Group Captain Sivaramakrishnan Srinivasan was commissioned on 1 Jun 60. During his service career he has held various posts in the field and staff assignments.

The Officer was posted as the Chief Engineering Officer of a forward air base in Dec 83. As the head of the Maintenance Organisation, it was his responsibility to optimize the availability and utilization of the vast technical resources of this base which he did extremely efficiently and with maximum safety.

During the last two years, under his active and energetic guidance, the maintenance system has been streamlined and so structured that increased flying effort is available, particularly for the Rakshak fleet. This has been achieved by stringent control of stagger, effective planning of a high order and optimum utilization of manpower, credit for which must go to Gp Capt Srinivasan. Besides the inspections and consequent increase in the flying effort, setting up and effective utilization of new systems like Radar Test Facility, missile testing complex and the specialist vehicles etc have also been carried out successfully under the overall supervision of the officer.

For this commendable professional acumen and dedication, which contributed to the performance enhancement of the airbase, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain S Srinivasan.

Group Captain Ramesh Nath Singh was posted to the Directorate of Financial Planning on 01 Jul 85. He took over the arduous task of development of a manual Management Information System and set about this job with perseverance and rare professional skill. The MIS developed by him has been of immense help in scrutiny of Hindustan Aeronautical Limited quotations and speedily furnishing information to various directorates and the Ministry of Defence. He has also streamlined the cost accounting procedures in respect of squadrons and training units, resulting in substantial saving of man hours at units in rendition of cost returns.

Efforts made in the past of introduce cost accounting in Base Repair Depots have not been successful as they had demanded additional manpower for it. At the same time, it has been considered essential to cost BRD activities as they use bulk of Air Force resources. Gp Capt RN Singh undertook the task of simplifying BRD costing while retaining the essentials elements of it so that this activity could be taken up within the existing manpower resources. He exhibited deep professional understanding and unusual determination in accomplishing this task. This step will go a long way in developing cost consciousness, informed decision making and achieving a sense of accountability.

No scientific system existed till recently for finalization of HAL cost quotations. With an active and positive involvement of Gp Capt RN Singh, a procedure has been developed to effectively vet HAL quotations. Adoption of this procedure resulted in a saving of about Rs. 64 crores to the IAF during 1985-86.

For his versatile ingenuity, outstanding devotion to duty, managerial capability and professional competence, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain RN Singh.

Group Captain Sankaranarayana Ramaswamy Joined the Indian Air Force in 1961. During his service of 25 years, he has held various important and challenging posts.

While he was functioning as the Training Co-ordination Officer at Air Force Technical College, he earned a commendation from Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command in the year 1976.

As a Wing Commander, he had two successive tenures as Chief Technical Officer of two Signal Units. With his verve and vigour he could maintain the old radar sets to extract peak performance. Due to his significant innovative contribution, he was awarded the commendation of the Chief of the Air Staff in Aug 83.

On taking over command of a very sensitive Signal Unit in Jan 83, he set the prime objective of improving the functional efficiency of the unit. The unit, fundamentally a base repair depot, could achieve a production target of 106% during the year 1985-86, a record of performance to-date. This increased the operational availability of sensitive equipment. This was due to the initiative drive and dedication of this officer.

The officer has introduced useful innovations in teaching technique and training aids to improve the quality of training in keeping with the increased sophistication of electronic warfare system that have been inducted ort are under induction. During the year 1985-86, the unit could undertake increased training commitments besides many other ad hoc tasks.

For his excellent professional competence, positive outlook, dedication to duty and inspiring leadership, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Sankaranarayana Ramaswamy.

Group Captain Dharam Singh Minhas has been on the posted strength of a Base Repair Depot since Jun 84. On being appointed Officer-in-Charge Material Planning and Control, he streamlined the procedure for rotables production and control, mandatory and non-mandatory lists preparation, for accurate provisioning and local purchase of consumables. He took over the AN-12 Division in Aug 84, where overhaul of AN-12 Aircraft was behind schedule. With his tremendous zeal, organizing capability and excellent interpersonal relations the assigned AN-12 task for the year 1984-85 was completed well in time.

In Apr 85 he was appointed Production Planning and Control Officer to plan and control overhaul of AN-12 Aircraft, Pratap Helicopters and their engines. With critical analysis of the work contents of various overhaul divisions based on Government approved tasks, he redistributed the manpower for effective utilization. With commendable devotion to duty, exemplary initiative and sustained hard work he introduced the system of direct loading of components for Pratap helicopters overhaul which not only resulted in less handling of components, reduced paper work and little wastage of precious manpower, but also helped the depot in its improved monitoring and streamlined information collection for effective control. Besides, having been detailed to look after the Engine Overhaul Division, Group Captain Minhas brought about record production of engines in the year 1985-86.

In recognition of his dedication to duty, exemplary initiative, exceptional professional skill and outstanding qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Dharam Singh Minhas.

Group Captain Ramesh Chander commanded an Air Stores Park from August, 1981 to 12 Jan 86.

During his tenure as commanding Officer, he totally identified himself with the needs and requirements of his unit and was able to forge a very close-knit team of officers and men. Under his leadership, the unit recorded growth both in terms of well-designed and well-executed physical assets such as office and domestic accommodation and achievement of all targets set by HQ Maintenance Command in the filed of administration and logistics. So well did the unit perform that in the year 1984 it was awarded the Best Administered Unit Trophy.

The capability of this officer in handling unforeseen situations were also tested many a time during this period. In August/September, 1984, when Delhi and its surrounding areas were in the grip of communal disturbances, the ASP was called upon to assist the civil authority in Gurgaon. A large number of exservicemen living in Gurgaon area also had to be sheltered from violence. Group Captain Ramesh Chander carried out both these sensitive tasks with rare courage tack, sympathy and foresight.

In 1985, the Park was called upon to position explosives at Pune at a very short notice. The task involved meticulous planning in arranging transportation, extreme caution and quick execution. Under the leadership of this officer, the unit again rose to the occasion and completed the task within the stipulated period.

In recognition of his professional competence, ingenuity in planning, exemplary leadership and dedication to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Ramesh Chander.

Wing Commander Anup Singh Bedi was commissioned in the Logistics branch on 16 Dec 61. He was posted to Air Headquarters with effect from 22 Feb 81.

In Jul 81, he was entrusted with the challenging task of executing the audiovisual publication campaign of the IAF during the Golden Jubilee year. He applied himself to this task diligently and drew up a comprehensive plan in order to achieve maximum media publicity for the IAF.

He liaised with Films Division for the free release of six selected documentaries and production of three new documentaries. Thus a documentary on IAF was issued every month all over the country in the Golden Jubilee year. It was through his untiring efforts that the feature film 'Vijeta' based on the life and expectation of a trainee Air Force pilot was made and exhibited.

He was also assigned the task of making a series of television films regarding various facets of the IAF by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for telecast by Doordarshan. This was a Herculean task considering that making a feature film of 40-50 minutes duration requires 2-3 months for production. With single minded devotion to duty, Wg Cdr Bedi rose to the occasion, and produced thirteen such films. These were telecast nation-wide during the Golden Jubilee year. The excellent publicity achieved during the Golden Jubilee year was largely due to the stupendous efforts of the officer. The then Deputy Minister of Information and Broadcasting specially commended Wg Cdr Bedi's performance.

In Oct 83, Wg Cdr Bedi produced a documentary on the history of IAF titled "Down the Memory Lane" and later in 1985 a feature on the Siachen Glacier.

In recognition of his deep sense of involvement, dedication to duty, and resultoriented diligence, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Anup Singh Bedi.

Wing Commander Satish Kumar Ram Lal Dham has been on the posted strength of No. 8 AF Hospital since 2 May 85. Commissioned in December, 1963 he served in several flying squadrons as Squadron Medical Officer and did creditably well. He qualified as a Specialist in Medicine after acquiring his M.D. in Medicine from the university of Pune in June, 1971 and has since then been working as a specialist in medicine in the Armed Forces.

He was selected for higher studies in the newer field of clinical immunology and served in the U.K. for a period of two years from Sep 79 to Sep 80 and acquired a postgraduate degree of Masters of Science in Immunology from the University of Birmingham. He was appointed a Reader in Medicine at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, where he raised an immunology Cell and displayed his professional skill in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students and undertook many projects. He was appointed an examiner for MBBS by the University of Pune. His original work includes immunological studies in typhoid, leprosy and polio vaccination. He was classified as a specialist in Clinical Immunology in Apr 85. In Dec 85, he was appointed as an external examiner in M.D. in Aviation Medicine of Bangalore University.

His devoted services and professional expertise in the electrocardiographic abnormalities in aircrew earned him a commendation by the Air Officer Commanding-in-chief, HQ Training Command during his tenure at the Institute of Aviation Medicine in Aug 75

For his devotion, professionalism, loyalty and selfless service, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Satish Kumar Ram Lal Dham.

Wing Commander Hari Nath Sharma was commissioned in December, 1964. Since then he has held various important assignments with distinction. Prior to taking over as Command Organisation and Works Officer at an Operational Command in Nov 83, he held Provost assignments at Jamnagar, Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters.

For his excellent performance as Assistant Provost Marshal and Deputy Provost Marshal he was commended by AOC-in-C in Jan 77 and by the Chief of the Air Staff in Jan 79 and Jan 80.

As Command Staff Officer Provost and Officer in-Charge Personnel-1 at a Command Headquarters from Feb 82 to Nov 83, he took preventive measures which resulted in substantial reduction of indiscipline and criminal cases. He successfully investigated a number of cases which resulted in bringing the culprits to book. He also succeeded in the finalization of a number of pending Courts of Inquiry and civil suits. On taking over as Command Works Officer in Nov 83, he applied himself to the execution of works services with promptness and economy of effort. In order to ensure smooth functioning of the works machinery, he organized works workshop at one of the stations of the Command. The conduct of the symposium resulted in creating an excellent team spirit amongst engineers, using and contractors.

With his vast knowledge of works matters, he gave impetus to the works services at Station/Units under the Command.

In recognition of his exemplary leadership, professional competence and outstanding organizational acumen, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal posthumously to Wing Commander Hari Nath Sharma.

Wing Commander Raman Kumar Bhandari has been the Chief Technical Officer of a Radar Station since 08 Oct 84.

Wing Commander Bhandari has incorporated a number of modifications by designing and fabricating critical circuits for various components of a French radar in order to enhance its operational capability. He has also effected as number of repairs of unserviceable items, thereby ensuring a high operational status of the equipment.

His major achievement was in designing and fabricating a circuit for remote display of North Pulse which enabled the crew to know immediately of any misalignment. He also designed a digital diagnostic tool using a common Anode Numeric Display which enhanced the digital fault finding capability of the radar. He also evolved a circuitry for remotely controlling the operation of Identification Friend or Foe transmission from the operations room. This modification enables remote challenging of enemy aircraft which was earlier not possible. The officer has also designed and fabricated a circuit whereby a flashing symbol and label appear on the console to designate a hijacked aircraft in a state of emergency.

His other achievements include rectification of Core Memory Module, Optical Coder and IFF MK X. A noteworthy feature of these repairs is that most of them would have cost thousands of dollars if entrusted to factories abroad.

The officer's total commitment, involvement and constant concern for improving the operational capability of the radar are out of the ordinary.

For his exceptional dedication to duty and outstanding professional competence, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Raman Kumar Bhandari.

Wing Commander Ram Prakash Sharma was a commissioned in the IAF in Jan 66. He has worked in missile squadrons of the IAF in various capacities and performed creditably in all his assignments.

He was posted to Radar Communication Project Office in Aug 75. From 1975 to 1978, he has engaged in planning and co-ordinating the system engineering aspects connected with a modern radar station which was to be installed at a location in the Western Sector. Planning for installation of a radar of this magnitude involved checking of civil engineering drawings, formulation of technical details of the various systems and coordinating the timely supply of various items of hardware from the various manufac turing agencies. Wg Cdr RP Sharma achieved all these tasks and contributed significantly to the commissioning of this radar.

Subsequently planning of the system engineering aspects of the medium power mobile radar was entrusted to this officer in 1978. The installation and integration of a variety of sub systems in the radar system entailed elaborate planning to correlate their technical parameters and coordinate the deliveries of all the sub stations by various agencies. By dint of his dedicated hard work, this officer has ensured that two of these radars are operational and evaluation of the third has been completed. Single handedly, this officer has prepared the integration document which defines the details of the task to be carried out for integrating the radar with the Data Handling and other systems.

For this high standard of professional skill initiative, devotion to duty and distinguished service throughout his career, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander RP Sharma.

Wing Commander Sarabjit Singh was appointed Commanding Officer of a sensitive squadron with effect from 30 Jun 84.

During this period, the squadron was entrusted with many hazardous special recce missions. He organized his resources well and produced excellent results which helped in reevaluation of the threat.

On the home front, he set an enviable growth rate target of 25% for the annual survey effort by the squadron. Despite sudden exodus of senior aircrew, non availability of supervisors in both Canberra and Chitra Flights and poor serviceability of aircraft, he not only met the target figure but also created an all-time record of surveying 5.7 lakh Sq Kms. The Squadron's effort earned the Air Force as revenue of Rs. 2.5 crores for the year 1984-85. The unit's contribution to strategic recce and survey brought tremendous credit to the Indian Air Force.

In his capacity as Commanding Officer, he has shown remarkable acumen for understanding the dynamics of human behaviour. He was able to motivate his officers and men to draw out their best potential. A deep camaraderie combined with respect for service traditions pervades all the ranks in the squadron and has resulted in the highest standard of operational preparedness.

For his professional competence and single minded devotion to duty, which are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sarabjit Singh.

Wing Commander Satyendra Pal Singh was posted in Jul 82 to a forward airbase, after his training in Russia for maintenance of Rakshak aircraft. Since then he has been at the helm in building up the maintenance and utilization of the aircraft.

Wg Cdr SP Singh spearheaded the buildup of the infrastructure and facilities, training and expertise of the personnel by a system involving regular checks and monitoring, interaction among trades and sections. The results were remarkable and enterprise in the retrieval of a large number of communication blocks, armament relays and radar assemblies by repair and cannibalization.

The crowning moment in the officer's tenure came in Nov 85, when Rakshak squadrons were fully activated and an average of 75% of aircraft were available for flying.

In recognition of his devotion to duty, professional competence and outstanding achievements, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Satyendra Pal Singh.

Wing Commander Har Prakash Singh Sidhu was commissioned in the IAF as a fighter pilot in Jun 67. He served in a frontline operational squadron in the Western Sector in 1971 Indo-Pak War and was commended by the CAS. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor holding Category A-2 and a graduate of Defence Services Staff College. He was appointed Flight Commander of an operational squadron, where he accomplished his task with utmost professional competence. He has 2400 hours of accident-free fighter flying to his credit.

In May 82, he was selected for appointment as Assistant Director Personnel (Officers) at Air Headquarters. His duties encompassed manning of all fighter Bomber Units, Fighter Training Establishments and planning the career profile of all aircrew of the fighter stream. During his tenure, he displayed an excellent aptitude for staff work and profound understanding of the tasks assigned to him. This period saw a rapid expansion of the IAF with new units being raised and others reequipped with most modern aircraft and weapon systems. With his untiring zeal and diligence, he meticulously planned the utilization of limited manpower to attain high efficiency.

Wg Cdr HPS Sidhu was occasionally required to officiate as Deputy Director in addition to his own duties. He displayed a high level of maturity during his contact with senior Air Officers and exhibited great skill in handling complicated manning problems. He was deeply involved in working out long term plans to streamline aircrew manning in the IAF.

In recognition of his high level of professional ability, exceptional personal qualities and sustained hard work in the best traditions of the service, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Har Prakash Singh Sidhu.

Wing Commander Lalit Kumar Kochhar was commissioned on 29 Jul 67. Having served as a General Duty Medical Officer of a flying squadron as a Senior Medical Officer of operational Wings/Units for seven years, the officer specialized as an Eye Specialist from Agra University and later as an ENT Specialist from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and obtained the Master Degree in Surgery. He is presently serving as the Head of the ENT Department of the Air Force Central Medical Establishment.

Wing Commander Kochhar has distinguished and well proven record of two decades of dedicated service. During the IndoPak Conflict in 1971, he was posted to an operational squadron located at a forward base in the western theatre. The officer was wounded during an air raid and though in plaster, he refused hospitalization and continued to remain on duty to provided medical cover to his squadron. During his tenure as Medical Officer an Operational Wing, he made singular contribution to promote aircrew care and flight safety by personally attending to their problems at odd hours.

Wg Cdr Kochhar has served in various service hospitals and has performed large number of complicated surgical operations in an extremely efficient manner. As an ENT specialist at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment, the officer has carried out his duties with great devotion and dedication. He has consistently displayed tremendous capacity for sustained hard work of high caliber.

In recognition of his outstanding services, devotion to duty, exceptional clinical service to the patients and aircrew community and singular contribution to the cause of flight safety, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Lalit Kumar Kochhar.

Wing Commander Yadvinder Singh Walia was commissioned in the Administrative Branch in Dec 67. He has held a variety of appointments which include Station Adjutant, Station Security Officer at Flying Stations, Assistant Provost Marshal and Staff Officer.

As Assistant Provost Marshal, he ensured smooth and efficient movement of a large number of convoys. He also played a leading role in handling movement and flawless piloting of a number of foreign dignitaries and VVIPs. By excellent planning and limited resources, he reduced the number of outstanding cases of apprehensions and absence without leave. His tact, sense of involvement and mature judgment helped him establish cordial relations between the Air Force and the civil police and the local population.

At Adampur, he with his cordial relations with local civil population and the civil police, succeeded in unearthing a gang of thieves which had been operating from outside the AF Station for a very long time.

At Nagpur, again, he established a cordial working link between the Air Force and the civil authorities. He laid the net and succeeded in catching red-handed a civilian MTD who was involved in stealing petrol and diesel from service vehicles for a couple of years. He with his superior provost skill and contacts succeeded in apprehending six cases of desertion and AWOL of a serious nature.

In Mar 85, he was appointed Staff Officer to Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command in recognition of his professional competence.

For his extraordinary achievements, integrity, dedication and exceptional leadership qualities, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Yadvinder Singh Walia.

Squadron Leader Thakur Singh Datta was commissioned on 28 Jun 69 and has since then held various important field and staff appointments. The officer has a distinguished record of professionalism in the field of Air Defence.

The officer achieved category 'A' as a fighter controller and was posted as an instructor in Air Defence College. During the period of four years in the college, he was actively involved in the training of a large number of fighter controllers from friendly foreign countries. With his total devotion to duty and exceptional professional skill he was instrumental in enhancing the prestige of our air Force in the eyes of foreign student officers. For his exceptional devotion, he was commended by AOC-in-C No. 1 (Opl) Group in Jun 74 and by the Chief of the Air Staff in Aug 77.

He was posted to the Air Defence Section of an operational Command in Mar 83. In October 1983, he headed a team of fighter controllers to carry out low level interception trials catering to the specific needs of fighter controllers. He was involved in a number of other evaluation trials in operational fields where his contribution was substantial and praiseworthy. In December, 1983, he prepared the Command Air Defence Compendium which was appreciated at all levels. In Jan 85, he was given the task of revising the old Command Air Staff Instruction on Air Defence Ground Environment System, which he accomplished with great personal involvement and extreme devotion.

In recognition of his exceptional devotion to duty, commendable professional competence, initiative and drive, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Thakur Singh Datta.

Squadron Leader Nirdosh Vatsyayan Tyagi has been on the posted strength of Operational Conversion Unit since October, 1982. A highly qualified officer, he is a Production Test Pilot, a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and a Cat A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor.

During his tenure in the unit, he has served for eight months as Adjutant, in addition to his normal flying instructional duties. During this period, his diligence and meticulous attention to minute detail, have resulted in an outstanding administrative performance of the unit. His efforts characterized by honesty of purpose and a helpful attitude, resulted in the unit obtaining above average reports from Air Headquarters teams in 1984 and 1985.

As Officer-in-Charge Academics, the officer has displayed patience, knowledge, understanding and diligence to motivate trainees into utmost participation and perfect learning. Under his guidance they scored an average of 81% in a standardization check carried out by the Aircrew Examining Board.

For his hard work, selfless devotion to duty and outstanding contribution to the operational efficiency to the Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Nirdosh Vatsyayan Tyagi.

Squadron Leader Ashok Kumar Singh was commissioned in the IAF in Jan 74. He became a Flight Gunner in Jun 80 and was posted to an AN-12 Squadron as Gunnery Leader. In a short span of time, he achieved CAT 'A' standard and displayed great dedication to duty and loyalty to service in conducting four ab-initio Flight Gunners' Courses for which no separate establishment existed at the Station. He also conducted gunnery training and supervised several gunnery exercises in which gunners achieved very good results in firing.

While undergoing Gajraj conversion abroad along with his five SNCOs gunners, it became imperative that all the six gunners undergo training in both the independent streams of Flight Gunner and Aerial Delivery System Operations in the same allotted time.

With his characteristic devotion, zeal and enthusiasm, he put in dedicated effort in conducting extra coaching of his team of gunners in addition to his already extremely busy schedule of training. His diligence beyond the call of duty ensured timely completion of training of Flight Gunners in the dual role with exceptional results. Back in India, once again, he inspired his team of three sets of crew with personal example and leadership to accomplish the task requiring six sets of crew. At no stage a commitment was delayed due to shortage of gunners/ADSOs. In meeting commitments of heavy specialized loading/off loading for which no practical training and experience was available, he led his team with commendable competence to achieve a high degree of proficiency.

For his exceptional ability, professional competence, commendable qualities and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Ashok Kumar Singh.

Flight Lieutenant Ellykkal Vijayan was commissioned in the Meteorological Branch of the IAF on 10 Jan 77 and is presently posted at an airbase as Senior Met Officer. He was involved in installation of the first Automatic Picture Transmission (ATP) system at the base. He took keen interest to understand the functioning of the system by studying microelectronics and solid state digital technology. He was also involved in the successful commissioning of all modern Met equipments viz. Skopograph, Ceilograph, Facsimile and INSAT MONEX-79 Experiment. He attended the National Seminar on Satellite meteorology organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Banglore in Jul 83 and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) symposium in Jodhpur held in Dec 84 and presented research papers.

He was selected to participate in the 4th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica, 1984-85. There he was instrumental in establishing all modern Met equipments at the Dakshin Gangotri Research Station. The most significant achievements were the installation of an APT and Data Collection Platform (DPC) for hourly transmission of weather through INSAT-1B.

Apart from providing routine forecasts for airborne logistic operations, he collected invaluable weather data staying at Maitree Hill Camp, our new location in Antarctica braving inhospitable weather and difficult living conditions. He also helped establish the radar transponder beacon on the highest hill feature near the camp.

For his significant contribution to the success of the 4th Antarctica Expedition, laudable professional competence and deter mination to achieve targets, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Flight Lieutenant Ellykkal Vijayan.

Master Warrant Officer Ajit Singh was held on the posted strength of a Signals Unit.

During his short tenure of less than a year he serviced all the six channels of the Radar and displayed excellent innovative skill by modifying, with an ordinary scooter bulb, the height measuring indicator, which had been lying unserviceable due to nonavailability of projection lamps for more than a year. He thus saved the exchequer valuable foreign exchange.

He also modified certain systems, lying unserviceable for a considerable period, with indigenous items and was able to extract the best performance out of this Radar.

MWO Ajit Singh has been commended five times by the Air Officers Commanding-in Chief and once by the Chief of the Air Staff for his devotion to duty and high technical skill. His personal example, both as a teacher and a leader, has been a source of inspiration not only to his tradesmen but also the entire unit.

For the valuable services rendered by him during his long career, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Master Warrant Officer Ajit Singh.

Master Warrant Officer Omprakash Lamba had been on the posted strength of a frontline supersonic squadron since 01 Feb 84 and has been performing the duties of MWO i/c Daily Servicing Section. During his tenure, the Squadron was ordered to move from its previous to its present location. He, in coordination with the Officer-in-Charge Central Repair and Servicing Section, planned and executed staggering of aircraft hours and aircraft held on the squadron's strength. On arrival at the new base, he set himself the task of organizing the DSS so as to help the Squadron become operational within a week of its arrival.

Master Warrant Officer Omprakash Lamba, endowed with a high degree of initiative and impeccable professional knowledge, led the section in such a manner as to meet fully the demands of flying operations despite a critical manning level. During the six-month period from Aug 85 to Jan 86, when the technical manning was low, the Squadron flew record number of hours and sorties by day and night.

As a leader, Master Warrant Officer Omprakash Lamba possesses in ample measure such qualities as cheerfulness, dynamism and ability to inspire his colleagues. He shoulders responsibilities cheerfully and accomplishes tasks to the entire satisfaction of all his superiors.

For his imaginative leadership, devotion to duty and dedicated hard work, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Master Warrant Officer Omprakash Lamba.

Master Warrant Officer Madhukar Bharurao Deore has been on the posted strength of a Helicopter Squadron since January, 1984.

He is one of the pioneers of the Squadron who was trained in the USSR. He has an enviable flying experience of 4929 hours. He has contributed a great deal of efficiency of the Squadron by applying his thorough professional knowledge in formulation of checklists, standard operating procedures, snag rectification and weapon firing procedures. This enabled the Squadron to undertake performance and armament trials to the newly inducted Akbar helicopters successfully and on schedule. Due to his personal involvement and dedication to duty, newly inducted Flight Engineers have been trained and made operational in record time.

MWO Deore is a constant source of inspiration and motivation to all the personnel of the Squadron. He not only excelled in his profession on the ground an din the air, but has also proved his indispensability to the Squadron in many other ways.

For his professional competence and remarkable contribution to the newly formed Squadron and his deep devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Master Warrant Officer Madhukar Bharurao Deore.

Junior Warrant Officer Velaudhan Pillai Gopinathan Nair is on the posted strength of a fighter squadron. He has been able to rectify several cases of complex snags and has thus prevented at least six premature withdrawals of R-25 engines. This has resulted in considerable savings in foreign exchange. His professional skill is so comprehensive that he is capable of carrying out an engine change without assistance of tradesmen of other trades.

He has been equally involved in modification of ground and test equipment. For checking the engine parameter, a pressure checking device was fabricated by using only the indicators supplied by the manufacturers. The engine oil changing rig was modified by his to be used as inhibition rig. He also modified a superstructure of Type 75 aircraft for use on Type 69 aircraft.

JWO Nair has written a booklet titled 'Experience to Share of Badal Engines', copies of which have been sent to all Badal operating establishments. He has also presented technical papers on some aspect of Badal engines. One of these studies on the 'Alarming Rate of Afterburner Failures', discusses remedial actions for rectifying after-burner snags. This study was based on nine rectifications carried out by him and resulted in considerable saving of manpower and improved serviceability.

He cheerfully puts in long hours of work beyond the call of duty. His professional excellence is a source of inspiration to his fellow tradesmen and subordinates.

For his tireless efforts, dedication, zeal and professional competence, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Junior Warrant Officer Velaudhan Pillai Gopinathan Nair.

291286 Sergeant Joseph Mathew Thomeryiel was selected for the Fourth Indian Antarctica

Expedition in recognition of his professional competence and dedication to service coupled with his rich experience gained during the Third Indian Antarctica Expedition. During the Expedition, he functioned as SNCO i/c of the technical team. In the extreme climatic conditions prevailing in Antarctica, the success of the expedition depended to a large extent upon the logistic support to be provided by Pratap helicopters. This necessitated an uninterrupted availa bility of helicopter for flying operations. Sgt Mathews, besides shouldering the task of his own trade, worked with other fellow tradesmen to ensure timely availability of the helicopter. Working much beyond the normal working hours under severe climatic conditions in Antarctica, he ensured the serviceability and availability of the helicopter for all scheduled and unscheduled tasks. His contribution included refueling hundreds of barrels of fuel into containers under sub-zero conditions and at the same time maintaining quality control of fuel. This was a vital task which he carried out in a planned and meticulous manner.

On 24 Feb 85, when one Indian Naval Chetak foreclanded on an iceberg, Sgt Mathews along with his technical team prepared the Pratap helicopter for flying in a short time and made the rescue of the pilots and recovery of the Chetak possible, just before the iceberg broke into fragments.

For his extraordinary devotion to duty, willingness to accept responsibilities and exemplary leadership, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sergeant Joseph Mathew Thomeryiel.

62412 Sergeant Kanshi Nath Mandal was specially selected for the second time as the only Airframe technician in the Fourth Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. His duties included removal and fitment of main rotor and tail-rotor blades, winterization and antisaline treatment of helicopter and covering of helicopters in sub zero conditions and high winds: a difficult but essential task.

Besides his routine duties, Sgt Mandal was assigned the task of repairing on Mi-8 helicopter which had force landed at the Base Camp with its nose-oleo considerably damaged. He accepted this challenging task with courage, though it involved studying maintenance manuals till late at night after completing the day's long routine. He carried out the repairs with hardly any resources available in Antarctica thus displaying initiative, professional competence and devotion to duty. He also improvised the means and carried out heavy landing checks on the helicopter in sub-zero conditions. It was by dint of his devotion to duty, professional competence and indomitable courage in the face of the most inclement weather conditions that the helicopter was recovered from Antarctica even in snow blizzards. The imitative and devotion to duty of this SNCO were once again put to test when on 21 Feb 85 a snow blizzard hit the ship suddenly. At that time one of the Mi-8 helicopters was parked in the open on the deck. Sgt Mandal led his other tradesmen to the deck, braving a heavy snow blizzard with the wind exceeding 90 KMPH, and lashed the helicopter.

For his professional competence, high sense of responsibility, unflinching courage and timely initiative, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to 62412 Sergeant Kanshi Nath Mandal.