Air Marshal Ramesh Chandra Bajpai was commissioned as an Engineer in the Electronics Branch on 20 June, 1960. He has held the appointments of Air Officer Commanding of an Air Force Station and Senior Maintenance Staff Officer (SMSO), Eastern Air Command prior to being appointed SMSO, Maintenance Command. He has undergone various courses on Electronics warfare (EW) such as EW Training in USA. He is an alumnus of the National Defence College,

As a founder member of Electronic Warfare organisation in the Air Force, he has contributed immensely in planning, procurement and maintenance of equipment and formulation of procedures for EW operations. He successfully executed a large number of projects for the indigenous development of Airborne Early Warning System.

As SMSO, Eastern Air Command, he achieved substantial improvements in every aspect of maintenance activities and also effected savings in manpower, money and materials. The aircraft serviceability including the serviceability of ageing Hunter fleet improved which helped in accomplishing the training tasks ahead of time. The inventory holdings were reduced resulting in substantial saving. At every formation, workshop output increased and many innovative projects were implemented. All this was achieved with reduced manpower. Over 94 long standing 'Aircraft On Ground' were recovered and rotated. All this would not have become possible but for his dedication, dynamic leadership, untiring efforts and managerial qualities.

Air Marshal Ramesh Chandra Bajpai has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Tushar Sen was commissioned on 15 December 1960 in the flying branch of Air Force. As a young pilot in a Gnat squadron he was awarded Vayu AVSM 1994-95 Sena Medal in 1967. This was in recognition of his contribution in the 1965 operations and skillful handling of two serious in-flight emergencies.

An experienced fighter pilot with over 3500 accident free flying hours, Air Vice Marshal T Sen is a qualified flying instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. He has held many important field and staff appointments. He has commanded a front line fighter squadron, and is among the few officers who have the distinction of commanding two operational bases. On staff appointments he has served as Command Flight Safety Officer Training Command, Joint Director Air Staff Inspection and Air­ I Eastern Air Command.

While Commanding Air Force Station Adampur, he was responsible for the smooth induction of the MiG 29 aircraft. The work services were completed in record time with the squadron becoming fully operational in six months and the station was adjudged as the best ever fighter base inspected by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection since its inception in 1971.

In his current tenure as Air Defence Commander, he has brought to bear all his attributes in enhancing the air defiance capability of Western Air Command by optimising the existing resources. His professional knowledge, incisive analysis of problems and uncanny ability to arrive at the best possible solution stood out time and again. His professional stature, fair and firm approach in interpersonal matters and dedication to duty make him an excellent leader.

Air Vice Marshal Tushar Sen VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Krishnan Narayanan Nair was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 19 December, 1961. He has over 7300 hours of accident free flying. An A2 Qualified Instructor, he has been a Command Examiner on Packet aircraft. The Air Officer has held the appointments of Commanding Officer of a transport squadron, Station Commander and Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Agra. In staff appointments he has been Air II, Central Air Command and Deputy Director General Defence Planning Staff. An alumni of Defence Service Staff College (DSSC) and National Defence College, he was also a Directing Staff at DSSC.

He was appointed as Commandant of Air Force Academy on 01 Oct 1993. In a short AVSM 1995 span of time he galvanized and shaped the Academy into a model training establishment. Under his dynamic leadership he has innovated and streamlined every aspect of flight safety. As a result, the execution of the enormous flying training task of over 9000 hours every six months has been better systematized. Two courses of women pilots, introduced for the first time in the IAF after he assumed command, have been completed successfully. The entire Academy area has also been given a face lift at no cost through self help introduced by him.

The Air Officer has achieved high serviceability for Kiran and HPT-32 aircraft operating at the Academy. He has also encouraged the engineering staff into innovations leading to designing and fabrication of several test rigs and modifications.

Air Vice Marshal Krishnan Narayanan Nair has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Jayaraj Henry Mandody was commissioned in the Logistics Branch on 16 December, 1961. Whilst being the Chief Logistic Officer at an Equipment Depot (ED), he performed creditably and was awarded VSM in 1988. He has held the appointments of Senior Logistics Officer at two major bases, Deputy Command Logistic Officer at a command Headquarters, and Director of Maintenance Administration as well as Director of Stores at Air Headquarters. He was the first Air Force Officer to command the Embarkation Headquarters at Calcutta, an army formation.

He was appointed the Air Officer Logistics Management (AOLM) at Maintenance Command on 01 November 1993. Under his direction, identification of indigenously available spares, timely build up of stocks and obtaining supplies from HAL held IAF Stores resulted in an all round enhancement of spares availability. Rationalisation of spares through identification of commonality and alternative usage of dormant inventory was also spearheaded by him. Further, he personally supervised special reviews of Mirage and Dornier Weapon Systems by way of specific identification of requirements and laying down of revised ARS (Automatic Replenishment System) scales. To 'reach out and supply', the entire Integrated Transportation System was rejuvenated. Intensive and timely support to operational units was thus provided by the Air Stores Parks through increase in the range of supplies and equitable distribution of short supply items.

Air Vice Marshal Jayaraj Henry Mandody VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Subhash Chandra Mukherjee was commissioned in 1963 and has held various assignments in different operational units with high professional competence.

In 1987, he went on deputation to Group Insurance Society (GIS) as Secretary. During his period of two years in the society he was instrumental in bringing about enhanced benefits for all personnel in the form of GIS88 Scheme. It was his dynamism that brought out loan facilities in the form of House Building Advance. During his tenure at AF Central Accounts Office Individual Running Ledger Account (IRLA) of airmen were computerised and monthly computerised pay slips are now being sent in respect of 1.4 lakh Airmen/ Non-combatants (Enrolled). The manual maintenance of IRLA was dispensed with. This process brought about saving of Rs. 15 lakhs per annum.

Air Vice Marshal Subhash Chandra Mukherjee has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Thirunillayi Ramaswamy Jankiraman was commissioned on 31 January 1963. During his distinguished career of 31 years, he has held varied assignments wherein he distinguished himself with enviable performance. He had the distinction of serving in frontline aircraft squadron, operational Wings, Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment, Base Repair Depot, Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters.

After his training in USSR, on overhaul of the engines of AN­ 12 aircraft, he was placed in­charge of setting up overhaul facilities and commissioning of the Engine Test Bed, which he completed in a record time. During his tenure at Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment he effectively contributed towards completion of many important evaluation trials. On promotion he took over as a Chief Engineer of engine overhaul line at a Base Repair Depot and in one single year doubled the number of engine overhauls from 26 to 52. During the same period, he also prepared the project report of overhaul of engine of AN-32 which is now a reference document.

The Air Officer very gainfully utilised his field experience and first hand knowledge as Command Engineering Officer and as Air Force Liaison Officer in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (Nasik Division), where he exploited to the fullest total resources of HAL division for the benefit of MiG operating units.

The Air Officer at present is responsible for maintenance management of Russian combat fleets facing Herculean task of provisioning of spares in the face of collapse of Russian supply system. Due to his efforts, the IAF has saved at least Rs. 10 crores in procurement of spares. At present, he is closely monitoring projects on reclamation of parts, increased indigenization life extension studies, in addition to his normal duties.

Air Commodore Thirunillayi Ramaswamy Jankiraman has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Kukkehalli Prabhakar Hegde was commissioned on 27 Feb 1963. As a Flight Lieutenant medical trooper he, unmindful of the risk to his life, undertook mission to save aircrash victims in hostile terrain in Eastern Sector.

In 1969, he became a Medical specialist and served with distinction at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and several Air Force Hospitals. His proficiency and clinical skill led to his being specially selected for the prestigious appointments as Staff Surgeon to the Chief Of the Air Staff in 1982. His outstanding services were recognized with the award of Vishisht Seva Medal in 1986. In 1987, he became Senior Advisor in Medicine for several service hospitals. He was instrumental in starting post graduate courses in all major clinical subjects at Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore duly recognized by Bangalore University and Medical Council of India. This was a matter of great prestige to medical services and helped many to obtain post graduate degree and improve quality of medical care.

As an Air Commodore, he was posted as Joint Director General Medical Services at Air HQ in Nov 1992. By his varied professional experience, he achieved significant modernization of Air Force Hospitals, Station Sick Quarters and Dental Centres.

In December 1993, he was appointed Air Officer Commanding Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME). Under his stewardship many new diagnostic facilities have been added. The procedures have been reorganized so that the specialist facilities are now extended to outpatients also as a routine. This has benefited serving as well as retired service personnel.

Air Commodore Kukkehalli Prabhakar Hegde VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Teja Mohan Asthana was commissioned on 15 Dec 1962. He was selected to undergo the Fighter Combat Leaders (FCL) Course at a very early stage. He excelled on the course and later served twice on the staff of Tactics and Air Combat Development & Training Establishment (TACDE), the premier establishment in the Air Force for the development of fighter tactics and for training fighter combat leaders. For his contribution in this field he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1980. In between these two postings he was deputed to train the pilots of a friendly country. On his return to India he commanded a MiG21 squadron. He was then appointed Joint Director of Joint Operations at Air HQ. Air Cmde Asthana then commanded a frontline fighter base and was later specially selected to join the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection as its Joint Director. He served in this capacity for a year before becoming the Director of Air Staff Inspection, on promotion to Air Commodore. In these most demanding of appointments applied his vast professional knowledge and experience with understanding and maturity to help raise operational standards in the Air Force. He was then selected to command one of the premier and major forward fighter bases of the IAF. As Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Adampur, he used the wealth of his experience to improve the operational standards of the combat units on his base as well as the performance of the support services. He also contributed in large measure to planning and participated in a Command level exercise.

Air Commodore Teja Mohan Asthana VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Harbinder Singh Sidhu is a transport pilot of outstanding merit with nearly 7000 hours of flying to his credit. He has held Command of two transport squadrons and of an Air Force Selection Board. He has also been an Air Force Examiner. For his various accomplishments as an aviator, he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1979.

As the Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Agra, the largest transport aircraft base of the IAF, his responsibilities covered an uncommonly wide spectrum, ranging from maintenance, training and the optimal operational utilisation of the most expensive and modern transport aircraft in the IAF inventory, to managing VVIPs visit to Agra. He acquitted himself very creditably, often under great constraints of time and resources.

A singular measure of his committed and professional stewardship was the successful para drop of a Battalion Group by night, on 23 Feb 1994, of which he was the Task Force Commander. It was for the first time that such military mobility involving 21 aircraft flying in a new formation by night, was successfully demonstrated. This exercise had called for the modification of AN-32 formation lights, the mathematics of flight evolution and development of formations to be flown, formulation of procedures to be adopted and the training of a large number of aircrew for the task. He undertook and executed the entire exercise with rare professional supervision.

Air Commodore Harbinder Singh Sidhu VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Kurumthodathil Cherian Phillipose was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the flying branch of the IAF on 28 Oct 1963. He took an active part in 1965 and 1971 Indo Pak conflicts. A qualified fighter combat leader (FCL), he was on the staff of Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment for a period of five years where he not only excelled as an instructor but also helped develop many new combat tactics. He has commanded a MiG­21 Squadron and has been the Chief Operation Officer of a major Air Force Wing equipped with fighters, transport and helicopters. He successfully completed Higher Command Course at College of Co­mbat and Long Defence Management Course at College of Defence Management and later distinguished himself as a directing staff at College of Air Warfare and at College of Defence Management, Hyderabad.

Air Commodore Phillipose took over as Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Jamnagar in Jun 1993. He used his vast and varied experience to ensure all round improvement of the Station and help augment its operational preparedness. Air Commodore Phillipose has been involved in every activity of the Station.

Air Commodore Kurumthodathil Cherian Phillipose has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Anil Kumar Trikha was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 18 Apr 1964. He participated in the 1965 operations as a very young pilot. He was selected to undergo the Flying Instructor Course. An A2 Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) he was selected to serve on the staff of Flying Instructor School. Later he was selected to serve as a QFI on deputation to a friendly country. An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) he also served as Directing Staff in the same institution. He is also qualified as a Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) AVSM 1995-96 and commanded a front line MiG­21 squadron. He was specially selected to undergo a specialist operationally oriented course abroad. Thereafter, he served on the operational staff at Air Headquarters and in the Military Wing of the Cabinet Secretariat before being posted as the Chief Operations Officer of a Jaguar base. His demonstrated performance both in the field and on staff qualified him eminently for a key appointment on the air staff of Western Air Command. For his distinguished service, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in Jan 1992.

On promotion to Air Commodore, he was appointed Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Air Force Station Ambala. In the year and a half that he has been AOC Air Force Station Ambala he used his vast experience in the field and on staff to train the personnel to his station, demanding all round excellence from them. When certain technical problems laid low the Jaguar fleet for an extended period of time, the quality of his leadership ensured that the personnel of Jaguar squadrons and those supporting them were kept constructively occupied and their morale maintained at a high level. At the same time, he associated himself with efforts and trials to upgrade the air defence environment of the Air Force.

Air Commodore Anil Kumar Trikha VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Dasari Jayapaul was commissioned on 05 March 1964 in the Army Dental Corps and seconded to the Air Force. From the very beginning he has built a very high professional reputation and exemplary professional standards. The officer was awarded VSM in 1986.

As the Commanding Officer of No. 1 Air Force Dental Centre, Palam, he has improved the quality of professional care and a quantum jump in the technological infrastructure of the unit. He introduced a novel concept in AP Dental service, Family Dental Surgery through the auspices of Air Force Wives Welfare Association, which has brought down the waiting period of families coming for treatment from far away units. He got a van allotted on long term basis which is used as 'Dentistry at the door steps'. Simultaneously he also carried out modernisation of other surgeries with latest equipments. Because of such highly advanced and latest professional expertise, Dental centre, Palam has attained a distinction of being a referral centre.

Group Captain Dasari Jayapaul VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.