointed the Commanding Officer of the first IL-76 Sqn of the IAF. With his extraordinary understanding of transport operations, he acted as a think tank behind the meticulous planning and successful execution of Op Cactus, a milestone in the Maldives Operations.

The Air Officer has the distinction of being the Air Officer Commanding of two major transport bases of the IAF. As SASO HQ EAC, he took keen interest in improving the overall operational, Flight Safety and Air Defence environment of the area. All air maintenance tasks, flood relief, casualty evacuation, counter insurgency operations and tasks given by Air HQ were achieved in the most professional manner. His varied field experience, broad knowledge base and outstanding resolve to use resources efficiently led to an optimum utilisation of the transport fleet in EAC. His efforts and close monitoring of all Command policies has greatly helped in the achievement of a high state of operational preparedness and also a lower accident rate. All targets laid down, in fighter operations, in maintenance support by the Transport fleet and in the field of Flight Safety have been achieved well within the stipulated time frames.

Air Marshal Ashok Kumar Goel AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Vijay Achyut Patkar AVSM VSM (8632) AE (L) was commissioned on 23 Jul 64 in the Engineering branch of the IAF. During his career spanning 38 years, he has held many challenging appointments which include Joint Director (EW) at Air HQs, Chief Engineering Officer at AF Stn Agra, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Engineering) and Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at HQ Western Air Command (WAC). Presently he is holding the appointment of Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) at Air HQ.

He gained a post graduate degree in Electronic Communication and Radar Systems from IIT Kharagpur. He was associated with installation of first THD-1995 radar and also with induction of IL-76 aircraft in the IAF. For his distinguished service he was awarded VSM in 1988 and AVSM in 2001.

During his tenure at HQ WAC as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, he strove hard for improving the maintenance standards and practices, modernisation of engineering facilities at the Air Force Stations and improved reliability of power supply systems in the Air Defence Radar and Communication units. His efforts, not only yielded positive results, but also brought about a greater sense of job satisfaction and achievement amongst the engineering personnel of the Air Force Stations under WAC. During this tenure, a new type of helicopter, Mi-17 IV was inducted in the service; and the helicopter squadrons under WAC gradually changed from the old helicopter to the new type. As the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, he took measures for smooth and flawless induction of the new type of helicopter. He also arranged quick and effective training of the Aircrew and the engineering personnel for systematising the operation of the new helicopters in IAF.

As the AOM at Air HQ, he concentrated his efforts in reduction in the number of aircraft on ground (AOG). Towards this end he successfully concluded the spares provisioning contracts which had been pending for some years due to serious difficulties. This has yielded positive results. During the past one year aircraft fleets such as Jaguar and Mi17 have shown substantial reduction in AOG figures. The Air Officer has also been instrumental in getting a totally damaged Mi-26 helicopter re-constructed at a nominal cost of overhaul, thereby saving the nation to the tune of Rs. Forty crore.

During Op Parakram, the Air Officer was responsible for making available the required number of aircraft and ground radar systems for operations, which could be achieved through meticulous planning of maintenance activities under his directions. The relocation of unit detachments during the operations and their logistic support was executed efficiently under his guidance.

Air Marshal VA Patkar AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Anil Kumar Trikha AVSM VSM (8436) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 18 Apr 1964. He has 3238h of flying to his credit. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor arid Fighter Combat Leader (FCL). He is an alumnus of Defence Service Staff College. During his 38 years of career in the IAF, he has held a number of challenging command, staff and instructional appointments, which include CO of a fighter Squadron, flying instructor in a friendly foreign country, Chief Operations Officer of a Jaguar base and Comdt of College of Air Warfare as well as National Defence Academy. Presently, Air Mshl Trikha is AOC-in-C Southern Air Command since 01 Jan 03. While serving as Ops 1A at HQ WAC, Air Mshl Trikha revised the Op Plans of WAC based on threat perception and latest tactical concepts. This involved intensive planning as regard to deployment of forces, updating of strike plans and co-ordination with other branches to ensure prompt and appropriate logistic support. He had also participated in the 1965 and 1971 operations as a very young pilot, for which he was mentioned in despatches in 1972. He was specially selected to undergo a specialist operationally oriented course abroad. Thereafter, he served on the operational staff at Air Headquarters and in the Military Wing of the Cabinet Secretariat. For his distinguished service, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in Jan 1992 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1995.

As Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of an operational base, Air Mshl Trikha used his vast experience in the field and on staff to train the personnel of his station, demanding all round excellence. He associated himself closely with efforts and trials to upgrade the air defence environment of the Base. In Mar 95, he was appointed Air Advisor in the High Commission of India, London and later Commandant of College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad. During his tenure as AD Commander in Southwestern Air Command, Gandhinagar, he was instrumental in redrafting the existing Op instructions based on the current requirement of deployment and Air Defence philosophy. As Commandant, National Defence Academy in 2001-02, he rejuvenated the training syllabi based on current Military scenario. He revolutionised the IT scene at NDA by introducing the LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network). The entire Academy were connected on LAN/WAN, which never existed before. With his personal initiative he ensured the construction of a double perimeter wall around the 9000 acres to enhance security of the Academy.

As AOC-in-C, Southern Air Command he has brought about all round improvements in the field of Operations, Maintenance, Administration and welfare of the personnel. Under his leadership and guidance SAC is ever willing to shoulder heavy responsibilities and additional tasks.

Air Mshl AK Trikha has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Brijendra Mohan Bali AVSM VM (8438) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 18 Apr 64. He has over 4200 hours of accident free flying to his credit on different fighter aircraft variants Inclusive of over 600 hours on the MiG-25R. He is a qualified flying instructor and a fighter combat leader. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College. He has flown several operational missions during the Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971 and commanded the Air Force element at Jaffna during the IPKF operations in 1990. In addition, during his distinguished service of over 38 years, he had held several challenging field, staff and instructional appointments, which include Instructor with Iraqi Air Force, D Plans, ACAS (Insp), IG and SASO HQ CAC, IAF. Presently, he is AOC-in-C, CAC since 01 Feb 03.

During 1987-88, Air Mshl Bali personally led several photo-reconnaissance and ELINT missions deep into operational areas with total disregard of the inherent risks, providing significant results and valuable information for national security. He was awarded VM (G) for his determination and courage. As Director of Plans at Air HQs, he was personally involved in the procurement of important aircraft and radar equipment. As Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station, Pathankot on 28 Aug 95, he progressively optimised maintenance and operational performance on the base to high levels with significant results. The base recorded an average increase of twenty percent in flying effort with corresponding improvements in the operational status of the fighter squadrons. During his tenure, the station had been amongst the best-administrated wings of Western Air Command and was able to absorb additional strike squadrons and air defence elements comprising 600 officers and men during exercise Trishul. As the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, which is geographically the largest operational command of the IAF, Air Mshl Bali has relentlessly pursued achievement of high levels of operational capability. With his inherent ability of visualizing task requirements towards attainment of future goals, timely analysis and planning towards critical requirements, he has ensured the highest operational capability of Mirage and Jaguar fleets. The smooth induction of IL-78 Flight Refueling Aircraft in Central Air Command coupled with relevant training of modern generation fighter aircraft has been a major achievement during his tenure. During his tenure as IG, the accident rate in the IAF was amongst the lowest recorded for the several years. The Air Mshl through his efforts has given the requisite thrust to computerisation and networking. He has taken deep Interest in the welfare and growth of the personnel.

Air Marshal Bali has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Bijoy Krishna Pandey AVSM VM (8990) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a Fighter Pilot on 25 Dec 64. He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College. During his distinguished service of over 38 years, he had held several challenging field, staff and instructional appointments, which include Director DICOST and Director Joint (Ops) Planning at Air HQ and Deputy Commandant NDA. He has also served as the Air Attaché, Embassy of India at Kabul during the three most turbulent years in the recent history of war ravaged Afghanistan. Presently, he is the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, IAF since 14 Feb 03.

AirMshlPandeyhasrendereddistinguished service in several important appointments. He has successfully commanded Air Force Station, Agra, one of the largest operational bases in the IAF, which sustains high intensityflying operations throughout the year. During his tenure as Deputy Commandant NDA, the Academy celebrated its Golden Jubilee, an infinitely complex exercise during which the NDA hosted the Vice President of India as the Chief Guest, a large number of dignitaries and thousands of alumni of NDA. As Operations Manager in Aviation Research Centre (ARC), he initiated many reforms/measures, which had a positive impact on the work ethos of the Air Wing. The fleet modernisation and other futuristic projects were handled by him very systematically and efficiently which have ensured smooth implementation of various projects of importance to national security. Air Mshl Pandey was awarded Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) in 1971 for displaying superb professional skill and courage in saving valuable lives and an aircraft. He was awarded AVSM in 2001 for distinguished service of an exceptional order.

As AOC-in-C, Training Command he has implemented several measures directed at qualitative changes, having positive impact on the training philosophy and professional standards in the Air Force. He was also responsible for the conduct of the prestigious International Air Show 2003 at Bangalore as also, a number of other major exercises to promote awareness of the IAF amongst the youth in South India.

Air Mshl BK Pandey has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Raghu Rajan (8997) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a Fighter Pilot on 25 Dec 64. He has 3091h of accident free flying to his credit. He is an alumnus of Defence Service Staff College and National Defence College. He is a fighter combat leader and also a test pilot. During his distinguished service of over 38 years, he has held several challenging field, staff and instructional appointments, which include Chief Operations Officer at AF Station Srinagar, Commandant TACDE and SAASO at HQ MC. Presently, he is the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters since 05 Jun 02.

As Chief Operations Officer, AF Station Srinagar during 89-91, when militancy gained ascendancy resulting in deterioration in the internal security scenario, he effectively integrated training of AD systems, Interceptor aircrafts, Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs), Radars and Mobile Observation Flights (MOFs) to maintain very high operational state. He also arranged integrated training for interdiction and Offensive Air Support roles for Airborne FAC and Army elements. Under his leadership, AF Station Srinagar was adjudged the best in operations in WAC in 1990. As Comdt, TACDE, he carried out a review of Op and annual training syllabi of all fighters units of IAF and also evolved tactics of strike aircraft for beyond visual range (BVR) engagements. It was during this time that the first ever night firepower demonstration was conducted at Sarmat Range involving fighters, tpts and heptrs. He commanded AF Station Jodhpur, which is one of the largest fighter airbases. During his tenure one of the fighter Sqns was adjudged the best fighter Sqn in IAF and two other Sqns based there were judged first and second in the SWAC inter Squadron Gunnery meet. The Mi-8 Sqn, Chetak were also adjudged the best helicopter Sqns. He encouraged local modification of Chetak, Mi-8, MiG23 and SAM units, thereby saving money and manhours. As Head of Air Wing training team at DSSC, he enhanced the quality of syllabi, introduced lectures and exercises on strategy and tactics and Capsules on Leadership and Logistics Management.

As Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, he is responsible for the planning, processing and progressing of the procurement of weapon systems and allied items for Air Force besides acting as a nodal authority for the Indian Air Force for the interface between the IAF, Ministry and Civil agencies in order to expedite the acquisitions. Under his able guidance, a concerted effort was made towards identification of infrastructural improvement in the Air Force and their staggered execution planned. Similarly, special emphasis has been given to planning and coordinating the medium and long-term requirement of Radar & Navigation Aids to improve the operational efficiency.

Air Marshal Raghu Rajan has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Narayan Menon, UYSM, AVSM, (9005) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned In the Indian Air Force as a Fighter Pilot on 25 Dec 64. He has 3147 h of accident free flying to his credit. He is a qualified flying instructor and a fighter combat leader. He has commanded a fighter squadron and two operational bases and a Flying Training Establishment. He is an alumnus of College of Defence Management and National Defence College. During his distinguished service of over 38 years, he had held several challenging field, staff and instructional appointments, which include Head of OB Faculty at CDM, AOC J&K and ACAS (Ops). Presently, he is Air Officer in-charge Personnel (AOP) at Air Headquarters since 01 Feb 02.

As Director Operations (Air Defence), he displayed considerable foresight and a deep sense of involvement in the management and optimisation of resources for the defence of our skies. For his distinguished service of exceptional order, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1998.

As AOC J & K during Kargil Operations, he was personally involved in planning and execution of all joint missions with the Army. As a result, the Air Force successfully dislodged the enemy and facilitated early cessation of hostilities. For his leadership, initiation, strategic planning and tactical innovation he was awarded Uttam Yudh Seva Medal in 1999.

As Asst Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) at Air Headquarter, he was responsible for formulation of war plans and conduct of major exercises. When mobilisation was ordered after an attack on the Parliament on 13 Dec 01, he ensured that squadrons were deployed at Op locations on 14 Dec 01 itself. Despite long deployment of the personnel, he ensured that they remained at the highest level of preparedness, ready to launch an attack at shortest possible notice.

As Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel, Air Mshl Menon has been responsible for all aspects of personnel planning, induction, training, recognition and rewards to all the personnel in the IAF. During his tenure a number of policies and innovative measures, which will go a long way to enhance the motivation and morale of the IAF personnel have been initiated. These include revival of SNCOs Commission to provide better career prospects to the serving airmen, improvement in the promotion ratios of the officers in the ground duty branches and more transparency in the decision making process. He and his team have been able to set IAF Training Institute recognised by the AICTE as also civil aviation recognition for military aviation qualifications.

Air Mshl N Menon has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Prakashchandra Khandubhai Desai AVSM VSM (10078) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in Indian Air Force on 03 Jan 66. During his career laced with academic brilliance at various civil and service courses he has achieved number of milestones on professional and administrative fronts.

His leadership qualities, professional acumen, academic & research orientation has helped in achieving excellent results in tasks like indigenisation, life extension and operational modifications. He had held several important assignments like Weapon Test Engineer at Aircraft-and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Dy Air Attaché, Moscow, Chief Engineering Officer Air Force Station Tezpur, and Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Kanpur during his service career bringing out his skills in contract negotiations, civil admin and legal matters besides the technical expertise. During his tenure as ACAS Eng 'A', he managed the technical and logistics of large fleet of Russian fighters, transport ac and helicopters under adverse circumstances of poor product support from OEM, both during peace and during Op Parakram. He was IAF representative in several important delegations to Russia and Ukraine and was instrumental in successfully concluding large number of contracts for critical equipment and spares. He has also been appointed on Scientific Committees at NAL and Indian Society of Non Destructive Testing.

In his present assignment as SMSO HQ MC since 12 Jun 2002, with his vast technical and logistics experience, he has provided new impetus to production, modification, provisioning and indigenisation efforts of various BRDs/EDs. Under his guidance, most of the BRDs have not only managed to complete their assigned task, but also provided excellent support to operational units in AOG clearance, in-situ repairs and rectifications. He has been instrumental in bringing about change in orientation and priority at the Maintenance Command units in favour of supporting operational units. His close association with R & D, HAL, certification and academic institutions has resulted in enormous saving of Foreign Exchange and resolution of number of problems affecting availability of aviation equipment,

Air Mshl PK Desai AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Sunil Kumar Malik AVSM (9002) F(P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in the Flying branch on 25 December 1964. He has over 4200 hrs of accident free flying to his credit. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and Air War College of USA. He is a production test pilot, who has held several key appointments such as Joint Director at Directorate (Offensive Ops), Commanding Officer of the Aircrew Examining Board, Air Attaché Moscow, Air Officer Commanding of two operational bases, Additional Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations), Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at South Western Air Command. He was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1996. Presently he is Vice Chief of Air Staff since 01 October 2004.

As Air Officer Commanding, Air Marshal Malik carried out the task of reassessing the operational deployments of Air Defence systems. He executed a major operational work of runway resurfacing with top quality within a record duration of six months. During his tenure the average aircraft serviceability improved from 65% to 74%.

As Additional Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) during Kargil air operations, Air Marshal Malik made significant contribution in planning the target systems and acquiring intelligence on those. He was also instrumental in harmonising all Electronic Warfare Operations. Major inter service and internal changes were necessitated post-Kargil Review Committee recommendations, for which he effectively planned and brought about organisational changes for better exploitation of intelligence network.

As Senior Air Staff Officer of South Western Air Command, Air Marshal Malik most efficiently and expeditiously brought all the forces to an instant alert status ready to face any challenges. He also ensured that all forces remained deployed with a very high level of operational preparedness with sustained high morale. He organised and executed realistic training exercises for bringing about synergy between Air Defence and Strike Forces. During this period extensive flying training were carried out with the lowest accident rate.

As the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQ Southern Air Command, Air Marshal Malik brought about administrative improvements not only in the work environment but also in the quality of life of personnel below officer rank. He was Chairman of an Inter Services Study Group, which was constituted to study and make recommendations in respect of the selection process for NDA, its service training syllabi and other curriculum. The study group under his leadership has made valuable recommendations towards meeting the future requirements of all the three services

Air Marshal Sunil Kumar Malik AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Satish Kumar Jain AVSM VM (9716) F(P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October 1965 in the fighter stream. During his distinguished service of 39 years, he has held many challenging flying and staff assignments, which include command of a fighter Sqn and two front line fighter bases, head of Air Faculty at the DSSC, Director Air Defence, ACAS (Op Concepts & Doctrine) at Air HQ, AOC J&K and the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), HQ Training Command. He has flown over 4200 hours on 25 different types of aircraft. He is a QFI Cat A2 and a Production Test Pilot. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1987 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1998. Presently he is AOC-in-C South Western Air Command since July 2004.

As Director Operations (Air Defence), Air Marshal Jain conceptualized and formulated the futuristic op requirements of modernisation of the country's air defence systems. Their implementation will have a far-reaching effect in enhancing the effectiveness of our air defence. He was also actively involved in planning and support for Op Safed Sagar, which entailed rapid deployment, adjustment and support to Air Defence forces. As the Air Officer Commanding J&K, he successfully accomplished all air logistics and fighter/ combat operations from the six airfields and numerous wheelbases in the J&K and Siachen sector. During the summer of 2000 he overcame a serious logistics crisis at the base camp due to flood-related destruction of bridges with astute employment of his limited airlift resources. The combat capability of his fleet was improved significantly through systematic training, coordination and trials in difficult terrain.

As the ACAS (Operational Concepts & Doctrine) Air Marshal Jain contributed significantly to increase international coop-eration with many countries. As the leader of the Indian Military Delegation to Tajikistan, he saved the exchequer many crores by convincing the Govt of Tajikistan to supply unused Pechora missile spares free of cost thus giving a muchneeded relief to the Pechora squadrons. His dedicated efforts led to the successful conduct of Executive Steering Group meetings with the USAF, which led to unprecedented level of IAF-USAF joint exercises. He was the nodal coordinator at Air HQ for evolution and implementation of joint staff structures pursuant to the recommendations of Group of Ministers to revamp the national security system. He drew up the road map for induction of simulators in the IAF. As SASO, HQ Training Command, Air Marshal Jain initiated concrete steps to upgrade the skills and categories of instructors and controllers, which has resulted in upgradation in large numbers. He ensured significant improvements and growth in networking and computer aided learning at all training units,

Air Marshal SK Jain has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Subhash Bhojwani AVSM VSM (9734) F(P) was commissioned in the IAF as a Fighter Pilot on 16 October 1965. He has flown over 4500 hours on single engined aircraft, which include 31 combat mission in December 1971 in the Western Sector, for which he earned 'Mention-in-Dispatches'. He is a Fighter Combat Leader and one of only two IAF pilots holding QFI cat A-1. For his distinguished services, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1993 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1997. A graduate of RAF Staff College and Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies, Air Marshal Bhojwani has held prestigious field, staff and instructional appointments including CO of two fighter squadrons, Chief Operations Officer of flying station, instructional assignments at DSSC and College of Air Warfare, Air Officer Commanding of a premier fighter base, Director Ops Offensive and Air Staff Inspection, Commandant Air Force Academy and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of Western Air Command, before being appointed as AOC-in-C Training Command since Jul 2004.

As Director Operations (Offensive), he systematised WWR management and measures to optimise availability of weapon and fuses (Project Checkmate). During Kargil operations, he was member of Core Group at Air HQ and was nominated as media spokesman for IAF in which capacity he brought into public focus the crucial role of air power in that conflict. During 2000-02, as commandant Air Force Academy, he restructured the training to optimise existing resources and improves training standards.

At the height of Op Parakram, Air Marshal Bhojwani was appointed SASO, WAC, where he was instrumental in bringing the entire operational assets of the Command to a very high state of readiness. During his two year tenure, he oversaw induction and operationalisation of new technology equipment such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Bison, Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR), Mi-35 upgrade and Integrated Command Air Tasking System (ICATS), as well as expansion of operational use of computer and data networks. The smooth conduct of several major exercises and flawless completion of Op Meghdoot tasks bear testimony to his conceptualisation and management skills. His standard of staff work and related activities has set a benchmark for others to follow.

As AOC-in-C Training Command Air Mshl Bhojwani involved himself in the restructuring of training of airmen and the establishment of the AF Engineering College.

Air Marshal Subhash Bhojwani AVSM VSM has throughout rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani AVSM VM (10440) F(P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 29 October 1966. During his distinguished service of 40 years he has held a wide range of important operational and staff appointments which include Defence Attaché to Sweden, Commanding Officer of a premier Air Force base, Director of Offensive Operations, Air Advisor to the CAS and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers). He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, where he served as an Instructor. He has flown a large number of combat aircraft in the lAF's inventory, and has also gained proficiency in flying helicopters and transport aircraft. Since the early years of his service, his exceptional flying skills and disciplined approach were recognized at every level. During the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, he flew 22 operational missions on MiG-21 aircraft into enemy territory, thereby making a significant contribution to the war effort. For his dedicated efforts and high level of professional skills, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1987 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1991.

In 1984, Air Marshal Bhavnani was selected to lead the IAF team to France to fly the newly acquired state-of-the-art, Mirage 2000 aircraft. On return, he commanded the Battle Axes Squadron and equipped it with the new aircraft and was responsible for laying a strong foundation for the lAF's Mirage fleet. During his tenure as Commanding Officer of prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), he introduced a wide range of changes in the curriculum, leading to significant improvements in lAF's combat skills and orientation.

As SASO HQ CAC, sustained efforts made by Air Marshal Bhavnani ensured successful induction and operationalisation of the newly acquired Flight Refueling Aircraft, 1L-78. In February 2003 he successfully coordinated the first ever Indo-French combat exercise held at Gwalior, involving modern combat aircraft. Later, he also successfully handled the task of planning and conducting the first Indo-US air combat exercise at Gwalior in October 2003. His meticulous preparation and expert professional guidance resulted in the successful conduct of this exercise, which brought in extraordinary accolades from the US Air Force.

In his present assignment as Commanderin-Chief of the Strategic Forces Command, Air Marshal Bhavnani has initiated several important measures to optimize the integration of forces and command and control of the strategic systems with a view to increase the operational potential of the Strategic Forces.

Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Harendrajit Singh Garkal VSM was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the IAF on 15 December 1968. He is an alumnus of the College of Defence Management. During his distinguished service of over 35 years, he has held varied key appointments such as, Air Staff Inspector, Officer Commanding GCA Radar Squadron, Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Personnel Staff Officer, Air Officer Commanding Equipment Depot and Senior Officer-in-charge Administration. Presently he is Air Officer-in-charge Administration since 22 March 2004.

Air Marshal Garkal has brought laurels to the organisation through his exceptional calibre, sincerity, honesty and unimpeachable integrity. He has left an indelible stamp of professionalism in all his previous appointments. For his professional and distinguished service of high order, he was commended by AOC-in-C in the year 1977 and was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1997. As Officer Commanding GCA Squadron, Air Marshal Garkal pioneered the integration of GCA and Air Defence radar for optimum operational Results. As Chief Administrative officer of a major base, he brought about perceptible improvement in all spheres of administrative activities. As Air Officer Commanding Equipment Depot, his far-sighted and proactive approach saw creation of some strategic, permanent assets, besides establishing an innovative inventory management system.

As Senior Officer-in-charge Administration at HQ Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Garkal successfully used his vast experience to bring about qualitative and quantitative changes in the maintenance and upgradation of infrastructure. He took initiative to set up Command Museum and Archives. He ensured efficient management of Public funds and evolved an ethos of cost consciousness leading to desired improvements in all facets of administrative activities.

As Air Officer-in-charge Administration Air Marshal Garkal has initiated steps to ensure quality planning, effective monitoring and execution of operational and security related works. His professional and result oriented guidance to the AFCAO culminated into landmarks e.g. e-POR for officers and airmen, software for data inputs by units, etc. Under his able guidance, sports and adventure activities have got a fresh impetus. His tenure has brought in significant and genuine long-term welfare measures. A drive to improve education standards in Air Force Schools, office computerisation and greater attention to improving the infrastructure at remote locations deserve a special mention. His wholesome involvement and guidance are distinctly visible in every facet of administration, whether in support of operations, welfare, sports, discipline, security or financial management.

Air Marshal Garkal has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Parimal Kumar Sarkar (26480) Med (Retd.) was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on 24 July 1966. During his 38 years of distinguished service he held various coveted appointments which include Senior Advisor in Preventive and Social Medicine, Reader at AFMC, Assistant Director of Health HQ 3 Corps, HQ 4 Corps, HQ Western Command and Commandant of prestigious Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB). He was commended by the Chief of Army Staff for his meritorious service in the year 1997. He retired as DGMS (Air) on 30 September 2004. Earlier, in his formative years, Air Marshal Sarkar earned the qualifications of Diploma in Public Health (DPH) and Diploma in Industrial Health (DIH). He is also a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM). He served with distinction as a specialist in PSM at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. As Reader at AFMC, he distinguished himself as an excellent medical teacher and guided many research projects and PG students. He displayed excellent administrative skills as Commandant CHAFB. He modernised various departments of CHAFB & ensured adequate comprehensive health care to all patients. Patient satisfaction irrespective of rank & status was his primary concern. During his tenure as Commandant, CHAFB was adjudged as “Environmentalist of the year 2002" and was awarded first prize in Hospital Waste Management System by Karnataka State,

As Deputy Director General (Pension) at the office of DGAFMS, Min of Def, Air Marshal Sarkar was instrumental in revision of the book “Guide to Medical Officers - Military Pension" which guides all medical officers of the Armed Forces regarding attributability, aggravation of the disabilities and disability pension. He ensured revision of all the Armed Forces Medical Forms used for admission, discharge in hospitals, medical categorization etc.

During his tenure as DGMS (Air) Air Marshal Sarkar focused on improving patient care in hospitals and training of doctors and para medical staff in the Air Force. Due to his endeavour, state of the art equipment has been installed in the Air Force hospitals which would further augment the patient care. A new electronic medical records data management system has been established at the Med Dte to maintain records of all AF officers across the country.

Air Marshal Sarkar has excelled himself as a professional teacher and displayed excellent organisational skills as an able administrator and contributed significantly to the growth of medical services of the Armed Forces. He has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Sharad Yeshwant Savur AVSM (10525) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 29 October 66 in the transport stream. In the 1971 war he was a Forward Air Controller with the battalion that captured two PAF pilots who had been shot down by IAF Gnat aircraft. In 39 years of very distinguished service, he has flown more than 7500 hrs of accident/incident free flying on various aircraft types over the inhospitable terrain of the northeast, Ladakh and JAMMU & KASHMIR as well as on VVIP and VIP flights duties. He has also been an Air Force Examiner. He has commanded Air HQ Communication Squadron and three different Air Force Stations. He has held staff appointments at Air HQ as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel-Airmen and Civilians), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Intelligence) and at operational Command HQ as Senior Air Staff Officer. He is a graduate of Higher Command Course, Senior Defence Management Course and an alumnus of the National Defence College. As Station Commander of AF Station, Sulur, the officer had co-authored the Standard Operating Procedure for air-sea rescue by helicopters. As Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Agra, he ensured the highest standards of operational flying and training by setting a personal example in undergoing conversion on the IL-76. As Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Palam, he coordinated the airlift of relief materials for Bhuj Earthquake relief as well as for operations in the Kargil sector. As ACAS (PA&C) he instituted procedures that speeded up the issue of Pay Pension Orders, a new format for appraisals of airmen and co-ordinated the mobilization for Op Parakram.

As Senior Air Staff Officer in Eastern Air Command, he planned and positioned helicopters and transport aircraft at strategic places, oversaw the training and executed airlift and heli-lift to assist the Royal Bhutanese Army in driving out Anti-National Elements.

Most recently, as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command, he was responsible for execution of air operations for post Tsunami relief and rescue. He ensured that transport aircraft and helicopters of the IAF reached Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sri Lanka respectively for relief operations within hours of the catastrophe. Under his guidance the IAF contingent during Op Seawave in Sri Lanka achieved a mammoth task of airlifting 2, 35, 000 Kg and 673 people, flying a total of 422 sorties/270 hours without any accident/incident. In addition the units deployed in after-math of Tsunami at Carnic also achieved exemplary standards in carrying out the rescue and relief operations for the IAF personnel, their families and for the civilian population too. This task of rescuing, air lifting of personnel and also providing the much needed relief materials was executed under adverse conditions under his able leadership.

Air Marshal Sharad Yeshwant Savur AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Avinash Deodatta Joshi, VM (10886) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 04 June 1967. During his distinguished service of nearly 40 years, he has held many challenging flying and staff appointments. He has flown a large number of combat aircraft in the lAF's inventory. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. He has flown a number of combat missions during the 1971 war with Pakistan in the western theatre while serving in a Hunter Squadron. For gallantry displayed during the operations, he was awarded Mention-in-Despatches. While posted to a MiG-21 Squadron in 1979 he was the first to carry out night flying from Srinagar and subsequently clear the valley for night flying as a routine. In 1981 he was specially selected for training on the MiG-23 BN In the erstwhile USSR and posted subsequently as the senior Flight Commander of the Squadron when it was formed in India. In 1984 during Op Meghdoot he was the first MiG-23 pilot to have commenced active operations from the highest operational base Leh in Ladakh.

In 1985, Air Marshal Joshi took over command of a MiG-23 BN Squadron. This squadron had been specially selected for Op Meghdoot. With his vast experience in this sector, he was entrusted with a number of operational photo reconnaissance missions which he flew himself. For his dedication and high level of professional skills he was awarded the VM in 1988. Air Marshal Joshi commanded a Forward Air Base in Rajasthan sector. He also commanded Air Force Station Bidar where he was given the responsibility of raising the now famous “Surya Kiran" aerobatics team.

A graduate and Instructor of the Army War College Mhow, he also attended the course at the National Defence College and the National Security Programme at Gallillee College, Israel. His staff appointments include deputy Commandant at CAW, ACAS (Safety and Inspections) and ACAS (PO). As SASO HQ South Western Air Command he handled two very important events. After a long gap, the air power demonstration Vayu Shakti 2004 was conducted at Pokhran Air to Ground range, where all the latest aircraft and weapons were showcased. Subsequently he was also responsible in handling the Awareness Campaign at Bombay, which was one of the largest air demonstrations that included Air India aircraft also. Due to his meticulous planning and preparation, both events were highly successful, Incident free and were well received.

Air Marshal AD Joshi took over as AOCin-C, Eastern Air Command (EAC) on 01 November 04. During his tenure, the training and operational standards of EAC have been greatly enhanced. Operations were conducted from civil airfields for the first time. The serviceability states of aircraft and avionics systems exceeded all expectations from a fleet of ageing aircraft. Administrative aspects also went through a welcome change. He has now been specially selected to take over as C-in-C of Strategic Forces Command.

Air Marshal Avinash Deodatta Joshi, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Avdesh Kumar Singh, AVSM, VM, VSM (11005), Flying (Pilot), was commissioned on 04 June 1967 in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force and has more than 5000 hrs of accident free flying on 17 different types of aircraft. He has held various Command and Staff assignments during his 38 years of distinguished service in the Air Force, which include Command of a Fighter Squadron, Commander Delhi Area Air Defence, Command of an Air Base, Air-I of Western Air Command (WAC), Air Commodore Operations at an Army Command, ACAS (Trg), Air HQ, Director General (Inspection & Safety) and SASO of WAC before taking over as AOC-in-C, WAC, IAF. He was also President, Services Sports Control Board and member of Board of Directors, International Military Sports Council.

Air Marshal AK Singh was the youngest transport pilot to participate in the historical “Tangail Operations" during the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. He is the only pilot to convert from transport stream to fighters and successfully led a Jaguar Squadron in operations. During Kargil Operations the officer, as then Air-I, Western Air Command conducted the fighter operation with astute planning and dedication, which was instrumental in bringing the engagement to a very successful culmination.

The Air Mshl, as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training), was instrumental in successfully steering the case for recognition of flying qualification of military pilots and equation of technical and non-technical training in the IAF with civil Diplomas. As Director General (Inspection &. Safety), he assumed functions of quality assurance and published a book specifying the quality of products acceptable in service which empowered the users to reject lower quality products. He was appointed as Senior Air Staff Officer, Western Air Command, in September 04 and he organized as well as executed realistic training exercises, which contributed to the outstanding performance of IAF forces in international exercises. During this tenure Host Squadron and Armament Training Concepts were also introduced, which have resulted in enormous saving to the IAF.

As AOC-in-C, WAC the Air Marshal used his vast experience to make significant administrative improvement in the work environment and improved quality of life of personnel below officer rank. His planning and execution skill were once again put to test when Western Air Command aircraft were called for aid to civil power when 47,000 people were evacuated from Srinagar valley and Ladakh during unprecedented heavy snowfall in January-February 05. The relief and rescue operations were also carried out in Jammu area where flash floods had struck without any notice and thereafter 140 people were evacuated. It was under his able guidance and leadership that such a massive peacetime operation was carried out successfully.

Air Marshal Avdesh Kumar Singh, AVSM, VM, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Jaspal Singn Gujral, VM VSM (11300) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Fighter Stream of the IAF on 31 December 1967, He has over 4000 hours of accident free flying on single engine aircraft, which include 16 combat missions flown in 1971 operations. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor holding an A-2 category. For his distinguished services, he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1988 and Vishisht Seva Medal in 1994.

A graduate of Defence Services Staff College and College of Defence Management, Air Marshal Gujral has held prestigious field, staff and instructional appointments which include CO of a frontline fighter squadron, Chief Instructor (Flying) at Air Force Academy, Air Officer Commanding of a premier fighter base, Defence Attaché at Prague, Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Joint Operations) and Deputy Chief of Air Staff before being appointed as AOC-in-C Central Air Command in May 2005.

As Chief Instructor (Flying) at Air Force Academy he brought the accident rate to zero by adopting innovative measures. As AOC in Baghdogra, he was instrumental in commencing live air to ground firing on the Teesta Range. As Assistant Chief of Integrated Staff (Joint Operations), he was responsible for formulation of the Tri-Service Disaster Management Response Plan, which was put into action during the Sri Lankan floods in June 03 and later during Tsunami disaster in 2004, Also, as part of Defence Policy Group, he co-chaired three Important Military Subedar Group committee meetings promoting Indo-US and UK Defence co-operation in Washington, London and Delhi respectively.

As Deputy Chief of Air Staff, he streamlined the planning and procurement process for capital equipments, which ensured full utilisation of capital funds allotted to the IAF in 2004-05. He assisted in the formulation of new document on Procurement Procedures which was issued by Raksha Mantri in mid 2005. He also chaired an important Subedar committee ordered by MoD on production of Light Combat Aircraft and his recommendations have been accepted.

As AOC-in-C, Central Air Command Air Marshal Gujral organized and executed realistic training exercises without moving forces bringing about synergy between all elements thus increasing operational efficiency in cost effective manner. Extensive flying training was carried out by all the Strategic assets and with a special focus on Flight Safety. He brought about administrative improvements not only in the work environment but also in the quality of life of personnel below officer rank.

Air Marshal Jaspal Singn Gujral, VM VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Fali Homi Major, AVSM, SC, VM (11442) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a pilot in the Indian Air Force on 31 December 1967. During 40 years of distinguished service, he has held various prestigious field/ staff appointments and has over 8100 hrs of accident-free flying to his credit. He is a graduate of the National Defence College and Army War College.

The Air Marshal had raised and commanded the first Mi-17 Squadron of the IAF and commenced operations in the world's highest battlefield, the Siachen glacier. He commanded yet another Mi-17 Squadron and led this Squadron into battle during the IPKF operations in Srilanka. For his leadership and courage he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

The Air Marshal was instrumental in carrying out a daring rescue operation In which 11 people were rescued from a stranded cable car in the middle of a valley at the Timber Trail resort at Parwanoo, HP. For this act of Gallantry he was awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra' by the President of India. As Air Officer Commanding Leh in the aftermath of the Kargil conflict, he displayed great leadership in accomplishing all the tasks assigned to him. For his distinguished service of a very high order, he was awarded the 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' by the President of India on 26 January 2002.

The catastrophe caused by the Tsunami caused enormous damage to property and loss of precious lives in peninsular India, the Andamans and other South East Asian countries on 26 December 2004. As the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) he directed and controlled the relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations of the Indian Armed Forces in India and abroad. His relentless and unflinching dedication towards the mammoth relief operations ensured smooth conduct and completion in record time. He also brought about other improvements in the working environment of HQ Integrated Defence Staff. He carried out a major revamping in the Operations Branch and was instrumental in operationalisation of the “Interim National Command Post" (INCP) to facilitate coordination and decision making at the highest levels of Political and Military leadership of the country in the event of any National Crisis.

Air Marshal Fali Homi Major, AVSM, SC, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal (Mrs.) Padma Bandopadhyay AVSM VSM (11528) Med was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on 22 January 1968. An astute aviation medicine specialist she had held coveted appointments as Senior Advisor in Aviation Medicine, Professor of Physiology & Aviation Medicine at Institute of Aviation Medicine, Senior Scientist 'D' at DIPAS. She was appointed as Air Officer Commanding of prestigious Air Force Central Medical Establishment. She held the appointment of Additional Director General Armed Forces Medical Services. Presently she is holding the appointment of DGMS (Air).

Earlier in her formative years she served with distinction as medical officer at Air Force Hospital Halwara and was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished services of high order in 1973. She distinguished herself as an excellent Professor of Physiology and Aviation Medicine at IAM and guided many research projects and PG students. She displayed excellent administrative skills as DPMO, WAC and later as AOC, AFCME. At CME with her professionalism and vast experience in training and teaching she brought out significant improvement in quality of the medical evaluation of aircrew. She modernized various departments of AFCME. For her distinguished services of exceptional order, she was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2002.

As additional DGAFMS, the Air Marshal was instrumental in formulating new promotion policy of AMC officers. As DGMS (Air) she has guided the establishment of Medical Evaluation Centre in Eastern sector for aircrew thereby saving costly man hours of aircrew. The most advanced concept of medical delivery system i.e. Telemedlcine is being established at five Air Force Stations covering North, East, South West with CHAF (B) as a part of first phase with her untiring efforts. A major fillip has been given to acquire much needed state of the art MRI and Cardiac Cath Lab for CHAFB.

With her constant endeavor, fresh diploma courses recognized by paramedical board of Karnataka for Medical Assistants have been started for Medical Assistants. This will not only bring in significant improvement in the medical care at all levels but also benefit the tradesmen post-retirement. The Air Officer has excelled as a towering Professional and has displayed excellent organizational skill as an able administrator during her career spanning over 39 years and contributed to the growth of Medical Services of IAF

Air Marshal (Mrs) P Bandopadhyay AVSM, VSM, PHS has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Pramod Kumar Mehra AVSM VM (11581) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the IAF as a fighter pilot in the Flying branch on 18 May 1968. He has held various important appointments which include Commandant of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Director Air Staff Requirements (DASR) at Air HQ, Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station, Hasimara, Air Defence Commander (AD Cdr) of South Western Sector, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) [ACAS {Int}] at Air HQ, and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at HQ Central Air Command (CAC). He took over as Air Officer Commanding-inChief of the prestigious South Western Air Command at Gandhinagar on 01 March 06. For his distinguished services, he has been awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2005 and Vayu Sena Medal in 1989. The Air Officer took part in the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and is one of the most experienced test pilots in the IAF today. He has successfully supervised many projects in various capacities at ASTE, thus contributing immensely towards improving the operational potential of the IAF. As DASR at Air HQ, he most creditably performed the job of laying down air staff requirements for acquisition of various assets by the IAF, He was member of the Price Negotiation Committees (PNC) for the Advanced Jet Trainer (Hawk) and proved his acumen as an able negotiator during these negotiations. As AD Cdr, he was responsible for the Air Defence of the South Western Sector during Op Parakram and performed his role exceedingly well with limited resources and constraints of ageing equipment. He was ACAS (Int) at Air HQ at a time when the International defence cooperation between the IAF and friendly foreign countries was on a major upswing. His efforts were contributory towards successful conduct of bilateral visits with the other Air Forces including visits by the Chiefs of Air Staff. He also provided necessary support to the nascent Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) from Air HQ, especially towards implementation of recommendations of Group of Ministers (GoM) post Kargil War. As SASO, HQ CAC, he was responsible for all the operational activities of the most well endowed Command of the IAF which has almost all types of aircraft and equipment in Air Force inventory. During this tenure he was instrumental in increasing the operational potential by introducing a series of Intra Command exercises, greater stress on enhanced training and standardizing new concepts in operations like Aerial Refueling and Combat Search & Rescue. His tenure saw meticulous planning & successful conduct of International Air Force exercises in which Squadrons based in CAC participated in joint exercises between 1AF and foreign countries like US, Singapore, South Africa, and France. These exercises earned IAF a place of pride due to its professionalism and propelled it towards being recognized as a global force with strategic reach.

As AOC-in-C SWAC, he has given a fresh impetus to the Command in its surge forward by his focused vision and a clear foresight. Successful conduct of Air Force Exercise, Gagan Shakti recently has refined the operational readiness of the IAF and has once again shown the able leadership provided by Air Marshal Mehra from SWAC. Many new concepts and systems were tried and validated during this exercise. Be it in the field of Information Technology or the infrastructure development in the Stations, SWAC is making big strides under his stewardship. The area of responsibility of SWAC recently saw unprecedented rains and floods which caused widespread damage and loss of life in these States. Rescue and relief operations launched under his guidance were prompt and well coordinated despite limited resources when compared to the magnitude of devastation. The timely succour provided by the Air Force was widely appreciated by the State Govts and was a result of his innovative idea of providing training to the district officials by air force personnel before the onset of monsoon.

Air Marshal Pramod Kumar Mehra AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Bhushan Nilkanth Gokhale AVSM VM (11630) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on 02 June 1968. In a distinguished career spanning four decades, the Air Marshal has flown more than 3700 hrs on various fighter and trainer aircraft. He has had a rich and varied experience covering a gamut of operational, staff and instructional tenures. He is a Cat A2 Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. The Air Officer has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a prestigious Air Base operating Jaguars and Mi-8 aircraft. Besides instructional tenures at Air Force Academy and Flying Instructors' School, the he has served as a qualified flying instructor on deputation to the Iraqi Air Force. The Air Marshal is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, an alumnus of Air War College, USA and a Fellow of the Aeronautical Society of India. He has been a Directing Staff at the Staff College and an Inspector at Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI). He has served as Defence Attaché in the Embassy of India Cairo, Egypt. He has also been Air Advisor to Chief of the Air Staff. During the Indo-Pak war of 1971 he flew several operational air-to-ground attack missions. For his professionalism and distinguished service, the Air Marshal has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1990 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2000.

As Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Operations, the Air Marshal had played an important role in planning and execution of air operations, including Op Parakram. He had coordinated the induction of the SU 30 MKI, Embraer aircraft and the Air-to-Air Refueller aircraft. His meticulous planning facilitated the enhancement of UAV capabilities of the IAF and formulation of tactics for Beyond Visual Range combat. He was the architect of a large number of international exercises conducted during this period. He was instrumental in conceptualization, planning and operationalising the strategic component of lAF's weapon inventory.

As Senior Air Staff Officer and subsequently Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Training command, the Air Marshal's vision of a futuristic Training Command has led to establishment of dedicated Aerospace and IT faculties. Besides ensuring smooth implementation of a novel concept of the Just in Time Training for officers and airmen and Distance Education Scheme for in-service courses, he was the guiding force in streamlining the pilots' training.

Air Marshal Bhushan Nilkanth Gokhale AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia AVSM & Bar VM VSM (11631 Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 02 June 1968. The Air Officer has held numerous Staff and Command appointments during the course of his long and distinguished career. Amongst the important assignments held by him in the past are Commanding Officer of a frontline Mirage-2000 Squadron, Air Officer Commanding of two premier fighter bases, Diplomatic and foreign assignments, Inter-Service assignment, Director General (Inspection & Safety) at Air HQ. He is presently the Air Officer Commanding-inChief, Southern Air Command. Throughout his long and distinguished service the Air Officer has been an exceptional achiever at all levels of career progression, which is borne out by fact that the Air Officer has been decorated with VSM in 1984, VM in 1987, AVSM in 1992 and Bar to AVSM in 1997. In addition, he has also been commended by the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval Staff in the course of his distinguished career.

As a Fighter Squadron Commander and Base Commander the officer has displayed exceptional managerial skills and leadership qualities to ensure optimal operational status of his charge. He was commanding the premier Mirage Air Base during the Kargil conflict and modifications, innovations and tactics that were necessary to induct the Mirage-2000 into the Kargil Air Operations were prominently attributable to his leadership, foresight and exceptional professional knowledge. Undoubtedly, the individual contribution of Air Officer during the Kargil conflict was instrumental in the Mirage-2000 aircraft ach-ieving high success rates. For his tour of duty during his diplomatic assignment in Japan and Republic of Korea and as an instructor pilot in a foreign country, his outstanding professional capabilities, skills and achievements were well appreciated by those countries.

As Director General (Inspection & Safety), Air Marshal PS Ahluwalia was instrumental in crafting and executing a flight safety strategy for the Indian Air Force. The officer's perseverance and determination has indeed contributed significantly in reducing the Indian Air Force's accident rate to an all time low, thereby saving precious lives and assets.

Air Marshal Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia AVSM & Bar VM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Arvind Kumar Nagalia AVSM VM VSM (11633) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 02 June 1968. He has over 4400 hours of accident free flying to his credit. During his 38 years of service career, he has held important and challenging staff and field appointments, which include Commanding Officer of maritime Jaguar Squadron, Air Attaché at Kiev, Director of Projects and Director of Air Staff Requirements at Air HQ, Commandant Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Director National Flight Test Centre, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) and Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air HQ. He is a qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot. He has undergone Advance Staff Course at UK. He is also an alumnus of National Defence College (NDC). He was awarded VSM in 1985, VM in 1993 and AVSM in 2004. Presently he is holding the appointment of Deputy Chief of Air Staff at Air HQ since 24 August 2005.

Throughout his service career and especially so when holding criteria appointments, he has been the epitome of professionalism, probity and personal integrity. As Air Attaché, he resolved vexatious issues of product support, settlement of warranty claims and on site training of personnel not only of the IAF, but also of the Army, DRDO and Defence PSUs, through forethought, effective intervention and persistent efforts. This had a significant impact on the maintenance of the operational preparedness. During his tenure as Commandant ASTE, a record number of difficult trials involving complex systems were carried out safely and effectively. Whilst being the Project Director NFTC, he was instrumental in formulating overall Flight Test Plan for the TEJAS (Light Combat Aircraft).

Appointed ACAS (Plans) at Air HQ in September 2002, he was responsible in breaking the deadlock between the Russians and Israelis in the integration of a major weapon system for the Su-30 MKI project and progressing major projects like AWACS and Hawk AJT to their logical conclusion.

During his tenure as AOP, he had been instrumental in formulation of revised abinitio and in-service training policies. He implemented AVSC Phase I report in the IAF in a record time and formulated proposals for Assured Career Progression for Airmen and AVSC Phase II for officers.

During his tenure as DCAS, he revamped the procurement process for fructification of the Annual Acquisition Plan. As a result of his effective planning, guidance and close monitoring, 100% of the allocated funds for capital acquisition were spent from the capital budget during the FY 2004 05 and 2005-06. With his close interaction with officials of Ministry of Defence, DRDO and Defence PSUs, he was instrumental in hastening important policy decisions like obtaining the warranty clause for HAL supplies, delegation of financial powers etc. Under his stewardship, 11th IAF Plan was prepared and approval obtained from MoD.

Air Marshal Arvind Kumar Nagalia AVSM VM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional .order.

Air Marshal Kirti Shekhar Chaturvedl VSM (12100) AE (L) was commissioned on 1969 in the AE Branch of IAF. In his distinguished 37 years of service, he has served in fighter squadrons, overhaul lines of fighter and transport aircraft, commanded Base Repair Depot of front line transport aircraft and also Radar/Communication Repair Depot. He has successfully and effectively held challenging appointments of Senior Maintenance Staff Officer and also Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance. For his distinguished service he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1986 while serving in a front line fighter squadron.

He took over as AOC-in-C Maintenance Command on 16 May 2005 Immediately after taking over the command, he reviewed the availability of operational assets at operating units vis-à-vis maintenance support being provided by Base Repair Depots, Equipment Depots and also HAL. While performance of support units within its specified task appeared to be normal, results were not commensurate to achieve desired status of operational units. With his in-depth knowledge of production at BRDs, HAL and provisioning procedure at various levels, he applied conceived measure towards formulation of production task of BRDs and provisioning norms. These measures have started showing results as the production in one of the BRD, has surpassed unit demands and no demand is outstanding. The similar status is expected to be achieved by other BRDs and HAL due to reorientation of tasks.

Indigenisation of spares was another area where additional thrust was given by the officer, including new inductions In the Air Force. These measures will assure supply of critical spares to operations units in keeping high serviceability. The task of modernisation of BRDs, which was pending for a long, has been reviewed by him with more practicable and implementable scheme, which has gained momentum. Modernisation of warehousing in Air Force has been lacking. The officer with his dynamic leadership has initiated various corrective measures in this direction too. All Equipment Depots have been provided with modern packaging equipment, which is capable of packing sophisticated Air Craft spares at much lower cost, both to packaging and transportation. For better utilisation of warehousing space, a computer based “Carousel System" has been introduced in one of the Depot on experimental basis which will lead to saving of precious space as well as man power required to handle large inventories.

Air Marshal Kirti Shekhar Chaturvedl VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exception order.

Air Marshal Balatikalandra Uthaiah Chengappa AVSM VSM (12112) AE(L) was commissioned on 05 January 1970 in the Engineering Branch of IAF. He is one of the lAF's most experienced engineering officer trained both on aircraft (ac) and systems. During 36 years of distinguished service, he has held several important Command and Staff appointments, and is presently Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance at Air Headquarters,

The Air officer is Russian-trained on Mi-25 gunship and was a pioneer for its induction in the IAF, for which he was commended by the CAS. He has the rare distinction of commanding a Guided Weapon Training Institute as a Wg Cdr, a Fighter Aircraft TETTRA School as a Gp Capt and a premier Systems Base Repair Depot as an Air Cmde, all with outstanding contributions. Also, as Chief Engineering Officer at a Flying Training Establishment, he sustained the serviceability of the ageing Iskra Fleet over 90%, thus ensuring timely completion of all flying training courses during his tenure. For this distinguished service, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 96 by the President,

Air Marshal Chengappa, as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Central Air Co-mmand, reinforced engineering discipline and material management in the field units to increase serviceability of combat assets and support infrastructure. He ensured highest fuel and hydraulic discipline for improved flight and maintenance safety, and instilled concept of self-reliance to survive the resource crunch. For distinguished service of high order, he was aptly awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 04. Thereafter, as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at Maintenance Command, he ensured improvement in production at Base Repair Depots, in terms of both quantity and quality, thus enhancing lAF's operational capability.

The Air Officer during his current appoint ment as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance at Air HQ, has brought about radical changes In the work culture. He has revitalized his techno-logistics team of officers and men to work more effectively and efficiently. His thrust on faster processing of cases for procurement of aviation stores, and for repair and overhaul of aircraft assets, particularly ex-abroad, has resulted in better availability of combat assets. He has used his high professional knowledge and vast experience to revise the existing maintenance practices across all ac and system fleets, resulting in less manpower and lesser time for higher serviceability. His art of negotiation has saved phenomenal money to the exchequer. His special interest has led to fructification of the much required IMMOLS project, the e-environment for material management in IAF, which was commissioned by the Honorable Raksha Mantri 01 09 October 2006. His personal liaison with all Govt. agencies, Defence PSUs, private sector and foreign vendors has resulted in all round synergism for making IAF a more potent force. In addition to all this, his fetish for a modern industrial environment has always generated clean, systematic and ergonomic work places - both in field units and in offices.

Air Marshal Balatikalandra Uthaiah Chengappa AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Ajit Vishwanath Vaidya VM (11848) F (P) was commissioned in the fighter stream of IAF in Dec 1968.

He has over 3000 hours of accident free fighter flying on various aircraft like the Gnat, MiG-21, Mirage-2000, MiG-29 and the latest SU-30. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and has been an Air Force Examiner. During 39 years of distinguished service he had held various field and staff appointments. As a Wg Cdr he commanded the Mirage2000 sqn. During his tenure as CO, his sqn participated in Male Operations (Op Cactus) in 1988. He led the first mission which successfully projected the might of IAF over these islands. For his leadership and courage, he was awarded the VM in 1990. As a Gp Capt, he commanded AF Station, Naliya and further went on to command the prestigious AF Station Pune which inducted the initial batches of SU-30 aircraft.

His staff appointments include a tenure in 1985 in Central Air Command where he was instrumental in ensuring smooth induction of Mirage-2000 aircraft in AF Station Gwalior. He had two tenures in Air HQ as Director Air Staff Requirements during which period he systematically worked towards fructifying the induction of various equipment included in the yearly acquisition plans. After doing NDC, he took over as Air Defence (AD) Commander of Western Air Command (WAC) on promotion to the rank of AVM in year 2000. He revised the AD philosophy of WAC and ensured smooth integration of all AD elements. On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal on 18 Oct 04, he took over as SASO, HQ Eastern Air Command. As SASO, he displayed exceptional acumen in upgrading the operational efficiency of all the fighting units of this Command. In Sep 05, he was posted to HQ IDS as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Ops). The first important assignment that came his way which he handled successfully was the damage control and assistance to the afflicted during the earthquake in NW India.

In Apr 06, he was sidestepped to PP&FD Branch in HQ IDS where he is presently working. In his present assignment he has shown exceptional expertise and foresight in ensuring jointness, interoperability and commonality in induction of technology and equipment related to all three Services. His contribution in preparation of the 11th Integrated Defence Plan & LTIPP was noteworthy.

During his 39 years, he has displayed professionalism of the highest order and made notable contributions through his proactive approach, hard work and extraordinary positive attitude to the IAF in particular and to the three Services in general. Air Marshal Ajit Vishwanath Vaidya VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Gurnam Singh Chaudhry AVSM VSM ADC (11870) F (P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on 29 Dec 1968. He is a Flying Instructor, an Experiment Test Pilot and has flown 4300 hours on several fighter, bomber, transport aircraft and helicopters. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College. The Air Marshal participated in 1971 IndoPak war and flew a number of operational missions. He has held varied appointments which include command of a frontline fighter Squadron, Chief Operations Officer and Air Officer Commanding of prestigious fighter bases. The Air Marshal also served as a qualified flying instructor on deputation to the Govt of Iraq. He was on the staff of Defence Services Staff College

and was one of the founder members of HQ IDS. His other important staff appointments include Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Inspection) and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of HQ SWAC. He was awarded VSM in 1992, AVSM in 1999 and was appointed Air ADC to the President of India in 2007.

As the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Inspection), through meticulous inspections, the Air Marshal contributed towards sustaining high standards of Air Operations, Maintenance and Administrative functioning of the entire IAF. He also revamped Quality Assurance Service functions and re-worked many equipment specifications. As SASO, the Air Officer managed the complete Air Operations in the South Western Sector and was instrumental in integrating SU-30 MKIs and other newly inducted systems into the War Plans. He was also instrumental in conceptualizing, planning and conducting a large number of joint exercises including Exercise 'Gagan Shakti' in Sep 06. His dedicated efforts made Net Centric Warfare Capability a reality in the South Western Air Command.

As the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command, through relentless efforts he ensured a high standard of training and was instrumental in implementation of the new pattern of training. Successful conduct of “Aero-India 07", a mega-event of international proportion and repute, was also executed under his leadership in an exemplary manner.

Air Marshal Gurnam Singh Chaudhry AVSM VSM ADC has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Jayant Satchidanand Apte AVSM (11900) AE (L) was commissioned in the AE (L) branch on 30 Dec 68. He has held important appointments, such as Chief Engg Officer (CEO) of a fighter base, Chief of Planning & Production of Systems Base Repair Depot (BRD), CO of ADGES Training Institute, Command Engg Officer at Western Air Command (WAC) and Command Signals Officer [CSO (Air)] at Eastern Air Command, Air Officer Commanding, AF Stn Kanpur, ACAS (Eng A) at Air HQ and SMSO at Maintenance Command (MC). He is an alumnus of DSSC. For his distinguished service of exceptional order he was awarded AVSM in 2004.

As CEO, his station was adjudged the best in maintenance for two years. While at WAC, he provided directions to bases, operating different types of weapon systems and successfully coordinated maintenance requirements of all operations including three Trishul Exercises. As CSO (Air), he standardised installation of electronic ex-changes and communication systems for enhanced operational availability. At AF Stn, Kanpur, he achieved enhanced production of aircraft and aeroengines and also led revision of life teams for AN-32 airframes and Viper aeroengines, resulting in improved availability for operations. As ACAS (Eng A) at Air HQ, he initiated key strategic decisions of maintenance support and to improve availability of Russian aircraft, helicopters and aeroengines. Some of the major issues initiated which have long term effect are, enhanced life of thrust vector nozzle of Su-30, repair and maintenance facilities for Bison and Su-30 aggregates and long term aeroengine overhaul plan for MiG-29 and AN-32 with OEMs. At HQ MC as SMSO, he coordinated maintenance activities of BRDs resulting in timely completion of tasks. Under his guidance, indigenization stall at Aero India 2003 and 2007 drew considerable response from the private sector, which has contributed immensely in indigenisation of critical spares. He was instrumental in introducing measures to improve the Average Service Life of components, concept of identifying and keeping Non-Performing Assets to a minimum, initiating the use of IT in managing assets in the form of Monitoring Life of MiG 29 and Su 30 MKI Aggregates and AOG management software. A sustained drive to reduce components classified as 'History Not Known' was initiated to reduce such components. His concept of indigenisation BRD will facilitate human, material and intellectual synergies in producing quality spares. He also initiated the concept of opportunity servicing for increasing fleet availability of IL 76 and Flight Refueling Aircraft.

He took over as AOC-in-C, MC on 02 Apr 07 and extended his philosophy of optimisation to Logistic and Administrative areas. His inputs for improving the effectiveness of IMMOLS (Integrated Materials Management On-Line System) will lead to an analytical and problem solving approach for asset management, thereby discarding non-productive activities like maintaining Floor Level Consumption Records. His drive towards tracking assets lying at HAL since long, have lead to recovery of over Rs 30 Crores in last one year and will improve aggregates availability. His passion for a less paper office and increased use of IT has resulted in improved productivity and efficiency of maintenance.

Air Marshal Jayant Satchidanand Apte AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik, VSM ADC (12005) F (P) was commissioned in the fighter stream on 21 Jun 69. He has flown over 3000 hours on all MiG-21 variants and MiG-23 BNs. In his distinguished career spanning 38 years, he has held many important command and staff appointments, including command of a MiG-21 Bis Squadron, Chief Operations Officer of AF Station Bareilly, Directing Staff at Tactics And Combat Development Establishment and Defence Services Staff College, and command of two important flying bases. He is an alumnus of the National Defence College. As Air I, Western Air Command (WAC) during Op PARAKRAM, he was awarded the VSM in 2003 for meritorious performance. In addition to above the Air Officer had held the appointments of Air Defence Commander, South Western Air Command, DG Air Force Naval Housing Board (DG AFNHB), and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) WAC, before being appointed the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Air Command (CAC), IAF wef 01 Nov 06.

As DG AFNHB, he overhauled its functioning and was instrumental in settling long pending court cases. He revamped the Finance Department, enhancing transparency in AFNHB transactions and significantly improving its public image. During his tenure as SASO, WAC, his involvement ensured optimization of resources and expeditious translation of operational concepts into actionable solutions. His clarity of thought and directions enabled his subordinates to focus on clearly defined objectives, maximizing their output, which was evident during the futuristic 'ExerciseGagan Shakti'.

During his tenure as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, there was considerable enhancement in flying effort coupled with flight safety. Under his guidance, all strategic assets were further operationalised and extensively exercised, and the first ever Air Show was conducted over Sangam in Allahabad. HQ CAC forces won laurels in Ex INDRADHANUSH in UK. The forces under his control also provided prompt relief to flood affected areas in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, significantly enhancing the image of the IAF at home and abroad. He brought about administrative improvements not only in the work environment but also in the quality of life of personnel below officer rank.

Air Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik, VSM ADC has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.