Air Marshal Prabhat Kumar Varma was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 6th November, 1954. In his long and distinguished career, he has held several key command and staff appointments with distinction. These include command of a Combat Squadron, Director of Personnel (Officers) and Director General of Defence Planning Staff.

A qualified flying instructor of repute, the Air Officer led a fighter squadron in 1972. Displaying unique leadership and zeal, he brought up the squadron to a high level of combat readiness in the shortest possible time. Later, he was appointed as the Chief Operations Officer of a Jaguar base. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College Wellington, the Air Officer commanded a front line fighter base in 1985. Being aware of the large number of operational units and infrastructural facilities based at his station he displayed remarkable ability to coordinate their roles to achieve the overall combat effectiveness of the vase during his command.

The Air Officer presently holds the crucial appointment of Air Officer incharge Personnel at Air HQs and continues to show a remarkable ability to produce the necessary man­machine interface for the efficiency of the Air Force.

Air Marshal Prabhat Kumar Varma, VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Sherwin Derek Lelie Tully was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 30th November, 1956. A graduate of the National Defence College and Defence Services Staff College and a fighter pilot of repute, he has held a variety of important command and staff appointments with distinction.

During the Indo-Pal Conflict, he displayed conspicuous courage and bravery. He later commanded a front-line fighter squadron when he used his initiative and innovativeness in bringing about noticeable improvements in operational standards.

On elevation to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, he took over as Director of Training at Air Headquarters where he ensured that training processes and methodologies remained in tune with the requirements of the Indian Air Force. Promoted to the rank of Air Marshal in 1992, he was appointed as Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Training Command. He guided and supervised the updating of the training plan and with his dedication and involvement, made significant contribution towards improving the training in all aspects.

Air Marshal Sherwin Derek Lelie Tully has, thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Pratap Chandra Sharda was commissioned in the Medical Corps in July, 1959. He has held several important appointments at field and staff level with distinction. As a pioneer member and secretary of Aero Medical Society of India during 197679, his untiring efforts led to reorganization of aviation medicine as a specialty subject for the award of the highest medical degree in India. His contributions were recognized by award of Fellowship of the Society.

After obtaining post graduate degree in Hospital Administration in 1991, he was posted as Registrar of second largest Air Force Hospital in North­East. Under his stewardship, the hospital became a model for other hospitals in the area.

As Air Commodore, the Air Officer was given the command of Central Medical Establishment, where he formulated new structure and style of work and carried out an indepth review and analysis of the requirements of the users. His wide knowledge, administrative ability and sustained hard work resulted in commendable improvement in the working and performance of the Institute. His dynamism and untiring efforts reduced the time taken for completion of medical boards for candidates service personnel from 10 to 4/5 days. This resulted in significant recurring financial gain, reduced fatigue and frustration and enhanced decision making at the executive level.

Air Vice Marshal Pratap Chandra Sharda has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Surinder Mohan Mayor was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of Air Force in 1958. He has been a pioneer in the field of successfully carrying out trial jumps from different types of aircraft with indigenous parachuting equipment.

In 1987-88, during Sri Lankan operations, he was posted as Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration, Southern Air Command and was actively involved in setting up four Air bases on foreign land from where extensive Heliborne Operations were launched against the LTTE.

During his tenure as Director of Personnel (Airmen) at Air Headquarters, he has been instrumental in introducing new appraisal system in respect of airmen. He also reviewed and streamlined the policies pertaining to recruitment, postings, selection of personnel for various courses in order, to enhance the operational efficiency of the Air Force.

As Chairman of the Air Force Sports Control Board, he has been able to improve the overall performance of the Air Force in all the disciplines of sports.

As President of the Services Sports Control Board, he is very keenly involved in all sports activities and a record number of personnel from the services participated in the recently held Barcelona Olympics. In recognition of his deep involvement in sports and organising abilities, he was selected by the Indian Olympics Association as the Deputy Chiefde­Mission of the Indian contingent which participated in Barcelona Olympics.

Air Vice Marshal Surinder Mohan Mayor has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Kilara Vamana Iya was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force on 30th December, 1959. He has held a number of staff appointments with distinction.

As Deputy Director of the MiG-21 fleet at Air Headquarters during 1978-80, he organized logistics support for frontline squadrons in a very effective manner. As Commanding Officer of an ASP during 1984-85, he successfully organized Road Supply Service to the field units in the East, thereby, contributing to a high state of serviceability of the aircraft and associated equipment. As a member of the Directing Staff at College of Defence Management, he directed a number of important studies sponsored by the Services, resulting in implementation of the recommendations of the Services Study Team, which included a number of measures for streamlining the logistics support to IPKF in Sri Lanka to make it more cost­effective. As Air Officer Commanding of ED during AVSM 1993 1990-91, he introduced a modified version of transportation of aircraft on ground consignments to bring in cost reduction. He also successfully arranged discontinuance of the parallel run in the area of computerized inventory management and surrendered fully vacancies in different ranks and trades to bring in substantial saving.

Ever since he assumed the office of Air Officer Incharge Logistics Management at HQ Maintenance Command, he has been addressing himself to the twin objectives of rendering a high degree of satisfaction to the operational units of the Air Force and simultaneously bringing in cost reduction in inventory management. He has, thus, contributed substantially to sustain a high state of operational preparedness of the Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Kilara Vamana Iya has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Jagdish Kumar Arora was commissioned in the Accounts Branch of Air Force on the 27th May, 1961. After acquitting himself well in accounts assignments for three and a half years, he joined the Air Force legal set up in 1964. He has held with distinction the appointments of Command Deputy Judge Advocate/Command Judge Advocate in all the Command Headquarters of the IAF.

Air Vice Marshal Arora took over as the Judge Advocate General (Air) on the 2nd July, 1990. At that time a large number of civil suits were pending in various courts. Through personal involvement, deep study of the cases and close liaison with Govt Counsels and civil authorities, he ensured that prompt and upto date briefing was given to the Govt. Counsels in each case. His personal presence at the hearings and the prompt advice to the Govt. Counsels led to favourable decisions in several cases.

The officer has the distinction of revising the Regulations for the Air Force. He has been instrumental in removing many ambiguities and inconsistencies and making administration of justice simpler for Air Force Officers.

Air Vice Marshal Jagdish Kumar Arora has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Charanjit Lal Mago was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on the 6th Sept 1961. During has long service career spreading over 31 years, the Air Officer has held with distinction various assignments in flying training stations, fighter squadrons, operational wings, base repair depots and Air Headquarters.

One of the first assignments that the officer had was formation of a fighter squadron equipped with Gnat Aircraft just a few months before the outbreak of Indo­Pak hostilities in 1965. Not only the formation of the squadron was smooth, but it was brought to the fully operational standard by the time war broke out and the squadron could take active part in the operations.

After training abroad on Mirage­2000 in 1984, the officer led a team of professionals to set up facilities for servicing of this 'state of the art' aircraft in a very short period so that the aircraft could be made operational immediately on arrival. With meticulous planning and professional capability of a very high order, the officer was able to set up the base and ensured that the aircraft flew immediately on its arrival in India from France.

During 1986-1989, the Air Officer commanded one prestigious base repair depot of the Indian Air Force. During this period, the depot achieved high production in respect of aircraft, engines and rotables, consequently the best BRD Trophy of HQ MC was awarded to the depot.

As Assistant Chief of the Air Staff at Air HQ, the Air Officer was responsible for the management of combat fleet of Russian origin. Despite problems being faced due to the political developments in the erstwhile Soviet Union, the officer had been able to manage the maintenance of MiG fighter jets without affecting their serviceability.

Air Vice Marshal Charanjit Lal Mago has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Ghanshyam Gururani was commissioned in the IAF on 1st December, 1961. As the Air Officer Commanding of a Base Repair Depot, he introduced modern concepts of production and material planning and control in the Depot. It resulted in timely completion of provisioning activities and reduction in production hold­ups.

The Air Officer contributed substantially towards the serviceability of the AN-32 and Mi-17 fleet in the year 1991-92 by personally guiding airframe, aeroengine and main gear box life extension studies to fruitful completion. Apart from keeping a large part of these fleet flying, his efforts reduced the dependence of the IAF on foreign expertise and saved considerable foreign exchange.

Anticipating delays in the receipts of the detailed project for overhaul of Mi-17 helicopter, its engine and arrangements, the Air Officer initiated planning for the project with total expertise and data available from Mi-8 helicopter. This avoided a delay of more than one year in the execution of the project.

Air Commodore Ghanshyam Gururani VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Syed Shahid Hussain Naqvi was commissioned in the Air Force in March, 1963. Since then, he has held many important assignments and has always discharged his duties with distinction.

Air Commodore Naqvi has been in the command of one of the Wings of Air Force since the 21st April, 1990. He is a qualified 'Pilot Attack Instructor', a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and US Air Force War College. He was also the first Air Force Commander of Jaffna Air Base during 'Operation Pawan' and acquitted himself exceptionally well on this assignment.

During his tenure as the Air Officer Commanding of a premier air base, he has brought about far reaching improvements. He was responsible for the smooth induction of one of the two squadrons at his base. Within a short span of 10 months, this Squadron was fully 'Operational' in terms of pilots, aircraft and equipment. This was solely due to excellent planning and energetic execution under his supervision. Subsequently, the Squadron started achieving a higher flying effort, as compared to other Squadrons of the fleet. During this period, not only the flying effort of both the Squadrons showed upward curve, but the serviceability of the aircraft was also maintained at a high level.

The Air Officer personally designed a bomb trolley and fabricated locally which has been introduced in the I.A.F. as a standard equipment. He has also

During his tenure as the Air Officer Commanding of the air base, Air Commodore Naqvi has displayed the highest qualities of leadership, dynamism and management. His originality, novel methods and result oriented approach have brought laurels to the Station.

Air Commodore Syed Shahid Hussain Naqvi, VrC has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Jogendra Singh Sisodia was commissioned as a pilot in Oct. 1963. Since then, he has held many important assignments with distinction. His important contribution is his role in inducting the Jaguar force into the Indian Air Force and its subsequent build up into a highly potent operational force

In March, 1991, Air Cmde Sisodia took over as the Air Officer Commanding of the premier fighter base and played a pivotal role in peace and during hostilities. Air Cmde Sisodia has been most adept at getting his subordinates to effectively use their innovative skills for improving the operational facilities at his base. He has taken keen interest in the areas of welfare and family life of Air Force personnel at the station. His efforts were largely responsible for keeping the morale and the motivation of the force at the premier fighter base very high.

Air Commodore Sisodia has been a very sincere and conscientious officer throughout his career. He has always set personal example. In his present assignment he has shown high standards of command and control.

Air Commodore Jogendra Singh Sisodia, VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Govind Chandra Singh Rajwar was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on the 31st Dec., 1963. During his service career of more than 29 years, he has acquitted himself in an exemplary manner. He has held the appointments of Air Force Examiner at aircrew Examining Board, Nav Leader Air HQs Communication Squadron, Station Commander of a Wing and JDPO at Air HQ. He is a graduate of the RAF Staff College, Bracknell, U.K.

Air Commodore Rajwar took over the Air Force Record Office in January 1991. The task of Air Force Record Office (AFRO) is enormous being responsible for the cadre management of a large number of airmen. It deals with their postings, placements, promotions, career planning and record maintenance and continuous updating of data. Despite numerous constraints such as streamwise utilisation, shortages of manpower, trained status, resource crunch and related problems associated with human endeavour, Air Commodore Rajwar ensured that the operational need of the field units are fully met. He has initiated a number of organisational and procedural changes within the Air Force Record Office to enhance its effectiveness to match the requirements of service and the needs of the personnel.

From December, 1991 onwards for almost eight months, Air Commodore Rajwar has also officiated as Director Personnel Administration at Air HQ in addition to his job of AOC AFRO. Inspite of the fact that both these appointments are very high pressure and full time assignments, he has performed exceptionally well and worked relentlessly for prolonged hours with total involvement and dedication.

Air Commodore Govind Chandra Singh Rajwar, VrC, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Manprit Singh Brar commanded a Wing of the Indian Air Force from 23rd January, 1989 to the 30th March, 1992. During this period, the internal security situation in Punjab had been a cause of grave national concern. Under these circumstances, the Wing had to be on high operational preparedness to meet both internal and external threat. The officer provided all out infrastructural support and guidance to the flying and other units and these units performed creditably without compromising flight safety in any way.

Group Captain Brar's involvement in all activities of the Wing has set a fine example to other personnel under his command. While being a hard task master, the well being of his personnel also remains uppermost in his mind. Consequently, his leadership has inspired to give their best to the service.

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

Group Captain Tajinder Pal Singh Chhatwal was commissioned in the IAF on 31st December, 1967. Till date, he has to his credit over 7000 hrs of accident free flying. He has held the highest CAT/IR on most of the helicopter flown by IAF.

He has commanded a helicopter unit from 1985 to 1987 and has always engaged in active flying till he took over as Station Commander of an Air Force Station in December, 1989. The Station was mainly a helicopter base. The helicopters from this base were engaged in air maintenance, armament and training activities. Besides these tasks, the helicopters from this base were regularly used for urgent life saving casualty evacuation and airfield surveillance tasks in Western Air Command during VVIP visits.

He successfully performed these diverse and difficult tasks which demanded total motivation, committed leadership and dedication to work. He displayed all these qualities in ample measure.

His sense of duty and managerial skills have been of an extremely high order. Thorough initiative, personal example and prudent innovative approach to maintenance practices, he has been able to achievement optimum serviceability of the aircraft.

Group Captain Tajinder Pal Singh Chhatwal SC, VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.