Air Marshal Manjit Singh Boparai was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps in January 1957. A post graduate in Surgery (Ophthalmology), he holds fellowships of a number of medical institutions of repute and is a recognised post graduate teacher and examiner for various universities. During his 34 years of service, he has served with distinction in various capacities in India and abroad.

On promotion to the rank of Brigadier, he was appointed Commandant of the Base Hospital at Delhi Cantonment. Here, he was associated with a major research programme with the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences on Magnetic Resonance Imagery studies in orthopaedic and ophthaimolic patients. In the rank of Major General, he was initially Director of Medical Research with the Directorate General Armed Forces Medical Services and was thereafter posted as Deputy Director Medical Services with Northern Command where he often visited various hospitals and medical units in the theatre and brought about significant improvement in medical culture, resulting in the well being of troops and consequently raising their morale. He identified the areas requiring attention and thereafter planned and organised the evacuation and treat­ ment of casualties particularly of Operation AVSM 1991-92 “Meghdoot." He actively interacted with many agencies on treatment of High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema patients. His contribution in this regard helped in subsequent publication of research papers on the subject. He played active role in civic action programme in the forward areas. Under his guidance and direction, out­break of cholera in Kargil district in 1990 was effectively brought under control. He planned and organized many medical camps in the remote areas. These included an eye camp where over 700 operations were accomplished successfully. In addition, he has contributed a large number of articles and publications on specialization in medicine including research work. He has pioneered 'Orbital Surgery' at the Armed Forces Medical College and brought the College on the national scene in this field. He has recently taken over as Director General Medical Services (Air) in the rank of Air Marshal.

Air Marshal Manjit Singh Boparai has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Sindhaghatta Subbaramu was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on the 29th May, 1957. He has held during his service, important assignments of Flight Commander, Squadron Commander and Air Force Examiner in different types of Fighter Squadrons. He was Flight Commander in an Operational Squadron during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan Conflict when he distinguished himself and was awarded the Vir Chakra for gallantry. Amongst his other flying assignments, he has been a Test Pilot at a Base Repair Depot and at the Aircraft and Armament Testing Unit as also Leader of a formation aerobatic team. In all, he has accumulated over 5700 hours of accident free flying on over 30 types of aircraft of which single engine fighters are predominant. Amongst his other field assignments he has been Chief Operations Officer and subsequently Commander of a major Operational Base and Director of the Air Force Inspection Team where he was responsible for inspecting the operational readiness of all Air Force combat formations.

In addition to his very distinguished career in the various operational field assignments, he has contributed in an equal measure to important and varied and Operational Branches of the Air also on the Defence Planning Staff in the Ministry of Defence. Throughout his career AVSM 1992 which has involved varied and challenging facets of flying from operations on the one hand to flight testing and inspection on the other and equally varied and challenging staff assignments, Air Vice Marshal Subbaramu has always produced exceptional performance and standards by sheer dedication, devotion and unstinted hard work.

Air Vice Marshal Sindhaghatta Subbaramu, VrC has, thus, rendered service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Sabnavis Tirumala Rao was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June 1958. Since then he has been employed on a number of important assignments where he achieved spectacular results, displaying exceptional application of professional knowledge, skilful management of resources and government as well as non government funds. For his remarkable achievements, he has been commended twice by the Chief of the Air Staff.

Air Vice Marshal Rao was appointed as Director of Accounts on the 1st November, 1989. Within a short span of four months, he took upon himself the onerous challenge to remodel the entire accounting system for the airmen and Group 'D' civilians in the IAF. Showing rare ingenuity, dedication and personal involvement, he was instrumental in effecting a recurring saving of Rs. 13 lakhs per annum in foreign exchange by introducing monthly pay slips to airmen in lieu of costly photo­copies. With his keen understanding of various spheres of financial management, AVM Rao launched a drive to clear outstanding air­lift recoveries running into crores of rupees, which had earlier attracted adverse comments from the audit. With positive determination and perseverance, he achieved a recovery of over Rs. 21 crore during the year 1989-90 within a few months of the launching of the clearance drive and over Rs. 32 crore during 1990-91. He has been responsible for computerisation of airlift recovery system and also for other modules like POR, Acquittance Roll, etc. at Air Force Central Accounts.

With a creative bent of mind and capability to optimise and innovate, AVM Rao also introduced a number of welfare measures like schemes for house building advance, motor car/scooter advance from the Air Force Group Insurance Society. Showing rare qualities of vision, he conceived a Group Savings Linked Insurance Plan for the employees, of the AFGIS and Air Headquarters Non Public Funds, wherein the LIC provides insurance cover to the personnel at no cost basis to the employer. With a keen insight into the needs of the lowest paid employees in the service, he was instrumental in getting scholarship schemes for the wards of NC(E) introduced.

Air Vice Marshal Sabnavis Tirumala Rao has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Sudarshan Kumar Nijhawan started his career as Senior Technical Officer of a newly formed Helicopter Training Unit in 1962. Notwithstanding shortage of trained man power and lack of proper tools, he erected two newly received helicopters from USA within a week. When posted as STO of a Heavy Transport Squadron during 1971, he mobilised all resources and brought up serviceability of the fleet to 100%. He was awarded Commendation by the Chief of the Air Staff in January 1973. As the first C Eng O of Forward Base Support Unit, he expeditiously established technical and other associated facilities to enable operation of fighter aircraft from the base. As Dy Dir Flt Safety at Air HQ, he ensured induction of various remedial measures to minimise accidents/incidents. In recognition of his achievement he was once again awarded Commendation of the CAS in January 1983.

On assuming charge as C Eng O at a major Transport Wing, he found that half of the fleet was awaiting inspection and there was also “Aircraft on Ground" build up. With his dedicated effort he not only cleared servicing of all these aircraft, but also ensured that no aircraft remained on prolonged “Aircraft on Ground". In recognition of his achievement as C Eng O, he was awarded VSM in 1989.

As the Commanding Officer of 11 Base Repair Depot, Air Cmde Nijhawan effectively mobilized resources of men and material and achieved the assigned task of medium repair of 9 aircraft for 1990­91 well in time.

Under his guidance, the Depot has produced a compendium of approved modifications for MiG-23 BN aircraft and dispatched to all concerned in November, 1990 as a ready reckoner. He has not only ensured completion of allotted modification tasks, but also undertaken development of modification to improve reliability of the weapon system. The Depot has produced a large number of indigenous tools, ground and test equipment and air borne items which have resulted in savings of lakhs of rupees in foreign exchange.

Air Commodore Sudarshan Kumar Nijhawan, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Kuldip Raj Lamba was commissioned in the IAF on the 1st June, 1961. He has since then held with distinction various assignments at Fighter Squadrons, Operational Wings, Base Repair Depots and Air Headquarters.

As Joint Director of Engineering (Jaguar) at Air HQrs, the Air Officer was mainly responsible for the smooth re­equipment of additional Jaguar Squadrons. His review of old indents led to cancellation of a large number of orders for obsolete items and saved crores of rupees in FFE. His re­examination of the invoices received from BAe revealed many cases of premium having being paid although the firm had not met its contractual obligation of making supplies against indents within the stipulated period. Recovery of these excess payments saved lakhs of rupees in FFE.

As Air Officer Commanding of one of our prestigious Base Repair Depots during 1988-90, his effective leadership and close monitoring of production activities not only reduced the per unit cost of production but also raised the output to far exceed the planned targets. Another noteworthy achievement during this period was the change of task of this Depot, from Kiran overhaul to AVRO Check II. This demanded transfer of spares numbering 1300014000 lines while simultaneously avoiding disruption in AVRO production. As Director of Engineering 'A' at Air HQrs, the Air Officer is responsible for the maintenance management of all combat fleets of Soviet origin. He took over these duties at a very crucial juncture. While new Sqns were being re­equipped with the air superiority fighters and strike aircraft, product support had become inadequate and uncertain due to upheavals in the Soviet Union. He has ensured smooth re­equipment of these Squadrons, at the same time, systematic review of existing spares backing viz, immediate and future requirements has resulted in high fleet serviceability to meet operational commitments.

There was total absence of repair facilities for aggregates of MiG-27 and MiG-29 fleets when he took over as D Eng 'A'. While MiG-27 repair facilities would be set up by HAL in 1993-94 only, for MiG-29 these are not available even in the Soviet Union. He scrutinised the existing repair facilities of BRDs and adopted these for a large number of aggregates of MiG-27 and MiG-29. Soviets were also persuaded to depute specialists to India for field repair of critical items of MiG­29 aircraft. This has ensured adequate and uninterrupted supply of the required aggregates and enhanced the operational preparedness of the Air Force considerably.

Air Commodore Kuldip Raj Lamba, VSM has, thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Vinod Kumar Bhatia has been Air Officer Commanding of one of the Air Force Wings since the 5th March, 1990. Since the officer assumed command of the station, the internal security situation in J&K has been precarious and a cause for grave national concern. Consequently, the station has been functioning constantly under threat of subversion to the extent of direct attack by the numerous militant cadres operating in the State of J&K. Under the circumstances, security of personnel, equipment and other assets of the station has been vitally important. Air Cmde Bhatia husbanded all his resources, established a close liaison with civil and military authorities in the State and succeeded in creating a secure environment for conduct of air operations from his base. Often internal/external compulsions have necessitated air bases under HQ WAC, to maintain a very high state of operational alert. Srinagar, being one of the forward most bases, has to be specially vigilant. Air Cmde Bhatia has kept his base at peak operational preparedness to meet any contingency.

The Air Officer has also provided inspired leadership to the flying and other units based at his wing. Due to geographical location, the fighter squadron at Srinagar cannot utilise the air to ground range facilities as frequently as most fighter squadrons of WAC. Despite this handicap, No. 51 Sqn, located at his base succeeded in winning 'Inter­Squadron Weapons Meet' for 1990­91.

Due to extremely trying circumstances of virtual isolation from the civil amenities of Srinagar, personnel of the base have had to undergo considerable amount of hardship. Despite the difficulties, Air Cmde Bhatia has organised the Wing's administrative resources skillfully to provide all possible amenities to the personnel. The high morale of the station is a testimony to the officer's concern for the welfare of all personnel placed under him.

Air Commodore Vinod Kumar Bhatia VrC* has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Darshan Singh Basra is a Fighter Pilot of outstanding merit with over 3600 hrs of flying to his credit. During his 28 years of service, he has held many important and prestigious field and staff appointments with distinction.

Air Cmde Basra has been AOC of a Fighter Wing since the 1st October, 1989. Through out his period of command, he has shown tremendous dedication and total involvement in every activity at his base. His personal leadership has inspired the Station personnel to new heights of motivation and efficiency. Because of his drive, dynamism and initiative, his Station was adjudged the Best Wing in Central Air Command including the best in Administration. It also had the distinction of being the best in propagation and use of Hindi in official work. His is a Station located on the fringes of the Terai region of U.P. The growth of vegetation on the airfield caused many problems for the Station administration including fire risk. Air Cmde Basra with initiative and untiring drive took up the task of clearing the heavy under­growth in the Station with self help on 'Shramdan' basis. He galvanised the entire Station personnel and led them personally in this massive clearing operation with great success.

Air Commodore Darshan Singh Basra, VM has, thus, has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Ashok Kumar Mehta has held with distinction various assignments at AVSM 1992 Operational Wings, BRDs, Trg Units, Command HQ, Air HQ and Mirage-2000 Project Team (Abroad). He is the only Logistics Officer in the Air Force who has managed an aircraft weapon system. He assumed the Command of one of the EDs in May, 1989 and has brought about a sea-change in Logistics/ technico-logistic support for major production organization, numerous operational wings and HAL. This is reflected in 100% completion of tasks consecutively for the last two years in production of front line state of art Aeroengines, A/C, Rotables, Avionics, ASVs and Armt Systems. His support to front line, fighter, bomber, trg units can be gauged from the fact that over nine times during 1989-91 nil AOG state was achieved.

The officer contributed significantly in maintaining harmonious industrial relations and peace at the Station. He turned AFWWA into a viable financial source and thereby contributed significantly towards welfare activity of station to bag the best trophy for the year 1990. His Depot also got the runnerup trophy in the same year.

Group Captain Ashok Kumar Mehta, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Dhanwant Singh Guram was commissioned in the IAF in 1967 as a fighter pilot. On the 10th July, 1989 he took over command of one of the AF Wings. Since assumption of command, Gp. Capt Guram with his varied experience, high sense of professionalism and courageous attitude to flying, has applied himself whole­heartedly to honing the station to the highest achievable operational status. His drive, coupled with dynamic leadership and constant endeavour to enhance the operational preparedness of the station, was the single most important factor in the station being assessed average plus overall in the inspection carried out by the DASI in March 91. The station scored 71 % marks in all the three disciplines, i.e. operations, maintenance and administration. This is a rare distinction and a remarkable feat considering the meagre resources available at his command. His leadership and total involvement was specifically mentioned in the DASI report. A MiG-23 squadron under his dynamic command was adjudged the best fighter squadron in Western Air Command.

At AF Station Sirsa, one of the main problems was the bird menace; a cause of AVSM 1992-93 great concern to the Command HQs. Gp. Capt. Guram soon got to the root of the problem and today Sirsa enjoys an enviable record of having a very safe flying environment with the bird strike incidents/accidents taking a steep decline during his tenure. This is entirely due to his persistent efforts to fight this menace.

Group Captain Dhanwant Singh Guram has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on the 2nd June, 1968. Throughout his career, the officer has displayed rare professionalism in both command and staff appointments. A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, he is also an A2 Qualified Flying Instructor.

As a military pilot, Gp. Capt Ahluwalia showed early promise. While posted to a MiG21 FL Squadron, he was awarded the “Best Pilot Trophy" in the Command Gunnery Meet of Western Air Command. Later, on executing a forced landing in an L­29 aircraft of the Iraqi Air Force, the officer was specially commended by the C­in­C of the Iraqi Air Force.

After undergoing training in France on Mirage 2000 aircraft, the officer was placed in command of a fighter squadron equipped with the state of art Mirage 2000 aircraft. From the beginning of the new induction, he was able to nurture the Squadron into an operational unit.

Before being posted as the Military Attaché in our Embassy in Japan in 1990, the officer had distinguished himself as Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff. The Japanese Self Defence Agency, in its annual paper of 1990 and the Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Blue Book of 1990 had made certain adverse comments with regard to Indian Navy. Gp Capt Ahluwalia undertook the task of correcting these aberrations and projecting the correct image of our defence forces. As a result, the Japanese defence papers for 1991 completely deleted the adverse reference to Indian armed forces. He thus, removed a potential irritant in helping to build a friendlier relationship with that country.

Group Captain Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia, VM, VSM has, thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Dalbir Singh Yadav was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in March, 1952 in the Fighter stream. Since then, he has been employed on a number of important assignments where he achieved spectacular results displaying exceptional flying abilities, effective conduct of operations and skilful management of men and material. The officer has so far logged a total of 2600 hrs of flying on various fighter aircraft.

Group Captain Yadav, while commanding Air Force Station Gorakhpur, suffered a serious set back in his health, severely restricting a very promising profile. Despite the handicap, the officer on being re-employed, took upon himself the onerous challenge to set up Air Adventure Cell in 1984 at Air HQ and was single handedly responsible in its registration under the Societies Act. In a very short span of time, Group Captain Yadav, showing rare ingenuity, dedication and personal involvement enlarged the scope of Adventure Cell activities from trekking and mountaineering to ski diving, micro light flying and para sailing.

With his keen understanding of the spirit behind the adventure activities, Group Captain Yadav is also responsible for the Air Force teams participation in various car rallies of repute and the Himalayan Car Rally in particular in which the Air Force Team earned the unique distinction of winning the coveted Team Trophy twice. The Water Sports Complex in HQ South Western Air Command owes its initiation to the creative bent of mind of Group Captain Yadav.

Group Captain Dalbir Singh, VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.