Air Marshal Saroj Jena was commissioned in the Air Force in June, 1945. During his 35 years of distinguished service career, he has held several important command and staff appointments. He has held the command of the three major Air bases in the Northern and Western sectors. One of these bases with its fleet of fighter, bomber and maritime and transport Squadrons, located in the Western Sector, is the largest operational establishment of the Air Force. During his two years tenure at this base, he organised all the training and other requirements of the base and ensured high operational and offensive preparedness of the Squadrons. He also maintained effective coordination with the Indian Navy in planning and providing maritime air defence of the country.

After graduating from the Defence Services Staff College with the coveted Directing Staff grading, he did a tenure as Chief Instructor at the Air Wing of the College. After serving as Joint Director of Operations (Transport & Maritime) and then as Director, Joint Operations Planning, he was posted as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Flight Safety and Inspection) at Air Headquarters. In this assignment, he was responsible for formulating policies relating to transport and maritime operations of the Air Force, coordinating and processing of joint inter-Services operational plans and all matters relating to flight safety and evaluation of operational and combat worthiness of the entire combat element of the Indian Air Force. He handled all these matters with professional competence. He set up a very ambitious flight safety target for the Air Force and implemented it successfully.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, he was posted as Air Officer-in-Charge, Administration at Air Headquarters. His taking over this appointment coincided with the formulation and implementation of several important measures relating to career prospects of officers and other ranks in the Air Force. The various proposals in this regard were formulated and processed in consultation with the Ministry of Defence. After Government approval was obtained, his effective guidance enabled the staff to implement the large scale upgradations of airmen posts and within a period of six months, promotions and deployments of several thousand personnel were carried out smoothly. In the case of officers also, he made valuable contribution towards finding acceptable and workable solutions to the problems of stagnation and supersessions in the Air Force.

In addition to the matters on personnel side, his responsibility also covers works services, administration and financial control of various Air Force welfare funds and schemes, discipline, law and order, security of Air Force installations and management of public funds of the Air Force. In these too, he has displayed sound judgment and ingenuity and carried out his tasks with commendable results.

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

Air Marshal Hemant Ramkrishna Chitnis was commissioned in the Air Force in 1944. Besides holding several important Command and Staff appointments during his 36 years of service with the Air Force, he underwent several professional courses in India and abroad. He did his Flying Instructor's Course in U.K., Defence Services Staff College Course at Wellington and Senior International Defence Management Course at USA. He made effective use of the knowledge and experience gained by him during these training courses in his various Service assignments.

He commanded with distinction an Operational Squadron, a Flying Station and the Air Force Academy. His important Staff assignments at Air Headquarters include Joint Director Intelligence, Director of Flight Safety, Director of Training and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans).

As Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans), he was responsible for forecasting, planning and formulating Air Staff requirements for new aircraft and equipment for the IAF. He made significant contribution in the preparation of the Five-Year (1978-83) Financial Role on Plan for the IAF and in planning for the Acquisition of Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft and Medium Transport Aircraft, and the Trials of Various Inertial Navigational Equipments.

As Commandant, Air Force Academy, he meticulously planned and organised his tasks and resources and ensured a high standard of training without a single fatal accident. On taking over as Air Officer Commandingin-Chief, Training Command, he re-oriented the training in the IAF on the basis of his vast experience as Instructor. While he ensured the highest standards of training necessary for the Operational Units, he also achieved the lowest wastage rate among trainee pilots. As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Maintenance Command, he was responsible for the overhaul and repair of aircraft, aeroengines, airborne and ground equipments specialist vehicles. Through effective management of manpower and material resources, he significantly improved the output various Base Repair and Equipment Depots in his Command and thus ensured effective serviceability his Operational Units.

Air Marshal Hemant Ramkrishna Chitnis has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exception order.

Air Marshal Trilochan Singh Brar was commissioned in the Air Force in the Flying Branch in April, 1944. During his long service in the Air Force, he has held a variety of flying and senior staff appointments at various levels. He has commanded two important air bases in the ranks of Group Captain and Air Commodore and creditably discharged his wide and varied responsibilities in regard to the deployment of bomber, maritime and transport Squadrons. During his three years tenure as Air Attaché in our Embassy in France, he displayed a rare combination of professionalism and diplomacy and

successfully completed this sensitive role. As Air I at Headquarters Western Air

Command during the period preceding the Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he visualised the need and meticulously formulated operational plans for deployment of aircraft in the Western

Sector and for providing close air support to the Army. This planning was largely responsible for the high degree, of operational preparedness of the Command when the conflict broke out. For this distinguished performance, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in January, 1972.

He has subsequently held the important appointments of Senior Air Staff Officer Headquarters Central Air Command in the rank of Air Commodore and Commandant Air Force Academy in the rank of Air Vice Marshal. As Commandant, Air Force Academy,

he reviewed and updated the flying training techniques and ensured a high standard of training consistent with the requirements of flight safety. In his present appointment as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Air Command, he has enabled the Command to fulfill all its tasks relating to air maintenance and operational training despite the serious shortage of fuel and spares for the ageing aircraft. In the face of heavy odds, he has maintained high level of serviceability of aircraft enabling the command to fulfill all its operational commitments. The massive air operations undertaken by the Command for flood relief won the appreciation of all concerned including the civil authorities.

Air Marshal Trilochan Singh, Brar has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Mulk Raj got his commission in July, 1953. He has held a number of important assignments and served as Principal Medical Officer at Headquarters Western and Central Air Commands and the Training Command.

He has undergone a large number of professional and Service courses which, among others, include Blood Transfusion Course, the Resuscitation Course, the Specialist Course in Aviation Medicine, the Defence Services Staff College Course, the Work Study Appreciation Course and the Senior Defence Management Course. He was the first IAF medical officer who was selected for appointment as Senior Medical Officer at the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla. By his dedicated efforts, he was able to convert the local Section hospital into a full-fledged independent hospital and there by ensured saving of a number of training hours of the cadets. After graduating from the Defence Services Staff College in 1959, he was amongst the first few in his Branch to specialise in Aviation Medicine. His project study paper on 'Fighter Cockpit Space' helped, to a great extent, in designing the cockpit of jet trainer aircraft. As an aviation medicine specialist, he held the important assignment of Officer Commanding Aero-Medical Unit. In 1969, he was posted as Deputy Director of Medical Services at Air Headquarters. While in command of the Command Hospital at Bangalore, he considerably improved the efficient functioning of the hospital.

As Director of Medical Services at Air Headquarters, he has brought about improvement in preventable diseases, in the standard of hygiene and sanitation and efficient working of maternity and child welfare centres at Stations in the various Commands. He has also ensured that the medical staff is closely involved in flight safety programme of their units. This has not only brought about improvement in the operational efficiency of the units but has also helped in keeping the accident rate down.

Air Vice Marshal Mulk Raj has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

On the 25th November 1980, Flight Lieutenant Anil Kumar Mathur was authorised to air test a Marut aircraft. On getting airborne, he experienced excessive skid to the right. Flt Lt Mathur initiated corrective action which failed to stabilise the aircraft. He also observed that the temperature of the right engine had significantly dropped following the engine failure and the position of the tail plane setting was abnormal.

When Flight Lieutenant Anil Kumar Mathur decided to execute an immediate landing, he experienced a total hydraulic failure which made the controls and other systems inoperative. Consequently, on lowering the undercarriage, he found it very difficult to maintain level flight as trimmer was inoperative and on the lowering of the flaps for landing, he had to use his full physical strength to control the aircraft. Subsequently, he succeeded in landing the aircraft safely and made it available for fault investigation.

Flight Lieutenant Anil Kumar Mathur thus exemplary courage, presence of mind and professional competence of a high order.

Air Vice Marshal Mangalvedkar Jivanrao Vittal was commissioned in the Air Force in January, 1950, Since then, he has served as Engineering Officer of a Heavy Bomber Squadron, Officer incharge Overhaul, Repair and Maintenance of various types of aircraft in one of the biggest Repair Depots of the Air Forces, Chief Technical Officer of a major operational station, Deputy Air Attaché in the Embassy of India, Moscow, and Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of both Training and Operational Commands. At present, he is Air Officer Engineering and Systems at Headquarters Maintenance Command. At Air Headquarters, he held the appointments of Director of Maintenance Plans and Inspection, Director Armament and Safety Equipment and Director of Engineering 'A' responsible for maintenance of all types of aircraft of Soviet and East European origin. He has undergone training in inspection and major overhaul of a fighter aircraft in France. He was member of a number of Defence delegations which visited various foreign countries for evaluation of Weapon System to be inducted into the IAF.

During his tenure as Engineering Officer of the Heavy Bomber Squadron, he was called upon to fly as Flight Engineer, as there was a shortage of Flight Engineers. He undertook this assignment at his personal risk and flew approximately 250 hours. As Officer incharge overhaul at the Base Repair Depot, he undertook the task of completing the major overhaul of twelve fighter aircraft in two months without any established overhaul schedule. He successfully completed the task in time and also prepared a major servicing for the aircraft, as the schedule supplied by the foreign manufacturers was not suitable for adoption by the Indian Air Force. As Chief Technical Officer of a major Operational Station, he established the first Maintenance Control Centre in IAF for coordinating the maintenance activities of the Station. This enhanced the operational potential of the flying units located at the station and consequently similar centres were established at all flying stations. As Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of an Operational Command, he was responsible for the systematic and successful induction of two new types of aircraft in the units under the Command. Although almost half the task year was already over when he was posted as Air Officer Engineering and Systems at Headquarters Maintenance Command, by his professional competence and dedication, he achieved hundred per cent completion of the tasks by all the Repair Depots under the Command. He made significant contribution in refining the production processes and thereby helped in promoting indigenisation efforts of the Maintenance Command. He resolved major bottle­necks in production and maintained a close watch on the progress. Because of his inbred qualities of dedication and sincerity, he generated a sense of co­operation and comradeship among his men and made significant contribution towards effective operational preparedness of the Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Mangalvedkar Jivanrao Vittal has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Ram Lal Bhalla was commissioned in the Air Force in November, 1949. AVSM 1981 During his service career, he has held various important posts and was also in command of a Base Repair Depot where he was responsible, for the overhaul of mechanical transport.

He was posted as Director of Personnel (Airmen) in January, 1979. He realized that it was vitally important to retain trained and skilled manpower which was opting to leave the Air Force after completing their initial tenure. With that intention, he carried out a study and identified the areas in which there was a need to improve the career prospects and service conditions of airmen. His findings were subsequently projected through the Chiefs of Staff Committee Paper which was accepted by Government and resulted in the sanction of a large number of upgradations, increase in honorary commissions and substantial improvements in the scales of married establishment. Working with foresight, he prepared contingent plans for the implementation of upgradations and this enabled Air Headquarters to authorise approximately 10,000 promotions within a week of the issue of formal Government letter. This had tremendous effect on the morale of serving Air Force personnel. By his tremendous hard work and positive approach, he succeeded in his mission and made equal opportunities for promotion available to all airmen irrespective of their trade.

While he was at Avadi, he prepared a scheme for construction of houses for the officers and the airmen on cooperative basis. This scheme was implemented at Madras during 1978-79 and was later converted into an inter­Service Air Force and Naval Housing Scheme with the express aim of providing a house at the time of retirement to all members who made regular payments to the Housing Board. This scheme, which was his brainchild, is now growing up and various State Governments have already earmarked land for allocation to the Air Force and Naval Housing Board.

He had also observed that the number of Airmen Selection Centres was insufficient and that there were imperfections in the recruitment system. It was on his initiative that an effective and corruption free Central Recruitment Cell which has ensured good returns to the Air Force, has been organised.

Air Commodore Ram Lal Bhalla has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Biman Kantha Mukherjee was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the Air Force in January, 1950. In May, 1978, he was posted as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at Headquarters Eastern Air Command. With his post graduate qualifications in Aeronautical Engineering from Institute of Technology Cranfield, Material Management Training at Administrative Staff College, Hyderabad,

Management Course at Indian Institute of Defence Management and Work Study Course at Work Study Institute, Mussorie, Air Vice Marshal Mukherjee has AVSM 1980-81 acquired high professional and Managerial competence. Endowed with these capabilities, he brought about, within a short time, all­round improvement in the maintenance activities at the Command. The insufficient serviceability of ageing aircraft, like Caribou, Dakota- Otter, Gnat and Hunter, had been causing great concern as it had considerably hampered the Maintenance and Training tasks. Even comparatively new aircraft like MiG, Avro, Chetak, Cheetah and Mi-8 were not having the desired serviceability mainly because of shortage of spares and the inadequate supply line. Through his dedicated efforts and close liaison with Air Headquarters, Maintenance Command, Equipment and Base Repair Depots and by judicious use of every available cross country flight for quick transportation of spares, he achieved high serviceability of all types of aircraft within a short period and ensured that this achievement was sustained.

With his considerable Management background, he took up the inventory control problem faced by the units, organised a thorough scrutiny of all inventories, back loading of non­moving items, weekly review of fast moving items and made the inventories small and purposeful without, in any way, affecting the serviceability of the aircraft. His other major contribution was in the field of Flight Safety. Certain aircraft like Dakota, Caribou, MiG and Chetak were having serious premature engine withdrawal problems. He introduced a system of thorough analysis of defects of repetitive nature, and not only arranged prompt defect investigation by repair agencies but also invited experts, from HAL/BRDs for on the spot discussions and guidance to operating units. Seminars on POL Quality Control with the participation by top management and experts from IOC were organised at different Units to improve Flight Safety consciousness all around.

Despite large scale disturbances, road picketing and total dislocation of supplies during 1979-80 in the Eastern Sector, he formulated his plans in advance and ensured adequate supply of fuel at all the Stations for normal flying and rations, clothing and other items of daily use for his units.

Air Vice Marshal Biman Kantha Mukherjee has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Madan Lal Sethi (4009) was commissioned as a Navigator in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in January, 1951. After early years of service in an operational squadron he was selected to undergo a specialist course abroad and utilized for training other crews in this role in India. Later he was one of the first two crews trained abroad on Jet Bomber aircraft and formed the nucleus of the newly formed conversion unit in India. He was amongst the first batch of Air Force personnel to be trained on SAGW system. As Officer Commanding of an operational SAGW squadron undeterred by hardships, he achieved the distinction of the first unit in IAF to become operational.

He has held several staff appointments. As Joint Director Navigation he formulated categorization scheme for all navigators and Air Traffic Controllers to achieve the highest standard of operations. He displayed high quality of planning and organizational acumen in formation of the integrated Area Control Centre in J&K. He has creditably commanded the largest ground training station in the IAF.

For his instructional capability of an extremely high standard, displayed as Directing Staff of the Defence Services Staff College, he was selected as Leader of the Training Team which established Air Wing of the Staff College in a friendly foreign country. In his present appointment of Director (Military) in the Cabinet Secretariat, he functions as Secretary to the Chiefs of Staff Committee and is responsible for interpreting military matters for the Cabinet Secretary to whom he directly reports. In this capacity, he also administers the Joint Planning and the Joint Communication Electronics Staff. In all these assignments, he has acquitted himself creditably.

Air Commodore Madan Lal Sethi has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Denzil Edward Satur was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in August, 1952 and has over 4000 hours of flying to his credit. During his service of about 28 years, he has handled a wide and varied range of assignments and held with distinction a number of important appointments of Squadron Commander, Deputy Director of Flight Safety at Air Headquarters, Flying Station Commander and Air I at Command Headquarters. In all the assignments handled by him, he displayed his professional skill and administrative ability and acquitted himself creditably.

In 1978, he took over the command of a major forward base in the Western Sector. He applied himself to the task of and brought about all­round improvement in the operational preparedness and administrative efficiency at his station. He also improved the working environment and living conditions and streamlined the general administration including Passive Air Defence and Ground Defence. He also ensured that the standard of administration and other welfare activities were maintained at a high level.

Air Commodore Denzil Edward Satur has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Dilip Shankar Jog was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in October, 1953. He successfully commanded a station and two squadrons and did a tenure in Directorate of Staff Inspection. He is a qualified Flying Instructor. He has a total of 4422 flying hours to his credit. In his present assignment he has flown 149 hours. He has been in command of a large flying station since January, 1979. His units include various types of sophisticated aircraft such as Canberras, MiGs, and Cheetahs. It was by his analytical approach to problems and his ingenuity to make optimum utilisation of his available resources that he made it possible to achieve operational status within a very short period. Many of the problems associated with achieving such tasks were solved by utilising required facilities available in one form or the other by the units functioning under his command. Himself a hardworking and dedicated officer, he expects similar standards from his officers and men and always goes out of his way to guide and train them to attain that standard. He maintains cordial relations with his Army and civilian colleagues.

Air Commodore Dilip Shankar Jog has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Mukund Chatterjee was commissioned in the Air Force in 1953. He has served in Squadrons, Wings and Staff appointments with distinction. His contribution as Senior Armament Officer of No. 2 Wing was significant. In 1968, he was commended by Air Officer Commending-in-Chief, Western Air Command, for his contribution in the operational preparedness of Canberra aircraft. In December 1979, he was posted as Joint Director of Engineering (C) at Air Headquarters and was assigned the responsibility of providing complete maintenance support to Gnat, Ajeet and Marut aircraft. Ajeet aircraft was introduced into the Service in November, 1978, but its gunnery system was not functioning satisfactorily. M/S. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, who were responsible for the design of this aircraft, could not rectify the defect despite their best efforts. Group Captain Chatterjee, who was assigned the responsibility to study the complete gunnery system of the aircraft and suggest remedial measures, conducted static and air­to­ground firing trials from various ranges away from his base. Eventually he succeeded in finding out the causes of the gun stoppages. After the modifications suggested by him had been carried out, the gunnery system of the aircraft has become satisfactory.

Group Captain Chatterjee has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Annaswami Sridharan was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in July, 1954. He has held various responsible posts in which he acquitted himself creditably. As a pilot, he has maintained a very high professional level throughout and has held various important jobs including those of Flight Commander, Commanding Officer of a S-22 Squadron and Officer Command ing Tactics and Combat Development and Training Establishment. He also went for an instructional tenure abroad.

In April, 1978, he took over the Command of a station in the Eastern Sector which coincided with the induction of Supersonic Fighter Squadron to the Station. It was a transport base and required re­orientation of the facilities and environment for the new aircraft. He undertook the task and despite innumerable difficulties succeeded in reorienting the air and ground environment needed for the fighter squadron within a short time. By his able leadership, he organised the whole Station to function as a cohesive and well knit unit. He also supervised all the transport operations from his base and achieved the flying task of fighters and transport units simultaneously maintaining a high degree of flight safety environment. Through his personal involvement by frequently leading tactical missions himself he inspired the pilots at the Station to achieve high standard of professionalism. He gradually achieved this goal and the same was proved when, at the Inter Squadron gunnery meet held in November, 1978, the squadron based at his Station won the Over All Trophy and Rocket Projectile Trophy.

In the field of Maintenance, he ensured the serviceability of all specialist and commonuser vehicles and aircraft. His all round high administrative performance is evident from the fact that, among other things, he took particular care to provide basic needs of accommodation, transport and other amenities to his men at the station. This ensured high morale among his men at the Station and also contributed directly to the operational preparedness of his unit.

Group Captain Annaswamy Sridharan has thus rendered distinguished, service of exceptional order.

On the 18th July, 1979, Major Gur Iqbal Singh Dhodi was detailed to evacuate a dangerously ill comatose member of the Japanese Nun Kun mountaineering expedition from an inhospitable snow covered terrain prone to storm weather. Undaunted by adverse conditions and the flying hazards involved, he took off in his helicopter and located the patient lying on boulder strewn glacier with deep crevasses. Maneouvring the aircraft, flying at a height of about 6,750 meters in extremely bad weather and landing at such a hazardous place required high professional competence.

When Major Dhodi made the first attempt to land, it was thwarted as his view was obscured by rapidly drifting low cloud. He, however, observed that it would have been disastrous to land at that spot as it was located amidst huge boulders where maneouvring the aircraft was not possible. He then made a second pass and, after air dropping vital life preserving oxygen and food, he decided to lighten his aircraft by disembarking the team leader at the Base Camp. The considerable time, fuel and oxygen spent in making preparatory efforts for landing and the growing low visibility due to approaching night, were causing concern to Major Dhodi. He, therefore, made a determined bid, landed the helicopter in a small area amongst crevasses and enormous boulders and evacuated the casualty before the night came on.

In this action, Major Gur Iqbal Singh Dhodi displayed courage, determination and devotion to duty of a high order.

On the 1st August, 1979, Wing Commander Ranbir Singh Chauhan (8136) Flying (Pilot), who had successfully finished most of underslung load trials of various types of Army equipment on Mi-8 helicopter, was engaged in lifting and transporting bridging equipment weighing about two tons. In the course of this trial, one of the four load suspending cables snapped and caused the aircraft to oscillate and gyrate in an uncontrollable manner. When no other alternative to control the aircraft, Wing Commander Chauhan decided to jettison the load, he noticed that he was flying over populated area where the heavy load could cause a human disaster. He, therefore, manoeuvred the aircraft away from the inhabited area but could not jettison the load as the electric control cable got snapped due to heavy strain. The aircraft by that time had gone out of control. However, Wing Commander Chauhan did not lose his presence of mind and, as soon as the load touched the ground, he managed to land the aircraft without any further damage to it and with its crew unharmed.

In this action, Wing Commander Ranbir Singh Chauhan displayed courage, presence of mind and professional skill of a high order.

On the 4th December, 1979, Flying Officer Pramod Kumar Jain was flying an air combat training mission. He had gone about 80 km from base when generator in his aircraft went dead. The subsequent electrical failure deprived him of the use of compass and the radio telephone. The situation was further aggravated when noxious fumes and dense smoke, caused by battery-cum-electrical fire, filled the cockpit. This not only obscured his view but also added to his discomfiture. It was a serious situation for a young trainee pilot. But Flying Officer Jain did not lose his composure and working on procedures laid down for such emergencies, he proceeded towards his base. It was, however, a feat of his professional skill that although deprived of all mechanical aids including the tail parachute and automatic braking system, he made a flapless landing without any further damage to the aircraft.

In this action, Flying Officer Pramod Kumar Jain displayed courage, presence of mind and professional skill of a high order.

On the 10th January, 1980, Flying Officer Rahul Dhar experienced a flame out while flying a Gnat aircraft. His three attempts to relight the aircraft failed and the aircraft continued to lose height. Even in this critical situation without abandoning the aircraft, he decided to force land. By this time he was able to lower the undercarriage through the time consuming emergency system because the hydraulic control had suddenly failed, he found himself to approaching the runway from too high an altitude and at a speed 70 knots more than permitted for normal landing. Fully aware of the disastrous consequences of landing in such circumstances, he remained cool, controlled the 'float' of the aircraft and touched half-way up the runway at that high speed. Facing again an equally hazardous situation, resulting from fast running out of landing space and risk of excessive braking to stop the aircraft, he made full use of his professional skill and brought the aircraft to a safe halt at the very end of the runway.

In this action, Flying Officer Rahul Dhar displayed courage, presence of mind and professional skill of a high order.

On the 11th February, 1980, at about 7.45 p.m. a fire broke out in Tower A of a Signal Unit where extremely sophisticated and expensive equipment had been stored. Within minutes, the entire deck of the tower was engulfed in thick smoke with toxic fumes. While the intense heat made it almost impossible to enter the deck, the thick smoke made it difficult to locate the source of fire.

Sher Singh Kadian, who was off duty, reached the tower within minutes of hearing the fire alarm. Undaunted by heat and smoke, he picked up a fire hose, entered the deck and located the source of fire within a cabinet with panels secured by screws. Realising that the water jet could not be effectively directed at the source of fire, he ran down and brought a screw driver. Although he was almost overcome by thick swirling smoke and toxic fumes on opening the cabinet, he ultimately succeeded in bringing the fire under control.

In this action, Sher Singh Kadian displayed courage, determination and devotion to duty of a high order.

On the 8th May, 1980, Flight Lieutenant Sumit Mukerji was flying an instructional Instrument Flying sorties. At a height of 4900 metres, he experienced a front bearing failure and shortly engine seizure took place. Till then, no reliable statistics were available on the rate of descent of aircraft experienced with seized engine and different configuration of aircraft using undercarriage and flaps. With a totally professional approach, unmindful of great danger to his own life, Flight Lieutenant Mukerji passed on to the flying control the various rates of descent he experienced with and without undercarriage. Despite a very high rate of descent, he through his fine airmanship managed to land the aircraft and thereby saved a valuable aircraft from certain destruction. He also helped in collecting valuable data on the situations that follow an engine seizure.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Sumit Mukerji displayed courage, presence of mind and professional skill of a high order.

On the 18th June, 1980, Flight Lieutenant Jayaraman Lakshmi Narayanan was flying a MiG aircraft on a routine night training mission, where flying is done by resorting to instrument only. This was his third sortie under such conditions. At a height of 5000 metres over Talwara town he experienced engine surge during a 60° banked turn.

He tried to roll out of the turn; when he found that the controls of the aircraft had jammed. The aircraft continued to roll and went into a steep dive over the town. At this stage, Flight Lieutenant Jayaraman Lakshmi Narayanan realized that a crash was imminent. He would have been fully justified in ejecting to ensure his personal safety. However, he decided to stay with the aircraft and made a determined effort to deviate the aircraft to save the township from disaster at the cost of his life. He reacted with exceptional presence of mind and professional skill and recovered the aircraft barely 600 metres above the sleeping township. The aircraft had lost too much height during recovery it was few seconds away from destruction. Flight Lieutenant Jayaraman Lakshmi Narayanan continued to display extremely high degree of airmanship and inspite of the controls malfunctioning he returned to base carrying out left turns only and landed safely. This young pilot unmindful of certain fatal consequences to himself, in his effort to save the inhabitants of township, displayed cool professional competence of an exceptional order.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Jayaraman Lakshmi Narayanan displayed courage, presence of mind and professional skill of a high order.

On the 14th August, 1980, Flight Lieutenant Rajdeep Singh Mann was carrying out an air test on S-22 aircraft. While he was carrying out checks on the control system at a height of 6 kilometers, the aircraft suddenly pitched up with an unexpected suddenness. In this process, the pilot blacked out completely as the 'g' loading on his body went up to an incredible figure. By the time he regained his senses, the aircraft had come down to 2.8 KM above ground and was in a steep dive with speed well beyond 1000 KMPH. Flight Lieutenant Rajdeep Singh Mann immediately initiated recovery action using all his force and pulled the aircraft out of its screaming dive. The controls responded very slowly and once again his body experienced severe strain. His vision was fading and the possibility of blacking out at this extremely low altitude could not be ruled out. Eventually, his will to survive prevailed over the impossible situation. Despite intense discomfort, severe headache and pain in the spine, this young pilot remained calm and unruffled and regained full control of the aircraft which he brought back for a safe landing. This has enabled the technicians to determine the cause of malfunction an in the process many a life have been saved.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Rajdeep Singh Mann displayed courage, strong determination, presence of mind and professional skill of a high order.

On the 12th October, 1979, Flight Lieutenant Chanrashekhar Jayawant was ferrying as Ajeet aircraft from Hindon to Srinagar. While he was at some distance from the airfield at an altitude of 1400 meters, he experienced a sudden loss of power which soon resulted in a flame out. Despite this emergency, he maintained his composure and took stock of the situation in a professional manner. When his two attempts to relight the engine failed and he realized that the usual low key entry on to the runway was not possible because of the inadequate height of his dead engine aircraft, he decided to land against traffic. He informed the Air Traffic Control to keep the run way clear for his proposed landing and successfully accomplished the first deadstick landing on a Ajeet, without any damage to the Aircraft.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Chandrashekhar Jayawant displayed courage, presence of mind and professional skill of a high order.

Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Brar has been in Command of an operational supersonic fighter squadron since May, 1979. He was commissioned in December, 1960 and has since held a number of important appointments.

During his active squadron service, he acquired a fully operational status on jet fighters which included Vampire, Hunter, Gnat and MiG-21. He has to his credit 2000 accident free flying hours on these aircraft. By dint of hard work, he has completed the Pilot Attack Instructor, the Fighter Combat Leader, and the Defence Services Staff College Courses. His performance during Indo-Pak Conflicts, 1965 and 1971 was commendable. He was appointed founder member of Tactics and Development Establishment and served as flying inspector at the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. During this period he endeavoured for and achieved high standards of combat training. As inspector at Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, he raised the operational readiness and effectiveness of our fighter squadrons through his personal supervision and guidance.

On his return from a tenure abroad, he was put in Command of an operational MiG21 Squadron where he worked hard to build up the combat potential of his Squadron. As a result, his Squadron achieved the distinction of being as the second­best Squadron for Instrument Rating Trophy.

Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Brar thus displayed professional skill, qualities of able leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.

Wing Commander Srivinighari Anand Bhaskar Naidu was serving as a Flight Commander in a fighter Squadron before he took over as Commding Officer of another fighter Squadron from 18th October 1979. During his tenure as a senior Flight Commander, he smoothly accomplished the re-equipment of his Squadron by a more sophisticated aircraft. Through his organizing ability and dedicated efforts, the Sqaudron achieved operational status within a few months and successfully completed its Air Defence duties on deployment under an operational group for over two months from February to April 1979.

Subsequently as Squadron Commander he ensured for his Squadon a very high standard of operational efficiency and an accident free record. Earlier, during the period 1967 to 1969, he was commended thrice by the Chief of the Air Staff and once each by AOCin­C Headquarters Central Air Command and Headquarters 1 Ops Group, for high performance and dedication.

Wing Commander Srivinighari Anand Bhaskar Naidu has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Sadhu Singh Gill, a pilot with many accomplishments, has to his credit over 9000 accident free hours. He was commissioned in 1962 and was one of the few young pilots in 1963 to be selected for conversion training in a foreign country. He attained the status of a fully operational pilot with a 'B' 'Green' category with a year. He consolidated his flying experience and flew over 2000 hours as Captain mostly in the operational areas of J & K. This valuable experience gained by him helped in formulating the Standard Operating Procedures which are at present in use for safe flying in these areas.

In 1967, Squadron Leader Gill became a qualified flying instructor. During this tenure he flew a total of 3000 instructional hours. During Indo-Pak Conflict, 1971, he participated in several bombing missions on the front. Due to shortage of Qualified Flying Instructors in the Squaron, he was entrusted with additional tas of training new pilots, which he carried out competently.

Squadron Leader Sadhu Singh Gill has thus displayed professional competence and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Chandra Prakash Naidu has to his credit a total of 3900 hours of accident free flying sicne January 1970 of which 500 hours were flown in the Eastern Sector alone. During 1971 operations, while posted as the Adjutant of an Air Observation Post Flight, he voluntarily undertook seventeen operational sorties in Krishak Aircraft.

Within a short period of 5 years as a flying instructor, Squdron Leader Naidu flew 1620 instructional hours on the Kiran and HS-748 Aircraft. In his present tenure of three years at Transport Training Wing, he has flown over 2000 hours while simultaneously carrying out supervisory duties as Flight Commander and, at time, as Chief Flying Instructor. He has displayed a missionary zeal in training his pupil and put in devoted and concerted effort to improve their professional standard, both on the ground and in the air. His achievements besides his large numbers of flying hours include Routine Transport Role category "A/ Master Green", Instructional Category 'A-2' and Command Examiner on HS-748 aircraft.

As a supervisor and Command Examiner, Squadron Leader Naidu discharged his duties most effectively. Within the short span of his tenure, he enabled his trainees, staff pilots and instructors in the Unit to achieve a high standard of operational status. He has also contributed to a great extent in updating the standard Operational Procedures, Training Notes and in Standardised Flying Procedures, which have greatly enhanced the efficiency of the unit.

Squadron Leader Chandra Prakash Naidu has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilties and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Master Warrant Officer Kappadath Pazhay Kesavan Menon was serving with a Transport Squadron since January 1975 before he took over as Flight Engineer Leader on 1st January 1980. He qualified as a Flight Engineer in October 1955 and has since been employed in various operational units and types of transport aircraft. He has flown a total of over 8,300 hours on different types of aircraft including over 2000 hours on operational missions.

Master Warrant Officer Menon has been holding 'A' category on Super Constellation aircraft since 1977. As a Flight Engineer, he displayed a very high degree of professional skill and devotion to duty. His professional knowledge and presence of mind enbled him to tae timely action during inflight emergencies, contributed greatly to the high Flight Safety record of the Squadron and was appreciated by the Air Headquarters. On several occasions, he provided able guidance to ground technicians in rectifying snags especially at out stations. His high professional competence has enabled the Squadron to meet various commitments in time.

Master Warrant Officer Kappadath Pazhay Kesavan Menon has thus displayed profesioanl competence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Dalip Kumar Khashnobish was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch in June, 1957. He has served with distinction as Engineering Officer in Fighter Squadrons. He has been working as the Chief Engineering Officer of a Wing. Throughout the period, he streamlined the efficiency of the Maintenance Control Center and improved the output of aircraft from the R&SS. By his initiative, hard work and close supervision he has also been able to maintain and wherever necessary, fabricate ground equipment to ensure unfettered flying operations. His association with MiG aircraft dates back to their inception in the IAF. He has also ensured that aircraft are always serviced under close supervision thereby leaving no room for technical flaws. The Flight Safety Trophy for the year 1978 amongst supersonic block was won by one of the Squadrons located at this base speaks of his high dedications.

Inspite of shortages of manpower particularly Elect, MT and Radio trades, the officer, through wise adjustments, was able to complete all allotted tasks and achieve laid down targets for the station. Through his sustained efforts for better quality control and supervision in the CR&SS, the incidence of technical failures were greatly reduced and for the year 1979, there was no aircraft accident/incident on the station because of maintenance lapses.

The standard of MT on the station has gone up tremendously due to personal drive of the officer to educate and motivate all MT personnel. Economy in the consumption of petrol and diesel especially during the shortage period has been encouraging because of the constant vigil kept by the officer to ensure proper planning and coordination of MT commitments.

Wing Commander Khashnobish has all along displayed unstinting devotion to duty of a very high order. This together with his determination to tackle all problems could well be emulated by all ranks. He has shown admirable insight in anticipating bottlenecks and correcting them. His good leadership and excellent man management has resulted not only in achievement of the allotted task but also in building up a very healthy intrapersonal relationship in the station.

For his distinguished services of a high order, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Dalip Kumar Khashnobish.

Wing Commander Balchandra Ganesh Chitnis was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force on 4 Aug 56. During this period he has held various Staff appointments at Command and Air Headquarters.

In Oct 78, he took over the duties of Deputy Director (POL) at Air Headquarters. This Deputy Director deals with the provisioning and supply of all items of petroleum, oil and lubricants as well as compressed gases. Since the range of material is vital for the operation of Air Force, it is of paramount importance that constant vigil is kept on the availability of adequate stocks and no effort is spared to avert low stock situation which may be determinal to the operational preparedness of Air Force.

When Wing Commander Chitnis took over his duties, the country was in the grip of severe fuel crisis and consequently supply of aviation fuels at Air Force airfields was adversely affected.

Wing Commander Chitnis was quick on to grasp the gravity of the situation and though beyond the call of normal duty, formulated plans for movement of fuels from Refineries and Port Installations of Indian Oil Corporation to various Air Force airfields. This task involved deciding upon the production levels of the Refineries, firming up the targets for movement of rail tank wagons and arranging alternative modes of conveyance viz. tank trucks, barrels etc. for effective and purposeful planning and its execution. He took timely and sustained action at all levels to ensure fuel stocks at our strategic airfields remained within acceptable limits and operational preparedness was not impaired due to inadequacy of fuel stocks. Because of his single minded, persistent and relentless efforts, supply situation of Aviation Turbine Fuel, used by all combat aircraft gradually improved.

With the diligence, vivid imagination, mature judgment, sense of perception, sound pragmatic approach and total dedication, Wing Commander Balchandra Ganesh Chitnis has rendered distinguished service. For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Balchandra Ganesh Chitnis.

Wing Commander Kamla Prasad Sharma was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the Indian Air Force on 20 Jun 60. He is serving as Chief Engineering Officer of a Wing since Aug 77. With his superb dedication to duty, professional wizardry, managerial skill, leadership, organizing efficiency and relentless efforts he has elevated the station technical and maintenance services standard to an exceptional level.

His unceasing efforts, application of his high professional knowledge, practical guidance and farsighted planning have achieved and maintained high standards of serviceability of a large fleet of three MiG-21, one Chetak and one Cheetah helicopter Squadrons together with high serviceability state of support services and maintenance facilities. Wing Commander Sharma on his arrival organized an efficient, modern and unparalleled Maintenance Control Center which any station will be proud of. Wing Commander Sharma with his diligent and unflagging efforts has not only set up a modern MTR&S and brought up the serviceability of MT Fleet from 58% to 95% in 1979 but also has retrieved and refurbished 24 vehicles including 10 three ton cranes, crash tender, 4 bowsers, 5mm van and a tractor, which were Class V and were to be back loaded, to Class 1 state in a matter of 1½ years, a feat which saved exchequer dozens of lakhs.

With the same gusto, hard work and cheerfulness, he has set up MiG-21 MF as an ideal training institution within a record time. Under his able guidance, extremely high technical standards have been established, regular follow up of technical training of all tradesmen maintained thereby high main tenance safety record in every field has been achieved.

With his selfless dedication, extraordinary display of managerial acumen, professional ingenuity, hard work and leadership qualities he has rendered distinguished service of a high order. For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Kamla Prasad Sharma.

Wing Commander Sham Rao was commissioned in the year 1961 and having held various assignments in different types of units with outstanding professional competence, he graduated from the DSSC in 1973. He served as SO to the CI (Air) for about 2½ years prior to his posting to the Directorate of Financial Planning in Aug 77. He took over the job of Assistant Director (Cost Analysis) at time when draft plan 1979-84 was being formulated. He very ably contended with the intricacies of the planning process and contributed significantly in the making of the plan and its formulation by the target date. He also very ably assisted in the preparation of briefs to the Committee of Defence Planning and provided the justifications for many on going and new schemes and the necessity for resources allocations.

In the preparation of rolling plan 1980-85 and annual plan 1980-81, he again displayed outstanding initiative and completed the difficult task which covered acquisition cost of major weapon systems with different mix and varying payment patterns in record time. He devised the format and procedure for monitoring both physical and the financial progress of approved schemes from various sponsoring and procuring agencies as a result of which the progress in the implementation of the plan and review of approved schemes could be effectively monitored.

The introduction of costing of courses at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment, a very complicated process, was also done under his guidance. In addition, rational allocation of overheads on different courses being run at training institutions was made possible only through his professional competence.

He has been responsible for the scrutiny of various price proposals of HAL products and through incisive scrutiny substantial savings in the areas of Dakota servicing, HS748 for photo-survey role, RMS orders for spares were identified.

For his distinguished services of a very high order Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sham Rao.

Wing Commander Nanak Chand Kaushal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 01 June, 1961. The officer with a brilliant academic career also topped the course in Air Force Technical College. Wing Commander Kaushal while posted as Project Engineer (Communication Installation 'B') since September, 77 in the Radar and Communication Project Office, Ministry of Defence, was responsible for coordinating and monitoring the installation activities of highly sophisticated Electronics System of the Communication Project.

The task of completing installation, testing and commissioning was time-bound and the target of completing and installation of voice circuits systems set for January 1979 was to be achieved. The officer not only mobilized the resources available both men and material, but also with his personal efforts and not caring for personal comforts ensured achieving of the targets. His devotion to duty and unflinching determination and grit were the main factors which made it possible for meeting the objectives despite continued slippages in delivery of equipment by various suppliers in the concerned sector.

By his personal example and motivation he not only ensured commissioning of the system as schedule but also ensured operation and maintenance of the same to the highest standard with the limited resources available. It goes to the credit of the officer that during floods in 1979, in the area under his jurisdiction vital operational communications were kept fully serviceable when the P & T communications had totally broken down. Even when the task of extending TropoScatter communication between two distant opera tional air bases linked by vast communication was entrusted to him, he had within a short period of one week made it possible to achieve the objective of providing the desired vital communications. By his personal invol vement, a highly satisfactory communication was also made possible during a very important joint Army/Air Force operational exercise.

With his professional and managerial skill, exemplary zeal and unlimited energy to put in hard work far beyond the call of normal duties, he has rendered distinguished service of high order. For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Nanak Chand Kaushal.

Wing Commander Kapil Kak was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) branch of the Indian Air Force in Nov 62. He served with distinction as a Navigator in transport and bomber Squadron and lastly in Air Headquarters Communication Squadron where aircrew with proven merit are posted. Till date he has flown 4580 hours and for his flying proficiency he had held transport category 'A' an exceptional achievement for a transport aircrew.

He successfully graduated from Defence Services Staff College in Nov 75. In view of his excellent record as VVIP/VIP aircrew, in Jun 78, he was selected to take up the duties of DD OPS (VIP) in the Dte of Ops (T&M) at Air Headquarters. In this appointment he was assigned an exacting task of complete reorganization of the VIPs' Cell with a view to streamline its functioning. By dint of sheer hard work, resourcefulness and deep professional knowledge, he rose to the occasion and in short span of time he was able to give a face-lift to the VIPs' Cell.

Planning and coordination of VVIP/VIP Flights involve liaison with civil/service agencies at various levels. It is largely a measure of his personal tact, organizing ability, purposeful intelligence and dedicated hard work that all VVIP/VIP commitments were carried out to complete satisfaction of his superiors. The officer had to put in 15 to 18 hours of work a day to organize VVIP/VIP flights, particularly during Lok Sabha/Assembly elections held in the last two years. To arrange a VVIP flight involving both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters and entailing activation of as many as 15 to 17 helipads on a single day. With cool determination, exemplary zeal and unflinching devotion to duty, he was able to accomplish the task creditably. Some of his noticeable achievements in the Dte are appended below:- a. During the last three years, flying effort devoted towards VVIP/VIP flights has increased by 20%. From 3100 in 1976 the effort increased to 3900 hours in 1979. Wing Commander Kak handled the increased commitments with requisite professional skill and utmost confidence. b. The entire procedure for obtaining, processing and forwarding the special flight return for the VVIP/VIP flights has been rationalized. c. He has made significant contribution in identifying suitable replacement for TU-124 aircraft in Air Headquarters Communication Squadron and also in determining the Standard of Preparation for AN-32 (the proposed METAC). *Name as it appears in the Gazette is Kapila Kak - the original name of the Officer. d. Considerable staff action has been put in by him to have the necessary modification done on Mi-8 helicopters for undertaking VVIP/VIP flights.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kapil Kak has displayed remarkable sense of duty, singular intelligence and professional competence of a very high order. By his personal example and relentless enthusiasm he has won for him the confidence of his superiors and willing support of his subordinates. For his distinguished service of a very high order, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Kapil Kak.

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

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

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

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

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

Squadron Leader Satya Pal Bhasin was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 27 Jan 63. He has held many important appointments both in operational units and on staff at Headquarters Western Air Command.

He took over the command of a Signals Unit on 26 Dec 77 and with determined efforts brought operational capabilities of unit to an exemplary standards. His professionalism, outstanding leadership and personal example inspired his men to accomplish many difficult tasks which won the admiration of one and all during deployment of his unit when the equipment was put to such a high order effective use and found to be serviceable at all times and this significantly added towards accident-free flying at the base during operational flying. He continued to work with commendable energy, single minded, devotion and perseverance and improved the operational efficiency of Air Defence System, which is a record performance since the inception of the System. By active involvement, guidance and ingenuity he has also made significant contribution towards detection of low flying targets without hampering the existing role of Medium/high level detection, which has proved a great success during the year 1979 while conducting various Air Defence exercises in western sector to meet the new concept of Base Air Defence Control. In both the above mentioned trials modi fications most creditable factor was the cost consciousness in keeping the expenditure to least possible.

His professional knowledge, technical skill, inspiring leadership and dedication motivated his officers and men, under his command to achieve excellent standard of operational preparedness. His valuable suggestions to enhance the operational performance of Air Defence System as a whole will go a long way. He has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Squadron Leader Raghu Nath Dass was commissioned in Indian Air Force in the year 1963, and from that time held many vital assignments with distinction in missile and photo units.

The officer was posted to the Transport Training Wing of the Air Force in May 77 for the duties of Senior Electrical officer. Within a short time of his arrival he organized fully established electrical and instrument work shop which could effectively cater for the 1st and 2nd line requirements of the three different types of aircraft serviced at the Wing. These facilities drastically reduced the down time of the aircraft for periodic inspections and snag rectification.

He organized a fully equipped R&SS with qualified men and supporting equipment capable of periodic inspections and also the intricate and detailed servicing like Check II A and Check II B of HS-748 aircraft. The result of his efforts are the proud figures of 43 and 47 Check As, and 11 and 12 Check I inspections in the year 1978 and 1979 respectively which stand out as an exceptional performance and formed the backbone for the fast turn round of aircraft and consequent availability to meet the flying task.

Due to the enhanced commitment of training and transport support role of HS-748 aircraft, number of aircraft were falling due for the elaborate and stringent Check II A and Check II B servicings during 1979 for which aircraft needs to be ferried out to a Base Repair Depot. This task had to be met with the resources of the station itself as the overhaul line of a Base Repair Depot Air Force was full to induct any further aircraft. With sound technical knowledge, professional skill of a high order, creative mind and sound organizing ability, the officer achieved the near impossible results of completing 3 Check II A and 2 Check II B inspections in the year 1979-80. The high rate of serviceability of aircraft, exceptional flight safety record and nil accident rate achieved by the station in the year 1979 give a befitting tribute to the flight safety consciousness and stringent quality control technique adopted by this officer in aircraft servicing.

Throughout Squadron Leader Raghu Nath Dass displayed determination, zeal, tenacity and devotion to duty. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order and for this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Squadron Leader Shamir Choudhuri was commissioned in Indian Air Force on 18 Nov 64. He has been on posted strength of Directorate of Plans at Air Headquarters as Asstt Director, Forecasting and Planning from Nov 77 to Jun 79 and thereafter has been working as assistant Director Admin Plans with added responsibilities.

While working as Asstt Director, Forecasting and Planning along with other duties he was required to progress a complicated legal case for release of certain aircraft purchased by Indian Air Force but impounded under court orders in a foreign country. This case on behalf of Govt of India was taken by the Addl Solicitor General and the officer was required to brief and provide required information on behalf of Indian Air Force. This complicated task which was performed by Squadron Leader Choudhuri in a most commendable manner and it was his hard work that went a long way in getting case decided in favour of the Govt.

As Asstt Director, Admin Plans, he is responsible for progressing cases for formation, disbandment of non flying units, KLP of Indian Air Force and War Wastage Reserves. During this period he was given a very important and responsible task of preparation of cases for upgradation of selection grade posts and sanction of substantive cadre posts for Indian Air Force officers. Squadron Leader Choudhuri completed these tasks by his direct involvement, keenness, professional knowledge and most important of all, his ability and willingness to work hard.

In view of his ability and expertise, he was entrusted with the task of Cadre Review for the Indian Air Force as ordered by the Govt of India. The Cadre Review cases involved preparation of statistical data, graphs and charts in respect of three Services to justify increases in the Selection Grade ranks. The Cadre Review was being progressed at the highest level and top priority due to its impact on the morale of the Armed Forces. Squadron Leader Choudhuri accepted this challenge and completed the task entrusted to him.

Throughout his tenure of duty Squadron Leader Shamir Choudhuri has displayed highest professional ability, initiative, zeal and steadfast devotion to duty with complete disregard to his own personal comfort. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a very high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh was commissioned in the year 1965 and passed out from the college standing first in the course. After successfully holding of various appointments like SATCO, Stn Adjutant, Deputy Camp Commandant etc. he has been posted as the Secretary of Central Vista AF Officer's Mess since July 1977.

Central Vista AF Officers' Mess is the premier officers' mess of the Air Force having a membership of almost a thousand officers including a large number of very senior ones. Apart from managing the affairs of about 100 to 150 living in officers, he has to cater to the needs of a large membership and run an institution in a manner befitting the unique position it holds. With unflinching loyalty, determination and single minded devotion to duty, he has been able not only to handle the affairs of the mess with commendable management skill but also effect all-round improvement in the various aspects of administration.

The officer took over his duties when the mess was passing through a difficult time and he was able to set things in order by clearing the arrears and bringing the accounts uptodate. With his sound financial acumen, he has been able to affect various economies in the mess expenditure as a result of which the general mess fund increased from Rs. 2.85 lakhs to Rs. 4.85 lakhs in a short span of one year. This was possible only due to his sincerity of purpose with which he took care of each and every aspects of the functioning of the mess and this impressive record is a testimony to the sterling services he rendered. Besides, he has carried out a complete survey of the property of the mess and added items worth Rs. 40,000 without drawing on the general mess fund.

Air Force Officers' Mess, located as it is and catering for the needs of Air HQ is called upon to arrange several functions mostly connected with the Air Force anniversary, 'At Home' by the CAS, tea party for the SNCOs and parties for foreign air attaches etc. It also caters for the entertaining of big dignitaries calling on the CAS at Air HQ and various high level conferences and meetings held there. His greatest contribution to the Air Force Officers Mess has been in the field of organizing these functions which are attended by no less personages that the presidents, the prime ministers, ministers and very high ranking civil and military officials. The arrange ments that he has ensured on these occas ions have not only enhanced the prestige of the Air Force and the reputation of the Air Force Officers Mess but also helped in providing excellent service at comparatively less expenses. Because of his intimate knowledge of the Indian and continental cuisine, he has been able to supervise and produce delicious food, drink and beverages which have always been appreciated by the VVIPs and VIPs.

With his calm and collected manners and cheerfully disposition, Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh has been able to manage the staff of the mess at their peak efficiency. Working under difficult conditions in shift system the staff had found him a good leader and manager who has always kept their welfare and interest his primary consideration. He has done much to help them in their needs.

Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh's contribution to the improvement of Air Force Officers Mess has been real and substantial and this he has been able to do because he is always out to do anything, even beyond the normal call of his duty, to ensure proper and efficient management of the mess. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh.

Master Warrant Officer Brahamdesam Venkataraman Venkatachalam was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 23 August 1949. Ever since, he has been performing various duties like Air Field Safety Operator, Warrant Officer i/c Air Traffic Control, Assistant Adjutant, Assistant Administrative Officer, Security Officer, most efficiently. His sense of duty, loyalty and the ability to work hard over long periods has always endeared him, appreciation from his officers.

Throughout his career, Master Warrant Officer Venkatachalam has worked with devotion and zeal. He has been serving as Adjutant to Chief Operations Officer in a Wing since 30 July 1978. He has shown initiative and enthusiasm in organizing the new base operation room and the operations readiness rooms. As regards the visiting Squadrons and the transiting aircraft he attends to their various problems on his own initiative. His deep involvement and willingness to devote all his time, beyond the call of duty, has proved an asset to his Wing. He willingly assumes all responsibility and takes care of situations as they arise. An intelligent Master Warrant Officer, who has always performed exceptionally well and helped the Wing in meeting its unusually heavy commitments at all times. With his ability to work hard, he has set an example for his juniors, who admire him for his knowledge, understanding and initiative. He is an accomplished supervisor and tireless worker.

With his total dedication and loyalty to the service, beyond the call of duty, MWO Brahamdesam Venkataraman Venkatachalam has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Sergeant Muthukrishna Chettiar Sivagnanam was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 17 June 1961. He is on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 03 Jun 75.

Sergeant Sivagnanam has always displayed a keen interest in the maintenance activities and has been in the fore front of any task assigned to the unit. He shoulders the responsibilities even at the cost of his personal comforts. His knowledge about the aircraft technical systems pertaining to his trade and other trades has enabled him to be a source of inspiration to others and assisted him in attaining laudable standards of leadership qualities.

In Oct 74 one of our helicopters sustained heavy damage requiring change of major components at site. The helicopter was repaired at site by cannibalizing and flown to base and put on AOG upto 1975. In 1975, Sergeant Sivagnanam undertook the job of putting the helicopter back on line, which involved fitment of tail boom, rotor hub, swash plate, transmission shaft and also the complete rigging of the helicopter which required hard work, technical skill and thorough knowledge of systems.

In Mar 79 this unit faced a novel and arduous task of reviving an helicopter which had force landed on top of a hill at a height of 1500 metres AGL due to severe vibrations. The peculiarity of the snag involved a tho rough check of every system on the helicopter as no clue to the snag was available. It became very difficult task to make the helicopter air worthy. The hilly terrain, lack of road communication and no assistance from any Air Force of Army base added to the problem. The space available on top of the hill just enabled one more Mi-8 helicopter to land. This type of job had never been undertaken by any unit with similar type of helicopter. This further inspired the unit to undertake the challenge and Sergeant Sivagnanam was assigned the task of servicing the helicopter as the leader of ground party.

Sgt Sivagnanam went about the snag rectification in a truly professional manner and it was decided to change the whole set of rotor blades. Removal and fitment of rotor blades requires the assistance of a crane and is a very delicate job requiring technical skill to ensure no damage to the blades. The SNCO went about the job and improvised a method of removal and fitment of blades with the available manpower. He not only inspired other members of the ground crew but was also able to muster the local population for help, guided them and achieved the task with remarkable speed. Above all, he kept up a cheerful disposition towards everyone involved in the operation which brought laurels to the service in general and unit in particular. The helicopter was serviced and flown back to base with no problems enroute. This speaks very high about the individual who took up the responsibilities, placing the interests of service above his own personal comforts. His dedication to the task assigned, methodical way of tackling the problem and his keen knowledge about the capabilities of the individual under him and led others to rise to the great heights.

By exhibiting total dedication to any task assigned throughout his service career, Sergeant Sivagnanam has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which the Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.