Wing Commander Ashok Kumar Mehta (6631) Logistics was commissioned in Jun 62. Since then, he has held numerous important appointments with distinction. As Chief Logistic Officer of one of Equipment Depots he was commended by the AOC-in-C Maintenance Command (1974) and at Air Headquarters by the Chief of the Air Staff (1979).

Since April 1981, he is working as Command Logistic and Maintenance Officer of an operational command. The officer has displayed an exceptional blend of technical, opera tional and logistic capabilities and foresight for forward planning towards achievements of the objectives of this Command. Because of his meticulous planning and resourcefulness, more than 30 Operational/ Armament training exercises were conducted during the year 1982 alone without any failure of supplies and maint enance support.

The officer was directly responsible for bringing about a saving of approximately Rs. 20 lakhs by reduction of inventories, intra-unit transfers, clearance of Aircraft on Ground and contractual price reduction by negotiations. With sustained result-oriented efforts the officer brought about an all round improvement in Mechanical Transport serviceability of specialist and common user fleet to a figure of 97% and 93% respectively from 80% during 1979-80. The officer is directly responsible towards recovery of the 40 off-road vehicles lying unserviceable for over two years and more APPAs, UPEGAs and CFTs downgraded to Class V, thus bringing about a saving to the State of Lakhs of rupees. He was also primarily responsible for bringing down the MT accident rate of this Command from 0.54 per lakh kilometers to 0.16 per lakh kilometers for the year 1982-83.

For dedicated work qualities of professional ability, indomitable determination, dynamic drive and exceptional devotion to duty, superb material management, personal example and sustained hard work much beyond call of duty, the President is please to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Ashok Kumar Mehta.

Wing Commander Subodh Chandra Mamgain was commissioned in the Air Force on 10 Feb 62. In the Indo-Pak War of 1965 he was awarded the VrC on 07 Sep 65. He was sent abroad for flying training on fighter aircraft where he was graded Exceptional.

On 30 Nov 81, Wg Cdr SC Mamgain took the command of a Missile Squadron. After taking the command he streamlined the procedures to achieve a very high level of operational efficiency. The Squadron was detailed as the duty Range squadron at Guided Weapon Firing Range for the firing during 1982-83. Wg Cdr SC Mamgain studied previous problems and through dedicated hard and innovative planning formulated procedures briefing and a time bound training programmed for all the visiting squadrons. As a result of this dedicated effort, Directorate of Air Staff Inspection inspected the Squadron at range and specially cleared Wg Cdr SC Mamgain to supervise all the firing of the squadrons. His professionalism, hard work and success results has enthused a new sense of confidence purpose not only in his own squadron but other similar squadrons in the Indian Air Force who participated in the training season.

For having displayed dedication and devotion duty of a high order, the President is pleased to 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Subodh Chandra Mamgain.

Wing Commander Naresh Chand Jain was commissioned to the Air Force in January 1963. Though basically a Technical Officer he volunteered for flying and on completion of training was posted to an important transport Squadron which was responsible for Maritime Operation. Later as Command Engineering Officer at Headquarters Eastern Air Command, Wg Cdr Jain acquainted himself with the engineering aspects of all aircraft operated in the Command. This prolonged hours of study, continuous reference more recent technical papers issued by the manufactures, Air Headquarters and Base Repair Depots and long hours spent in the hangars and servicing bays of flying Wings. He was soon in position to appreciate and anticipate technical problems. His greatest contribution was in the maintenance safety, where painstaking enquiry of incidents and accidents established the causes and the introduction of preventive service procedures. He displayed great initiative in modification for the Caribou propeller system, which was approved by competent authority, enabling increased utilization of this aircraft. He played role in drawing up retraining programmes of the personnel, which were aimed at enhancing professional skills and knowledge.

For having rendered distinguished service very high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Naresh Chand Jain.

Wing Commander Madhukar Krishna Marathe was commissioned in the Air Force in April 1963. He has been trained aboard on fighter aircraft. Since then he has been associated with particular origin aircraft in one capacity or another. A graduate of Defence Service Staff College, he is a specialist on aircraft Electrical Systems.

Wing Commander MK Marathe was entrusted with the task of setting up of the facilities for the overhaul of over 400 rotables for a fighter type of aircraft. These notables forming part of the vital systems of the complicated supersonic aircraft required elaborate and expensive facilities. When the task was entrusted to Wg Cdr MK Marathe, not more than a few rotables could be overhauled by utilizing the existing facilities. By dint of technical expertise and perseverance, Wg Cdr MK Marathe had set up facilities for 400 different rotables during the course of the production year 1982-83. This significant technical achievement not only saved the country valuable Foreign Exchange but also helped in streamlining the overhaul line at the Base Repair Depot. The job involved ingenuity and technical competence of the highest order. By meeting the challenging assignment given to him, Wg Cdr Marathe was able to achieve more than the desired results in the given time frame.

For his technical competence, devotion to duty and ingenuity, the President as pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Madhukar Krishna Marathe.

Wing Commander Sadasiva Dass was commissioned in the Air Force on 01 June 63. Since then he has held various field as well as staff appointments with distinction.

In Jan 79 Wg Cdr S Dass was specially selected to lead a Missile Project Management Team which was having slippage in work service and problem in procurement of indigenous equipment. As a result of sustained hard work, detailed planning and close liaison with the concerned agencies, Wg Cdr S Dass was able to get the works service executed by due date, indigenous equipment purchased and positioned at site in time for installation. Infrastructure for the overhaul facilities at site was completed by May 80 and pilot overhaul completed in Nov, 80. Thus, overhaul of equipment for operational Squadron has been put on a sound footing.

For having displayed qualities of leadership, devotion to duty and professional skill, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing commander Sadasiva Dass.

Wing Commander Pradip Bhagat was commissioned in the Air Force on 22 June 63. During his twenty years of service, he has held numerous important appointments like Station Flight Safety Officer, Command Flight Safety Officer, Flight Commander, Chief Operations Officer etc. Since 01 Dec 81, Wg Cdr P Bhagat has been holding the appointment of Chief Administrative Officer Air Force Station, New Delhi. Immediately on his arrival, Wing Commander P Bhagat accepted the challenge of preparing the Air Force Contingent for the Republic Day Parade. His dedicated and whole hearted involvement not only ensured smooth passing of the event but also brought laurels to the Air Force in the form of rare Press Reviews.

Concurrently, the Station was also going ahead with preparation for the conduct of the Air Force Sports Festival to be held at the Station during Feb 82. The preparations involved providing accommodation and messing to more than 1000 sportsmen and officials besides bringing up the standard of sports grounds and courts to the desired level. Wg Cdr P Bhagat, as the Chief Admin Officer, distinguished himself as a skilled and effective administrator in overcoming the enormous administrative difficulties.

For his outstanding service as an able leader, effective administrator and good organizer, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Pradip Bhagat.

Wing Commander Bushan Lal Bhan was commissioned in the Air Force in Dec 63. In his more than 20 years of service he has held important staff, field and instructional appointments and has left a mark of dedicated professional in every field of activity.

An ace specialist in Photo Interpretation, his interpretation of air photographs of operational missions, component analysis of various likely enemy targets, total dedication and tireless efforts in updating records and providing new target information with great accuracy and commendable speed made significant contributions during the 1965 and 1971 Wars.

Later, due to his professionalism, he made substantial contribution, towards bringing about a remarkable improvement in the security environment and vigilance set-up both as Security Officer of an Operational Base and as the Assistant Provost Marshal of a very sensitive and important area.

In July 81, Wing Commander Bhan was specially selected to take over the Command of highly sensitive Provost Unit at Delhi. Since then, besides performing his primary tasks commendably well, he has also wonderfully shouldered and ensured successful completion of a large number of additional special, vital and highly sensitive tasks connected with Air Force Golden Jubilee functions, Asiad 82, Non-Aligned Summit etc.

For having displayed professionalism of exceptional order, initiative and drive, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Bushan Lal Bhan.

Wing Commander Ashutosh Nigam was commissioned in the Air Force in July 63. Since the he has held a variety of field appointments like Engineering Officer, Officer in charge Repair and Servicing Section, Officer in charge Avro Overhaul and Senior Technical Officer of a Transport Squadron.

Wing Commander Nigam was appointed STO the transport Squadron when the Squadron when the Squadron was being converted from Dakota to Avro aircraft. Despite shortage of trained manpower and ground equipment, Wing Commander Nigam, without being disheartened, took stock of the situation. He carefully worked out equipment, procured the minimum required item in the shortest possible time and devoted all his energy to the task of introducing the aircraft to the Squadron and making it fully operational. It is because of his personal involvement, professional skill and initiative that the Squadron not only improved its serviceability state, but also achieved 100% serviceability on many occasions - a Unit record.

To sustain his achievement, he also trained a record number of technicians by carefully planning the training schedule and conducting the classes personally. During his tenure, the Squadron maintained accident/incident free record inspire of flying over 10250 hours. He also improved the average serviceability state. His personal contribution is the main factor which has paved the way for the Sqn to wing the coveted Sqn of the year, safety trophy 1981-82 and for being adjudged the Best Transport/Helicopter Unit in his Command for two successive years (1980-81).

For having displayed single minded devotion to duty and dedication, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Ashutosh Nigam.

Wing Commander Man Mohan Sehgal (8390) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 18 Apr 64. An above average fighter pilot, he is a fighter combat leader and Graduate of Defence Services Staff College. Wg Cdr MM Sehgal selected to command a MiG Squadron which was performing the role of operational Training Unit. Under his able leadership, the squadron was able to bag the following distinctions during the past year: a. Supersonic squadron of the year in the IAF. b. Best categorized supersonic squadron in the IAF. c. Eastern Air Command Gunnery Meet Championship. d. Champion in all the games in the inter-unit sports championship at the Air Force Station.

The sense of duty and professional competence of the officer had a lot to do with the squadron's winning the above laurels. For the distinguished service that he has rendered in the past year, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr MM Sehgal.

Wing Commander Desika Thatham Rajagopalan was commissioned in the Air Force on 5 Oct, 64. An M Tech from IIT Delhi, he specialized in Control Engineering and Instrumentation. The appointments held by him include Assistant Direct of Air Staff Inspection, Flight Test Engineer, Instructor at Ground Training School and Assistant Director Air Staff Requirements. In each one of these appointments he distinguished himself by achieving much beyond normal expectations.

As Assistant Director of Air Staff Requirement he was assigned the task of looking after all projects relating to electronic and electro-optical systems and various simulator projects. He has, during his tenure in the Directorate, handled over 25 complex projects which required has full involvement in some of the developmental work.

Electronic and electro-optical systems are highly sophisticated and complex in nature. There has been rapid improvement in technology which demands continuous updating of knowledge. Wg Cdr Raja gopalan has made the utmost effort to keep himself abreast of the developments in the field and has been able to study various proposals for electronic and electro optical systems with a very critical eye and prepare exhaustive and thorough reports and briefs which helped a great deal in make decisions at higher level.

For his devotion to duty of a very high order and outstanding performance, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Desika Thatham Rajagopalan.

Since 24 Nov 79 Wg Cdr JK Pathania is posted as Assistant Director (Operations) at a Command Headquarters and has displayed a high sense of responsibility, trust worthiness and unwavering devotion to duty. In February, 1980 the officer was closely associated with a Joint Exercise held to test the adequacy of Control and Reporting Standard Operating Procedures. The contribution of the office in the exercise was real substantial and praiseworthy.

In Sep 81, the officer planned and conducted exercise to check on preparedness to deal with incident of hijacking. The result of the exercise was very noteworthy.

The contribution of the officer in various Air Defence and Joint Army/Air exercises has been very significant and praiseworthy.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Jagnandon Kumar Pathania.

Wing Commander Promod Rewatiballabh Pande was commissioned in the Air Force in December 1963 and held variety of appointments which include Senior Signals Officer of a major Air Force base and Officer in Charge Repair and Servicing Section.

Because of his outstanding professionalism he was selected as Quality Control Engineer for the Tropo/Microwave system of the Air Force in Sep 77. This special task was completed by him resulted in high operational efficiency and system availability of 99%.

Wg Cdr PR Pande was made responsible for evaluating the performance of the newly commissioned communication system in some sectors. He assessed the Equipment, Installation and Performance status of each site and link meticulously. He contributed largely in assessing and evaluating the performance of the system.

Wg Cdr PR Pande has been responsible for commissioning the computer based system introduced for the first time in the Air Force for speedy clearance of telegraph messages. This challenging task was accomplished meticulously by Wg Cdr PR Pande resulting in the successfully commissioning of the system in the Air Force.

For his devotion to duty and skill, the President pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing commander Promod Rewatiballabh Pande.

Wing Commander Suresh Chander Kapoor was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 25 Dec 64. An above average Navigator, he has served for almost five years in Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. During the current tenure he has flown 2600 hours on HS-748 and Dakota aircraft displaying great enthusiasm, zeal and courage.

He has operated from far flung bases on detachments and surveyed vast area including sensitive and hazardous terrain. With his highly skill and devoted performance he brought back treasure of data of an exceptional order.

In his recent tenure he has held multifarious appointments and he is presently functioning as the Navigational leader in HS-748 flight. His firm commitment towards training the younger officers on the nuance of the Air Force life have has a salutatory effect on the latter and has manifested as healthy professionalized out look amongst younger officers in the unit.

For having displayed selfless devotion to duty and stimulating management techniques, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Suresh Chander Kapoor.

Squadron Leader Devendar Kumar Sharma was commissioned in the IAF in March 1965. Having served in various assignments related to his Branch, the officer was appointed as Public Relations Officer in 1975. At present he is posted as the Public Relations Officer (Air Force) in the Directorate of Public Relations in the Ministry of Defence.

The officer's tenure in the field of Public Relations has coincided with a period of increasing public attention on various aspects relating to the Air Force. As a link between the Air Force and the media, the officer has established a close rapport with all agencies concerned in projecting a positive image of the Air Force.

The devotion and competence exhibited by him in promoting the various programmes of the Air Force in the Golden Jubilee Year is highly praiseworthy. He has been able to project the image of the IAF, as a modern, balanced force capable of defending the nation's air space, and lend required support to the ground forces and the civil authorities.

The officer has been the media controller during the Asian Games. During the NonAligned Summit Meet, 1983, he was responsible for looking after the media needs.

For his contribution in the Public Relations field of a very high order, professionalism and deep sense of involvement, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader Devendar Kumar Sharma.

Squadron Leader Prakash Chandra Khandubhai Desai was commissioned in the Air Force on 3 Jan 66. He was awarded Gold Medal for standing first in the Engineering (Industrial Engineering) Examination NITIE, Bombay in July 76 and earned the FCIL being the best student in the 'Electronic Data Project System' course at MCTE, MHOW in Jun-Aug 77. He graduated from Defence Services Staff College in Nov 80.

Squadron Leader Desai was specially selected as Weapon Test Engineer and Officerin charge Test Laboratory of Aircraft and System Testing Establishment where he displayed outstanding capability at handling challenging tasks assigned to him.

As project engineer for flight trials of a Missile System, Squadron Leader Desai handled various disciplines of the Project single handed and was responsible for formulating fabrication drawing providing design support for various equipments. The task was completed in a record time of three months.

The post firing film data analysis work under taken by the officer and the efforts put in by him evolve new procedures and techniques were appreciated by the concerned manufacturers.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and profile competence of a high order, the President is please to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader Prakash Chandra Khandubhai Desai.

Squadron Leader Padamjit Singh Ahulwalia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 2 June 1968. He served with great credit and distinction with a transonic Squadron for nearly four years, before selection for position to a high performance aircraft, where he served for two years. In recognition of his outstanding performance and ability he was awarded the Best Pilot Trophy in Command Gunnery Meet of Western Air Command event as a relatively junior pilot.

Squadron Leader Ahluwalia during a tenure with Iraq AF, successfully executed a forced landing on an L-29 aircraft. He was specially commended by the Commandingin-Chief, Iraqi Air Force for his highly professional, cool and competent handling of a grave emergency and saving the aircraft and the life of the pupil.

Squadron Leader Ahluwalia was specially selected for training abroad on a new aircraft in 1981. He was graded "Excellent" by the host authorities and once again brought great credit to IAF and the country in the eyes of a foreign Air Force. He was posted as Assistant Director Operations at Air Headquarters in March 1982 where he has been competently handling the staff work associated with the aircraft induction.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and dedication of the service, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron leader Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia.

Warrant Officer Sarup Singh is one of the most experienced electrical fitter on a type of fighter aircraft and has applied his experience for the benefit of Operational Squadrons. He has total grasp of the highly complicated circuitry and sophisticated systems. Over the years, WO Sarup Singh has devised a large number of test rigs which have greatly helped in analyzing snags and in carrying out servicing and functional tests of a large number of components. A few among these are engine inhibitor rig, directional Relay Tester, Inertial Pickup tester, Stabilizer Angle Transmitter tester and Universal Armament Test Bench.

WO Sarup Singh has high sense of duty and undying enthusiasm, because of which he puts in long hours of work with complete disregard to personal comfort. He possesses a cheerful disposition in spite of personal misfortunes and is thus able to provide effective and strong leadership to his men.

For such dedicated devotion to duty, unfailing zeal, enthusiasm, and extremely deep professional knowledge, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Warrant Officer Sarup Singh.

Junior Warrant Officer Murugesam Sivanandam is held on the posted strength of Air Force Station Jalahali since June, 1980 and is functioning as JWOIC Police since then.

Air Force Station Jalahali is spread over a large area and includes more than 6 lodger units. JWO Sivanandam as JWO in-charge Police has taken tremendous pains to ensure adequate security in this area.

On 11 Oct 81, when a few airmen of our lodger units were involved in an affray in Ramachandra village, it was JWO Sivanandam who proceeded to the scene of affray and brought the situation under control avoiding civil police from opening fire to disperse the personnel. The effective part played by JWO Sivandanan this case is worth emulating and praise worthy.

During the month of October 1982 a gang was operating at Jalahali, robbing the abinitio trainees coming back to camp through unauthorized entry. Acting on certain clues, JWO Sivanandam investigated the case and brought all the culprits to book thus relieving the trainees from harassment.

JWO Sivanandam has played an important role in nabbing the personnel involved in the recent subversive activities at this station. He worked hard and kept vigil throughout which helped to bring the culprits to the light.

For his outstanding duty and distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Junior Warrant Officer Murgesam Sivanandam.

Sergeant Shoba Lal Sharma was trained abroad on a fighter aircraft and upon his return has been effectively employed in the capacity of a supervisor in electrical trade in the squadron Daily Servicing Section.

Between Jan and Jun 82 because of a series of malfunction of control and protection units fitted on the mobile starting aggregate, all the aggregates held by the squadron were tendered unserviceable. The fault could not be identified and the squadron operations faced a challenge.

Sgt Sharma SL on his own initiative proceeded to study the most complicated electronic circuits drawing on his wealth of experience and knowledge. After painstaking efforts he identified and isolated the snags. Further, he devised modifications for each one of these snags without compromising on the safety aspect of the operation. These units were installed back on the mobile starting aggregates and successfully tested. They not only yielded satisfactory results but showed no signs of any deviation from the laid down parameters.

For his devotion to duty loyalty and zeal to work, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sergeant Shoba Lal Sharma.