During the month of April, 1982, a task involving placement of heavy machinery and its removal after the function was entrusted to Sqn Ldr Sharwan Kumar Bhatia. The locations were at series of small patches of ground all about 6000' altitude along the Himalayan border where it looked almost impossible to land an Mi-8 helicopter with such a heavy cargo.

Squadron Leader Sharwan Kumar Bhatia (11316) Flying (Pilot), faced the task with utmost courage. In a series of one hundred and twenty eight landings spread over a continuous period of ninety days, flying under extremely unfavourable conditions in all aspects and the area of operation through the deep hazardous gorges of Himalayas and stresses and strains. Squadron Leader Sharwan Kumar Bhatia completed the task and came out as “Complete Pilot” of the Indian Air Force. An error of minor nature over such a long period, at any stage, would have meant grave loss and a total disaster to him.

Squadron Leader Sharwan Kumar Bhatia thus displayed sustained courage and a high degree of professional skill, competence and devotion to duty.