Wing Commander Jaswant Singh Kumar was commissioned in the IAF in May 61. He has held several important appointments including Senior Logistics Officer of two Air Bases and Assistant Air Attaché at London. During the preceding 2 ½ years he has been commanding an important Equipment Depot dealing in storage, issue and maintenance of common user vehicles.

Wing Commander Kumar has devised a procedure that has ensured a smooth flow of vehicles, both in and out, without the need of escorts. Despite 100 monthly in and out allotments, the officer achieved a state of Nil escort pending Vehicles collection.

Wg Cdr Kumar has undertaken the special task of organising and controlling the Republic Day March Past Vehicular Column in 1981 and 1982. The excellent performance of the Vehicular column was appreciated by the Chief of the Air Staff and Air Officer Incharge Maintenance. This was achieved by Wg Cdr Kumar without any additional manpower or help.

Wg Cdr Kumar was given the special task of speedy unloading and clearance of more than 100 Specialist vehicles at Bombay. He achieved this task in full measure, without having to pay any demurrage charges.

For his remarkable resourcefulness, leadership qualities and achievements of major results with limited resources, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wg Cdr Jaswant Singh Kumar.

Wing Commander Ghanshyam Gururani was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December, 1961. He has been closely associated with AN-12s right from the beginning and since November, 1978, he is heading the AN-12 overhaul line. During his stay, he had planned and executed 11 overhauls, 6 full life extensions, 14 mid-life extensions, 31 emb odiment of bulletins and special tasks, 7 Category 'B' repairs and 38 Category 'C' repairs.

The sustenance of AN-12 heavy transport fleet is vital and inescapable for the air maintenance of the troops deployed in farflung borders. It is therefore essential that a maximum number of this type of aircraft is kept flight worthy. This calls for elaborate repair schemes, extensive structural checks and incorporation of is large number of modifications. Wg Cdr Gururani with his excellent professional knowledge, meticulous planning, successfully executed the overhaul/ repairs of these aircraft well within a very strict time name, against innumerable odds like shortage of spares, technical expertise and manpower. He showed qualities of leadership, devotion to duty and determination in executing this formidable task.

In rejuvenating this heavy transport fleet and giving a further lease of 5/10 years life, Wing Commander Ghanshyam Gururani has made a significant contribution to the operational tasks of AN-12 fleet. For the excellent work done by hire, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Ghanshyam Gururani.

Wing Commander Virendra Kumar Jain was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 1 Dec 61 and has held important field staff appointments like Senior Technical Officer, Chief Engineering Officer of front line bases and Group Engineering Officer. Presently he is posted at one of the premier transport Squadrons.

Although his new assignment basically involved improving the serviceability state of the aircraft under his charge it also entailed refining the working of the Daily Servicing Section, where he achieved phenomenal success. Often he had to work long hours and very ably diagnosed the key problem areas and evolved effective remedial measures.

In order to achieve the objective of producing "safe and reliable aircraft", Wg Cdr Jain evolved quite a few repair and servicing schemes. But his most remarkable achievement was the review of the first and second line spare indents prepared by Air HQ for the year 1980 and 81. He scrutinised every item mentioned on the indent in the light of his experience. He made a number of changes in the indent as a result of which the indent become more objective and led to saving of foreign exchange to the tune of rupees one crore approximately.

For his dedicated and selfless service, ingenuity, leadership, professional competence and initiative of a very high order, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Virendra Kumar Jain.

Wing Commander Svinder Mohan Singh Chadha was commissioned in the IAF in June 1962. A highly qualified and brilliant engineering officer of the erstwhile armament branch, he has successfully held many sensitive field appointments, which include as many as six tenures as Engineering Officer, Senior Technical Officer and Chief Engineering Officer of various supersonic Squadrons and Wings.

Since Jan 78 he has been employed as Weapon Test Engineer at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment. Wg Cdr Chadha has been the brain and driving force behind all weapon systems development and evaluation trials undertaken by ASTE during his tenure. A highly capable, yet modest officer who has made a maor contribution in enhancing the operational potential of the IAF through extremely conscientious and dedicated hard work of exemplary proportion.

For his exceptional professional ability and exemplary devotion to duty resulting in successful completion of many weapon systems development project of great importance to the Indian Air Force, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Svinder Mohan Singh Chadha.

Wing Commander Kondaiah Rampati was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Nov 62. An engineering officer of a proven capability he has undergone Defence Service Staff College course at Wellington. For three years he served with distinction as Senior Technical Instructor at Air Force Technical College. Since Dec 79, he is posted as Chief Engineering Officer at a major transport base.

During his tenure as CEO, he maintained the serviceability of the aircraft at his base at an average of 62% in 1980 and 52% in 1981 as against the target of 50%. On 29 Dec 80, one of the Squadron flew all 16 of their aircraft while the other Squadron had 15 out of 16 aircraft in serviceable condition. The CEO had to consistently guide his officers and staff in achieving this feat. He studied the problem of aero engines having large failure of cylinders. With great determination and zeal he introduced series of checks and servicing for timely detection of weak areas in the engine. As a result of this a large number of cylinder failures were detected on ground which otherwise would have created serious emergencies in the air. The Wing earned the distinction of nil accident rate during the year 1981. He inspired all his officers and men a sense of participation in achieving this herculean task. During the IAF Golden Jubilee Celebrations, in Feb 82 he organised the Air Static Display which was a grand success. For the initiative, dedication to duty in the discharge of his duties, the President is pleased to award V1SH- ISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Kondaiah Rampati.

Wing Commander Surinder Mohan Bhatia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 31 January, 1463. While serving as Engineer Officer of a Transonic Fighter Squadron he was commended twice by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command for his outstanding work in the Squadron. During the 1971 Operations, he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff for distinguished service. Subsequently, he was posted as the Squadron Technical Officer of a Supersonic Fighter Squadron, where he earned commendation by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command for the high standard of aircraft maintenance.

Later, the officer was selected for a postgraduate course in Aircraft Propulsion at IIT, Bombay, from 1976 to 1978. He passed out with distinction and stood first in the course. After post-graduation, he was posted to a Base Repair Depot, where he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff for achieving an ambitious target of aircraft overhaul.

After the successful completion of his training abroad he was posted to Air Headquarters in 1980 and was entrusted with the maintenance planning connected with the induction of the latest type of aircraft and weapons system. The officer toiled ceaselessly with a determined bid to ensure smooth induction of the latest type of strike aircraft in the Indian Air Force. In the shortest possible period, a few Squadrons have become fully, Operational.

For his exceptional professional ability, effectiveness in management of resources and devotion to duty of a very high order, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Surinder Mohan Bhatia.

Wing Commander Satish Govind Inamdar was commissioned in the IAF in Mar 63 and since then has been in flying continuously except for a short stint at Air HQs as Deputy Director Air Staff Requirements. A Pilot Attack Instructor and a Test Pilot he has undergone Defence Services Staff College Course at Wellington. At present he is posted as Officer Commanding of one of the front line fighter Squadrons.

The Squadron has made spectacular progress under his dynamic and foresighted leadership. The aircraft serviceability was brought up to 76.5% from low figure of 54.1%. The Operational status was as low as 38.8% was brought up to commendable 64.7%.

His attention to welfare of the personnel of his Squadron as well as the mess staff has been remarkable. His is the only Squadron from where no Redress of Grievances or requests for Air Officer Commanding's interview have been received. The Squadron would also perhaps the only one which presents parting momentoes to every airman and NC (E) that is posted out. His idea of presenting woolen jerseys to mess staff as Diwali gift was original and utility oriented. He even organized a donation of the major cost of the item from M/S Modella through his own initiative and efforts.

On the basis of his overall performance, it could be said that Wg Cdr SG Inamdar has succeeded in shaping his Squadron into a well organized operational unit. He has been an example of effective leadership in air and on ground. At the same time, he has handled his secondary duty exceedingly well.

For his overall performance, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Satish Govind Inamdar.

Wing Commander Dilip Kamalkar Parulkar was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in March 1963. Ever since, he has held various appointments like the Flying Instructor at Air Force Academy and has been on deputation to Singapore for two years. Presently, he is serving a ground tenure as Battalion Commander at National Defence Academy.

During Indo-Pak conflict in 1965, his aircraft was hit by enemy fire and had injured his right shoulder. Despite the advise from his leader to eject he flew the crippled aircraft back to base, for which he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal

During 1971 Indo-Pak War, Wg Cdr DK Parulkar while a Prisoner of War in Pakistan displayed initiative, pride in his nation and in the Indian Air Force of an exceptional degree. He was the leader of an escape attempt in which he along with two colleagues escaped from the POW Camp. This attempt carried out in the face of a hostile, treacherous and unpredictable enemy required relentless hard work, determination and valour which was in the highest tradition of the IAF. This act compelled the enemy to respect the calibre of the IAF not only in the air but on the ground also, as well as our great nation.

For dedicated and distinguished service of a very high order the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Dilip Kamalkar Parulkar.

Wing Commander Sharanjit Singh was commissioned in the IAF in 1964 and had held a number of important appointments. While serving as Senior Technical Officer of a fighter squadron, with his professional competence he maintained a very high serviceability of Aircraft and accident free record for which he was awarded commendation by Chief of the Air Staff. During 1973-77 while commanding a signals unit Wg Cdr Sharanjit Singh by his tireless efforts and optimum utilisation of men and material brought his unit to a very high standard to win "Best Radar Unit Trophy".

Wg Cdr Sharanjit Singh took over the Command of present unit with a number of handicaps, mainly, acute shortage of technicians, inadequate accommodation and high magnitude of pending tasks at Flying Stations. With his enthusiasm, drive and leadership qualities, he motivated his limited men and commissioned two Ground Control Approach stations in record time and brought the third station in final stages. The unit under his leadership is ahead of the task in installation of Direction Finding Navigation aids. He has established a sense of oneness among his men and officers hence none desires to leave the unit though it is a hard living unit.

For his outstanding drive, initiative, dedication to duty and professional competence the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Sharanjit Singh.

Wing Commander Sundara Krishna Suresh Sitaram was commissioned in the IAF in October, 1968. He has so far served with distinction in Air Force Signal Centre, a Fighter Squadron, Base Repair Depot and Directorate of Air Staff Requirement, Air Headquarters where he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff in 1978, for his pioneering work in the satellite communication area.

A graduate of Communication and Electronics Staff Course, USA and Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, he was posted to Directorate of Signals where he successfully carried out the trials of establishing an air-to-ground telephone.

Wg Cdr SKS Sitaram in February, 1982 was given the responsibility of organising the nation-wide live telecast of Fire Power Demonstration held at Tilpat Range. In order to successfully organise the telecast within the short time that was available, Wg Cdr SKS Sitaram had to personally coordinate with Indian Space Research Organisation, Door Darshan, Department of P & T and HQ Western Air Command. Under the guidance of Director of Signals (Air), Wg Cdr SKS Sitaram succeeded in positioning the Transportable Remote Area Communication Terminal of ISRO, Outdoor Broadcasting Van of Door Darshan at Tilpat on time and in aligning the P & T microwave circuits for telecasting of event throughout the country in real time. By his untiring effort, initiative and derive Wg Cdr SKS Sitaram successfully organised the nation-wide live telecast of Fire Power Demonstration. This was the first time an event of this kind was live telecast throughout the nation using a satellite.

For having displayed a high degree of professional competence, dedication and result oriented approach to the task assigned to him, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Sundara Krishan Suresh Sitaram.

Wing Commander Virendra Pradhan was commissioned in Dec 63. Since then, he has held various important assignments with distinction. While on the posted strength of a transport Squadron, he carried out operational flying for four years in Naga Hills, NEFA and in the action against hostilities in Mizoram in 1966. He completed his bomber conversion in 1967 and during 1971 operations, he successfully carried out a number of bombing interdiction sorties in the Eastern and Western sectors. In 1972 he was posted to form the Maritime Strike Force wherein he completed 1000 operational hours on Canberras and gained his "Master Green" rating. Thereafter, he successfully completed the Judge Advocates Course. He is the first and the only "Pilot" to achieve this distinction.

Wg Cdr Pradhan is a highly motivated and extremely hard-working officer, who can be entrusted with any intricate task and can be depended upon to produce results in an unbelievably short time. On being posted as Command Judge Advocate at HQ South Western Air Command in Sep 79, he took prompt action to ensure that all the disciplinary cases in the years 1979 and 80 were finalised during the same years.

Endowed with indomitable energy and with a sense of total commitment to his duties, he analysed the offence pattern in the Command and rendered timely legal advice to Commanders in the field which resulted in bringing down the offence rate considerably.

For displaying high qualities of leadership, organising ability and professional compe tence the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Virendra Pradhan.

Squadron Leader Jagdish Chandra Malik was commissioned in the IAF in January 1963. Thereafter the officer served as instructor at a Ground Training Establishment and at Air Force Administrative Collage. Later he served as Chief Instructor at the Jungle and Snow Survival School and conducted 40 survival courses in inhospitable areas.

Squadron Leader Malik set up the Public Relations Unit of Defence Ministry at Headquarters Western Air Command in 1971. Later in 1976, he was appointed the Public Relations Officer (Air Force) at the Directorate of Public Relations of the Ministry of Defence.

The officer has made significant contribution to the Publicity of the IAF. Prior to and during 1971 operations he worked ceaselessly and secured wide publicity for the air operations and allied activity in the Western Sector. He also wrote a number of articles on Air Operations, besides reporting day to day activities. The officer performed his job willingly and cheerfully with complete disregard to his personal comfort, at odd hours and often in adverse working conditions. His work has contributed greatly to better understanding of Defence Services among the masses.

For his services of very high order, spread over a decade, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Jagdish Chandra Malik.

Squadron Leader Gulshan Rai Malhotra was commissioned in the IAF in January 1964. For the next ten years, he was posted to Guided Weapons where he specialised in three major independent systems.

Based on his performance the officer was sent abroad to undergo a Computer Course. Since his return, the officer is posted to Programming and Simulation Center to work in the pioneering task of Air Defence Data Handling systems. The officer had done a laudable job in planning, designing and implementation of a number of systems especially the project that would be the basis of more advanced tracking system.

The officer has on his own studied the operating system and guides other programmers in their work. He is also engaged in futuristic task of writing Tracking Package in Micro Processor Assembly language.

For his exemplary efforts in the pioneering field and ability to interact in getting best out of his staff, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Guishan Rai Malhotra.

Squadron Leader Pratap Singh was commi ssioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch on 05 October, 1964. He has served with distinction as Engineering Officer in Fighter Squadrons and as Signal Officer in Units and Wings.

He was one of the few technical officers selected for training on the latest type of Fighter/Bomber aircraft. He obtained 'excellent' grade in his training. On completion of training, this officer was posted to a wing as Officer in charge of Type 24 Mobile Conversion Flight and close Range Navigation Complex.

The task of completing installation of the Mobile Conversion Flight equipment and is commissioning was time bound. So was the installation, testing and commissioning of the close Range Navigation Complex. The resources available with the officer were limited. But his professionalism, inspiring leadership and personal example inspired his men to accomplish these tasks with the given time frame. He continued to work with commendable energy, single minded devotion and perseverance and improved the functioning of both the Mobile Conversion Flight and the Navigation Complex. He achieved the similar fetes at two more stations.

Sqn Ldr Pratap Singh projects the image of a dynamic Engineering Officer. His drive and initiative knows no bounds when it comes to any kind of challenge requiring persistent efforts. He has, thus, set a fine example of skilful and competent technical officer and has been a source of inspiration to those working under him.

For his professional excellence, organizing ability man management and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Pratap Singh.

Squadron Leader Baldev Singh Cheema was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October 1964. An M Tech, he is a graduate of Defence. Services Staff College, Wellington. Being an exceptional Engineer, he was specially selected for training abroad on first and second line servicing of a new aircraft. On his return he was entrusted with the responsibility of setting up the technical services of an aircraft having the most modern and sophisticated equipment in the Indian Air Force. Having to start from scratch, with limited resources at his disposal, Squ adron Leader Cheema, in a short span of a few months, achieved a near impossible goal of making the technical services stream lined. His unflagging energy knew no bounds as he worked morning and afternoon to achieve his aim.

Taking a keen interest in every aspect of the technical requirements, his involvement was total as he went into the smallest detail of every problem and ensure that it was thrashed out. He had displayed tremendous enthusiasm and pride in his work which has served as a great example to his subordinates and especially to the men of the Unit. His devotion to duty and unrelenting ardour for work is infectious, enabling him to extract the maximum out of his men, and thus achieve the phenomenal results.

The inspections of second line servicing had to be suitably scheduled to cater for the working environment so as to produce the optimum results. The servicing and operation of specialist vehicles, which turned out to be a major task, was personally supervised by Squadron Leader Cheema.

For his undoubted ability and devotion to duty the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Baldev Singh Cheema.

Squadron Leader Samuel Simon was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in December 1964. He had held variety of appointments which include Assistant Administrative Officer, Security Counter Intelligence Officer at an operational Base, Assistant Provost Marshal and Staff Officer.

At Bombay, where the Officer was posted as Assistant Provost Marshal, he was instrumental in ensuring smooth and efficient movement of a large number of road convoys, especially relating to the setting up of Guided Weapons units. It was again during this tenure that Sqn Ldr Simon played a leading role in apprehending some personnel involved in smuggling activities. This was an operation beset with great personal danger and the officer carried it out with imagination and utter disregard of the risk and threat that his family and himself were faced with.

Having gained in experience, particularly with regard to security and investigative operations, the officer was specially selected and posted as Assistant Provost Marshal at Bagdoara, at a time when the general law and order atmosphere to the region had deteriorated. His tact, sense of involvement and mature judgment came in handy towards establishing cordial relations between the Air Force and the local population and he contributed substantially in enhancing the image of the Air Force in a difficult situation.

In all his recent appointments, as Staff Officer to Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Staff Officer to Vice Chief of Air Staff and presently as ADC to Chief of the Air Staff, he continued to display exemplary devotion to duty and a forthright and positive attitude.

During all the 18 years of his commissioned service for having rendered dedicated service of a high order the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Samuel Simon.

Squadron Leader Jayanti Swarup was commissioned in the IAF in December 1964. He has worked as a Fighter Controller, as a Station Adjutant-cum Counter Intelligence Officer and later as Command Organisation Officer. He acquitted himself creditably in all these assignments.

In December 1979 he was posted to Air Headquarters and has been working as Assistant Director in the Directorate of Personnel (Airmen). In this capacity he was entrusted with the policy relating to moves of airmen, laying down of manning levels for different types of units, plans for the augmentation of manpower during emergency and selection of airmen for posting to our Missions abroad as well as within the country. He discharged these responsibilities in an exceedingly efficient manner. Another important aspect relating to his day today functioning was to interview airmen as well as their relatives. He handled their representations in an admirable manner and was able to provide relief to the maximum possible number of deserving cases without sacrificing the general interests of the service. In this manner, he made a valuable contribution to the upkeep of the morale in general.

For the meritorious service of an exceptional order rendered by him the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Jayanti Swarup.

Squadron Leader Ramakrishna Somnath was commissioned in the IAF in Oct 67 and was associated with the maintenance of Mi-8 helicopters since their inception and had served with distinction. He was responsible for setting up Mobile Conversion Flight training facilities as also servicing facilities in all the bases. These facilities are, even now, being extensively used for meeting the additional servicing requirements.

During the year 1976, Sqn Ldr R Somnath was entrusted with the task of maintenance of two types of helicopters employed to support Oil & Natural Gas Commission Bombay High off-shore operations. Immediately on his arrival at Bombay, Sqn Ldr R Somnath carried out an accurate assessment of facilities available at Bombay and nearby bases and geared up the unit with complete range of servicing facilities within a short time. As a result of this achievement, infructuous ferry of helicopters to a distant base could be stopped which has saved exchequer lakhs of rupees.

In the recent past there were many instances where fire extinguisher bottles in Mi-8 helicopters fired inadvertently during the starting cycle. Sqn Ldr R Somnath carried out extensive tests, conferred with specialists and took remedial measures that obviated the problem completely. He rendered invaluable guidance in modifying the aircraft for various roles.

For his professional skill, devotion to duty and having rendered distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Ramakrishna Somnath.

Squadron Leader Rajvir Yadav was commissioned in the IAF in 1967. He has served as a Navigator in Packet and AN-12 Squadrons. Because of his hard work and involvement in his basic profession he was selected for an Advanced Navigation Course and was later posted as an instructor at Navigation and Signals School. During the tenure at NSS he was commended by the AOC-in-C Training Command for a very high sense of dedication and responsibility.

Squadron Leader Yadav also did a Fighter Controller's Course in which he stood first with an A-2 category. During the 1971 conflict he was posted in a Signal Unit and was commended by the ADDC Commander for having shown great presence of mind in skillfully controlling MiG aircraft which was unsure of its position and critically short of fuel.

For over 3½ years, Sqn Ldr Yadav has been working as the Staff Officer to an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief and Principal Staff Officer at Air Headquarters. He has been thoroughly reliable in undertaking all the responsibilities of his task and has shown great tact, and where necessary firmness, in handling matters.

For his distinguished service of a high order spread over a period of many years, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Rajvir Yadav.

Squadron Leader Rajagopala Sunder Raman was enrolled in Air Force in 1951 and was subsequently commissioned in 1969. In the earlier stages of his service, he was actively involved in the installation and overhauling of Radar System like early warning radar and Star Sapphire. He did creditable work in achieving optimum serviceability of these radar system against limitation of spares, availability and inadequate testing and calibration facilities.

During his tenure at ADGES Training Institute from September 1974 to September 1977 in addition to his duties as an instructor, he installed the full range of Troposcatter Communication equipment for training purpose, without any previous experience available on the subject. It was a challenging task, which he carried out to the entire satisfaction of his superiors.

Since September 1977, Squadron Leader Sunder Raman is in command of an installation unit of a very important communication hub centre, where he is directly responsible for installation, testing and then handing over the highly sophisticated Tropo Communication links to the users. By setting personal example of hard work and technical competence, he has shaped his personnel into a fine team of skilled technicians. During operation and maintenance of special equipment there were a number of operational and maintenance problems which had to be sorted out to meet the laid down specifications. Squadron Leader Sunder Raman, with his professional knowledge and technical competence, visited almost all the sites optimized the equipment performance and demonstrated the maintenance procedures to the site personnel. This was achieved by tenacity of purpose dedicated effort and sheer hard work extending deep into the night every day.

For his qualities of leadership, a very high degree of initiative, determination and professional technical competence the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Rajagopala Sunder Raman.

Flight Lieutenant Manmohan Singh was commissioned in 1969. Right after commissioning he set into improving the sagging image of the IAF Basket Ball Team which had gone down. His guidance, leadership and planning infused enthusiasm, dedication and confidence in the Air Force Basket Ball Team which brought up the name of the Air Force into lime light. Due to the initiative, drive and dedication of this officer, who captained the IAF team from 1969 to 1979, the IAF Team came to the forefront and achieved the following:- a. Won 16 all India Tournaments. b. 5 Air Force Players represented India. c. Air Force Players represented Services team. d. Reached Finals of Services Meet three times.

Not withstanding this selfless and yeoman service to Air Force, his personal performance has soared to new heights and earned achievements which few in India can claim. a. He captained services team in the National Pre-Asian Championships and was instrumental in the victory of the services team for 10 years from 1969 to 1979. b. He was selected to represent India in International meets 8 times. He has performed splendidly in the following International Tour naments: i. III ABC at Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). ii. X ABC Celebrations at Manila (Philippines). iii. VI ABC at Tokyo (Japan). iv. VII ABC at Manila (Philippines). v. VI Asian Games at Bangkok (Thailand). c. He has the distinction of captaining India Team in the Asian Basketball Championship, and is perhaps the only IAF sportsman to achieve this unique distinction. d. He has the honour of being placed on ALL STAR ASIAN TEAM at Manila. He was the only player in the tournament to be placed on the top rung of three separate departments of the game i.e., Scoring, Rebounding and Assistance. e. He won Arjuna Award in 1971 for his outstanding performance as a player of the Indian Team. Subsequently he had attained the greater acclaim as a Caption of the Indian Basket Ball Team in 1973. He is the sole officer recipient of this National honour in the IAF. f. He has been nominated the First 'Best Player of the Air Force'.

In view of his outstanding performance, in the field of Basket Ball in which he has won international repute and brought honours not only to IAF but also to the country; in recognition of his dedication and devotion in bringing up young Air Force players and guiding team to top; in appreciation of his leadership, determination and expertise in captaining Air Force and Services teams and boosting up their performance upto National level; and keeping in high esteem the fact that he has given the best part of his playing days to the service without considering domestic problems and beyond the call of duty, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Flight Lieutenant Manmohan Singh.

Flying Officer Gautam Kumar Dasgupta was commissioned in June 1978. Though young, he has made name for himself as a competent and dedicated Engineering Officer. Flying Officer Dasgupta was specially selected to provide Engineering support to the Air Force Aerobatic Team 'Thunder Bolts' and he amply proved himself worthy of the faith shown in him.

He has organised the technical activity of the Squadron personnel very efficiently, resulting in enhanced Squadron output. He possesses the natural quality of leadership; leading by example, where men follow him cheerfully through long hours of hard work for best possible results. Notwithstanding the perennial problems associated with the ageing aircraft and limited availability of spares, he has achieved an increase in aircraft and equipment serviceability and sustained it. During the recently concluded twelve aircraft detachment he showed exemplary farsightedness in organising first line and second line servicing while on the move. Never was any aircraft left behind at any place, though the unit gave displays over fifteen different towns all over the country, during a period of two and half months. He worked round the clock on various occasions. On one such occasion he had an engine change done overnight thus enabling ferry out of all twelve aircraft together. He achieved those outputs with selfless devotion, personal involvement and long hours and hard work beyond the call of duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. In recognition of these accomplishments at such a young age and service, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Flying Officer Gautam Kumar Dasgupta.

Master Warrant Officer Bishambher Nath Bhasin was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in December, 1947 and since then he has always worked to achieve the difficult targets set before him by his superiors. His enthusiasm has never flagged despite his long innings with the IAF.

Master Warrant Officer Bhasin is highly innovative and overcomes apparently unsolvable problems with ease. His capacity to guide and control his men with iron discipline and yet his sense of justice, fair play and humane behaviour has earned him respect and affection of his subordinates and admiration of his superiors.

Since January 1979 Master Warrant Officer Bhasin has been working as Master Warrant Officer in-charge Central Repair and Servicing Section of one of the frontline aircraft at one of the major air bases and has shown exemplary zeal and enthusiasm, not only to handle intricacies of the Airframe system of this sophisticated aircraft, but also in organizing the manpower and other resources placed under his charge into a highly efficient and productive force. Because of these commendable qualities he has been able to harness the efficiency of nearly 250 airmen and vast resources placed under him to a fine edge.

For his undying zeal, great professional knowledge and commendable qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Master Warrant Officer Bishambher Nath Bhasin.

Master Warrant Officer Sant Kumar was enrolled in the IAF in Jul 50. A tradesman of very high caliber, he was trade testing examiner for two years. Since 1978, he has been on deputation to Gas Turbine Research Establishment.

When MWO Sant Kumar joined the Establishment he had no previous experience in the very specialized field of fabricating experimental combustion chambers. However, by sheer hard work and with admirable determination MWO was able to meet the challenges most effectively. Under his guidance and supervision the number of these experimental combustion chambers were produced, all of which met the design requirements completely.

In his second major commitment of setting up electroplating facilities, he was responsible for advising the manufacturers of electroplating equipment regarding modification which are required for the equipment supplied by them, so that these could be satisfactorily integrated to form a comprehensive system. He was responsible for design and lay out of this facility and also the satisfactory installation, commissioning and utilization of the equipment supplied.

For his professional competence, qualities of leadership and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Master Warrant Officer Sant Kumar.

Junior Warrant Officer Malamal Neelamcherry Unnikrishnan was enrolled into the IAF in Sep 1962. He was trained in France in the installation of the antenna and drive systems. This JWO by sheer hard work and perseverance master the mechanical engineering aspects. He has developed a very high degree of skill and mastery in this intricate task. He has achieved very high professional standard whereby he could be independently entrusted with undert aking the installation of these highly complex systems.

One of the operational THD-1955 High Power Radar Units developed excessive wear of the bogie train in the drive system of the antenna. The complete antenna system weighing nearly 10 tons, is mounted on these rollers, which travel on the bearing race. This travel of roller ensures rotation of antenna in an absolutely level azimuthal plane.

JWO Unnikrishnan was detailed to inspect the extent of wear on these rollers. On inspection, he found that the wear was excessive and rollers would need replacement. The exercise of replacing these rollers had not been carried out at any site till then. Being fully aware of the excellent professional competence of the JWO, Radar and Communication Project Office entrusted the task of replacement of these rollers to him.

With a team of Radar Fitters, drawn from the unit, who were not trained in the installation of the drive system even there the JWO successfully completed the task of replacement these defective roller with a serviceable set. The mechanical adjustment measurements on the drive system were checked and the results proved that apart from being well within the specifications, the job had been carried out correctly and in an extremely professional manner. An operational radar was thus repaired in the field with minimum down time while adhering to the stringent specifications.

JWO Unnikrishnan, by assiduous hard work and discipline, gained and displayed a high degree of professional competence in both radar engineering and in the highly complex mechanical installation. Cheerful and always willing to take additional responsibilities, he had successfully and independently carried out major repairs in the field. For displaying a very high degree of initiative, determination and professional technical competence, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Junior Warrant Officer Malamal NeelamcherryUnnikrishnan.