Air Commodore Sriprumbodur Raghavan was commissioned in the Logistics branch on 10 November 62. He has held the appointment of Senior Logistics Management Officer at Eastern Air Command and been in Command of Air Force Station Faridabad. He also served a tenure on deputation to Canteen Stores Department as Deputy General Manager. He has successfully completed the Long Defence Management Course. Air Cmde Raghavan was appointed the Air Officer Commanding of a major Equipment Depot (ED) on 01 February 1993. His task was to provide effective spares support to the entire Russian fleet of the Air Force in the face of dwindling availability of spares from CIS countries. He instituted methods to identify commonalty of spares among the MiG variants, the tapping of HAL held IAF stores and analysis of the past demands and, thus, identified a large number of critical items that were later procured. He provided valuable inputs for prioritised indigenisation of spares. He identified 88 rotables, which were causing problems in the field and accordingly, the Base Repair Depots (BRDs) were tasked for rotable repairs.

The Depot was assigned the role of developing the entire inventory management package of the newly acquired Antariksh 303 Computer System. Under his able guidance and leadership, the Depot has accomplished development of certain softwares despite various teething problems. The software developed by the Depot has now been accepted as standard inventory management package.

The efforts put in by Air Cmde S Raghavan enabled the Depot to meet all its tasks and provide uninterrupted and sustained support to operational units despite severe all round constraints.

For distinguished service of high order the president is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Cmde Sriprumbodur Raghavan.

Air Cmde Srinivasan Venkatachary, was commissioned on 19 January 1963 in the Accounts branch of the IAF. During his service, he has held assignments at Stations, Wings, Commands and Air HQ. Throughout, he has displayed keen sense of involvement and dedication.

As Joint Director Financial Planning since March 1991, he was involved in the formulation of Air Force annual budgets, monitoring of expenditure of acquisitions, modernisation, works services and locally controlled heads, besides keeping a close watch over the foreign exchange outgo vis-à-vis allocations. With budget allocations far below the projections, commitments on maintenance, modernisation schemes and contractual payments had to be very carefully and judiciously controlled. In the task of monitoring expenditure and regulating the allocations, his incisive scrutiny, apt prioritisation and skilful timely diversion of funds greatly contributed towards totally avoiding defaults in payments of contractual obligations for foreign acquisition, meeting all prioritised requirements of AF formations and optimum utilisation of funds by the allottees. It was due to his personal involvement that Air Force budget was fully utilised during the last three years. Management of shoe string budget with expenditure and prioritisation undergoing frequent changes at the level of Air HQ and the Ministry and diversion of funds for high priority schemes entails maintenance of accurate inputs through constant liaison with various agencies. Air Cmde Chary has always taken this task as challenge and

successfully ensured accurate inputs and enabled the authorities to make optimum use of funds.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Cmde Srinivasan Venkatachary.

Air Commodore Proteep Kumar Ghosh was commissioned as an Engineer in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch on 29 January 1963. He has held the appointments of Deputy Planning Officer in the Ministry of Defence, Command Systems Officer in Training Command, Command of Air Force Station Dalhousie, a Regional Air Defence Ground Environment System (ADGES) Maintenance Establishment (RAME) and a Base Repair Depot. As the first Commanding Officer of RAME at Guwahati Air Cmde PK Ghosh was responsible for overhaul and maintenance of Diesel Generating (DG) sets, air conditioning equipment and calibration of Test Equipment belonging to various ADGES and Flying units in the Eastern Sector. He had severe constraints in terms of manpower and equipment since the establishment for the unit was pending sanction from the Govt. Through his sound technical knowledge and leadership qualities he not only met all the assigned overhaul and calibration tasks, but also maintained over 85% average serviceability of DG sets in the field. Calibration of Test Equipment undertaken by him drastically reduced their down time in the field units. Further, during the flash flood at Hashimara and Panagarh in 1992, he averted total failure of the ADGES network through his timely technical assistance.

Air Cmde PK Ghosh was appointed the Air Officer Commanding of a Base Repair Depot (BRD) on 01 Feb 94. Though new to this assignment, he has already made a mark by indigenising a large number of critically required spares no longer available ex CIS countries. He also successfully contributed in bringing up the equipment at the Interim Test Range at Chandipur, facilitating the scheduled test launch of Agni Missile.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Cmde Proteep Kumar Ghosh.

Air Cmde Gulshan Kumar Kwatra was commissioned on 06 April 1964 in Engineering Branch of the IAF. He performed creditably during 1971 War and was Mentioned in Despatches. He has held appointments of Chief Engineering Officer at Uttarlai, Chief of Planning and Chief of Aircraft at a Base Repair Depot and staff appointments at Air Headquarters. He has also been on deputation to the Botswana Defence Forces.

He was appointed Chief Engineering Officer at Air Force Station Bidar with effect from 07 Dec 1992 at a time when works services for Airfield Lighting Project were moving at a slow pace. With his vast managerial experience, high intellectual acumen, sheer grit and determination he analysed the prevailing bottlenecks and initiated remedial measures. These efforts resulted in completion of the project on time.

He was responsible for recovery of 12 aircraft grounded for prolonged period, speedy aircraft structural repairs and sustained high aircraft serviceability. He demonstrated air worthiness of over 40 aircraft by achieving 100% serviceability and flying all aircraft on 12 occasions.

He spearheaded a drive for inventory control resulting in saving of Rs. 57 lakhs. His involvement in commissioning of Modern Servicing Garage and repairs of safety vehicles resulted in substantial savings.

He was responsible in minimising aircraft accidents and incidents due to technical reasons and achieving zero vehicle accident rate. He introduced a number of modifications and innovative maintenance practices and safety measures. His professionalism and dynamic approach added a new dimension in achieving high maintenance standards.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Cmde Gulshan Kumar Kwatra.

Gp Capt Ashok Kumar was commissioned in the Logistics Branch on 10 April 1965. He held the appointments of Senior Logistics Officer Air Force Station Jodhpur, Command logistics Management Officer at HQ South Western Air Command and Command of Equipment Depot (ED) Detachment. He was also appointed as Defence Adviser to the Ethiopian Air Force. For his creditable performance, he was Mentioned in Despatches in 1971. Gp Capt Ashok Kumar was appointed the Commanding Officer of an Air Stores Park on 28 January 1993. His responsibility com prised providing sustained spares support to all the forward bases of Western Air Command (WAC). He made valuable suggestions in respect of stocking policy for various items which ultimately enabled the Depot to backload more than 3500 lines of items. Sharper focus on critically required items was thus possible. Under his constant pursuance, a large number of critical items were identified, provisioned and procured through indigenisation as well as foreign indent. He further rationalised the distribution of spares by corelating flying effort with spares requirement and through proper dialogue with HQ WAC supplied the essential requirements to all units. The improved packaging of Aero-lubes introduced by him brought down their transit losses considerably. He also contributed substantially towards identification of nonmoving stores and their disposal.

The dedicated efforts put in by the officer paid direct dividends in terms of substantial reduction of AOG (Aircraft Operationally Grounded) demands of items and also better management of resources. The functioning of Air Force Servicing Cell was toned up by him and all outstanding AOG demands cleared in a time bound manner.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Ashok Kumar.

Group Captain Vinod Khanna was commissioned as an Electronic Engineer on 04 October 1965. He has held the appointments of Deputy Air Attaché, Embassy of India, USA, Chief Engineer Officer AF Station Rajokri, Commanding Officer of a Guided Weapon Technical Squadron, Deputy Command Engineering Officer in HQ South Western Air Command and at present holds the appointment of Station Commander at Air Force Station, Kasauli. In the year 1993, AOC-in-C Western Air Command directed the station to make contingency plans to prevent any disruption of communications at Kasauli hub-centre. Group Capt Khanna took upon himself to fabricate light weight, low cost and highly manoeuvrable antennas in order to reduce the time of link loss. After fabricating the antennas, trials were conducted on various links to establish the usefulness of these antennas. The trials proved successful and use of these light weight contingency antennas has now been accepted by Air HQ for use in other hub-centres also as contingency measure. By devising these antennas and proving their usefulness, Gp Capt Vinod Khanna has saved at least thirty lakh rupees. The time of link loss has also been reduced from 10-12 hours per antenna to less than 02 hours.

The Officer also initiated various measures such as modification to power house and electronic equipment to keep the serviceability of equipment at more than 99%. For maintaining a high degree of operational preparedness and very high serviceability of equipment, the Station was awarded the Best Performance Trophy in November 1993.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Vinod Khanna.

Gp Capt Shakti Nath Kar was commissioned on 03 January 1966 in the Engineering Branch of IAF. In his more than 28 years of service he has held important staff and field appointments which include Senior Technical Officer of a MiG-21 Squadron and Senior Engineer (Mechanical) of a MiG Operating Wing. As Deputy Chief Resident Engineer at Resident Technical Office (Air Armament) he has made valuable contributions to defence indigenisation effort by clearing a number of operational and training stores for inducting into Air Force. He is an alumni of Institute of Armament Technology and Defence Services Staff College.

In 1991, Gp Capt SN Kar was called upon to head a task force to upgrade the operational status of a life expired missile system for which a foreign manufacturer demanded nearly Rs 1.6 Crore. He took up this challenge and by sheer professional competence and innovative approach completed the task in record time using indigenous resources. By this valuable contribution, he not only enhanced the operational potential of the Air Force but also saved Rs 1.6 crore at a time when the country was passing through an acute resource crunch.

In 1994, while on a pre-delivery inspection assignment abroad, his tact and skillful handling of negotiations, resulted in a saving of Rs 1.44 crore in precious foreign exchange.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Shakti Nath Kar.

Group Captain Hariharpur Venkatasubbiah Hari Haran was commissioned on 24 December 1967 in the Administrative branch of the IAF. He has functioned as Assistant Provost Marshal at Agra and Dy Provost Marshal at Air Headquarters.

AF Station Gorakhpur is 30 years old and works services were needed to upgrade existing facilities and to create new assets for current requirements. He formulated the works plan to tackle both aspects and followed up with Boards of Officers for special repairs and new works. His personal involvement enabled retrieval of usable assets resulting in considerable savings and better utilisation of meagre funds. Simul taneously, he devoted his attention towards the runway resurfacing work, then in progress. His long hours on site with the engineers ensured adherence to specifications and time frames.

Works services by nature require time for execution. Gp Capt HV Hari Haran ensured reduction of lead time required for execution of works services through accurate forecasting and meticulous planning. He pursued all works with zeal and perseverance, and completed large number of them within the planned time. AF Station Gorakhpur was adjudged 'Best Administered Wing' of command in 1993-94 and secured 'Average plus' assessment in Administration from Directorate of Air Staff Inspection in May 1994.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Hariharpur Venkatasubbiah Hari Haran.

Group Captain Aravinda Agrawal was commissioned as an engineer in the Engineering branch on 01 January 1968. He has been associated with aircraft maintenance since his commission. He has been posted as the Senior Test Engineer of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment and at Air HQ in the Mirage Induction Cell.

Gp Capt Agrawal was the Chief Engineering Officer of Air Force Station, Adampur. During his tenure, maintenance activities of the base have been steadily im proved. Over and above his normal day-to-day commitments, he has personally inspired his officers and technicians to innovate and modify rigs and aircraft subsystems for the benefit of service. There are four innovations for MiG-23 ac, two for MiG-29 ac and two for general purpose which merit recognition. The most noteworthy are the test rig for checking the Laser Range Finder without removing the components from the ac and the Radar Test Bench for MiG-29 ac. The local fabrication of both these saved 80 man-hours per laser testing procedure and approximately Rs. one crore in foreign exchange for the Radar Test Bench.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Arvinda Agrawal.

Gp Capt DK Hegde was commissioned as an Aeronautical Engineer in the IAF on 15 August 1968. Whilst being the unit signal officer at Air Force Station Sirsa during the Indo-Pak conflict 1971, he performed creditably and was Mentioned in Despatches. In his 26 years of service he has held various instructional, staff and field appointments. He has worked as Project Engineer at Radar Communication Project Office (RCPO) and Joint Director, Air Defence Ground Environ ment Systems (ADGES) at Air HQ. He is currently the Deputy Command Engineering Officer of an Operational Command.

Gp Capt Hegde has been trained in UK for the computerised Ground Replay Equipment for the Crash Data Recorder of Jaguar aircraft. He installed and commissioned these equipments at two of the Jaguar bases most efficiently. His keen observations and thorough understanding of this system resulted in modifications to the original software which has greatly improved the performance of these equipments.

During the tenure at a Jaguar base he successfully undertook repair of complex airborne electronic equipment which were otherwise to be repaired abroad. This saved large sum in foreign exchange. He amply demonstrated his skill and professionalism once again during his tenure at a MiG-29 base. He set up and conducted extended second line servicing of avionic and navigational equipment of the ac though there were neither spare facilities nor literature for most of the components. This resulted in saving of precious foreign exchange besides improving the serviceability.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Dayanand Kunhanna Hegde.

Gp Capt Pradeep Kumar was commissioned in the IAF as a helicopter pilot on 21 June 1969. He was on the staff of the Flying Instructors School from January 1981 to December 1982. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College.

Gp Capt Pradeep Kumar took over the command of Air Force Station, Kumbhigram on 24 August 1992. Due to geographical and environmental factors the life in the Station was considered to be hard. Gp Capt Pradeep Kumar through his hard work, foresight and total involvement improved the quality of life on the station. The Station at the moment boasts of a dairy farm with abundant supply of fresh milk and various other Non-Public Fund ventures. By efficient management and reproductions in overheads the Non-Public Fund ventures on the station have shown a 100% improvement in profitability. The station now has a bio-gas plant, the produce of which is used in Airmen's Mess. Through his continuous effort he has transformed this Station which used to be covered in undergrowth to a Station where the landscape is trimmed foliage with planted trees.

During his stewardship a Helicopter Unit, which is a lodger unit of the Station, improved their operational capability and overall service ability. The unit took part in numerous counter insurgency operations with outstanding alacrity due to his overall guidance.

His eye for detailed and expert supervision has helped in saving of substantial amount of money. He optimised the use of vehicles resulting in a saving of nearly 3000 Itrs of petrol every month. During his period of command the vehicle serviceability improved to 98% against an earlier 50%. In the field of signals equipment the serviceability has been increased to nearly 100%.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Pradeep Kumar.

Group Captain Kuldip Singh Rana was commissioned on 19 December 1970, as a pilot in the flying branch. He has been Flight Commander (Flt Cdr) of two Canberra Squadrons (Sqns). The officer has also commanded a Canberra unit. He has 5000 hours of accident free flying.

Gp Capt KS Rana took over Command of No. 1 Delhi Air Sqn NCC on 31 August, 1992. Within a short period, using his immense motivational skills and personal example, he was able to substantially improve the administrative functions of the unit.

Gp Capt Rana was not satisfied with the quality and quantum of the gliding effort. He, therefore, completed his own glider conversion in the shortest possible time and got actively involved in the gliding training. Totally unmindful of his personal comfort and inconvenience, Gp Capt Rana plunged head long into the task of restoring the operational and administrative credibility of the unit. It is entirely due to his sustained hard work that the Sqn was able to achieve 4059 glider launches in 1992-93 and 4112 launches in 1993-94.

The officer also converted to microlight aircraft. During All India Vayu Sainik Camp (AIVSC) 93, flying from dawn to dusk, he completed air experience sorties of 500 cadets in seven days. During this period he also twice handled serious emergencies by landing the microlight ac safely after engine failure in the air. His unit was adjudged as the best Air Sqn in NCC at the Prime Minister's Rally 1995.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Kuldip Singh Rana.

Gp Capt Vivek Kumar Chopra was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in the Indian Air Force on 12 June 1971. His excellence in professionalism earned him the nomination for Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) course at rather young age. Thereafter, he was selected for Fighter Combat Leader Course. To make full use of his experience, the officer was specially selected as Directing Staff at the Tactics and Combat Development and Training Establishment (TACDE). He also held the appointment of Flying Inspector at Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. Gp Capt Chopra commanded a MiG-21 BIS Fighter Squadron (Sqn) in Western Sector. He ensured a high standard of training and discipline and the Sqn displayed exceptional flight safety record during his command tenure. This can be seen from the facts that the Sqn was adjudged amongst the best two Sqns in Western Air Command in flight safety. All pilots were made fully operational and despite the shortage of spares the Sqn flew more than 6000 sorties during 1989-91, which was the highest flown by any fighter sqn in IAF.

Currently, Gp Capt Chopra is discharging the responsibilities of Deputy Director Personnel (Officers) at Air HQ. In dealing with the great variety of cases in this key assignment, Gp Capt Chopra has displayed dynamism and bold initiative. The most significant contribution by him has been in updating existing personnel policies, ushering in computerisation in the key areas of this Directorate and carrying out in-depth studies in the case of manpower planning and their training. With his dogged perseverance, analytical and incisive mental facilities, Gp Capt Chopra has been able to take all the matters pertaining to his work situation to their logical conclusion.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Vivek Kumar Chopra.

Group Captain Shyam Lal Sharma was commissioned in the IAF on 05 July 1971. He performed creditably as Senior Engineer (Mechanical) at Air Force Station, Gwalior. He has held staff appointment at Headquarters, Central Air Command and also served as instructor at Mirage Maintenance Conversion Flight. He was trained in France on Mirage 2000 Aircraft.

Gp Capt Sharma, as Deputy Director Engineering at Air HQ from January 1993, was actively and directly involved in the study of proposals from French companies for overhaul of Mirage 2000 aircraft and aeroengine. He participated in discussions with technical and commercial representatives which involved hard bargaining and also prepared briefs for Price Negotiation Committee. Bringing his vast experience and first hand knowledge on Mirage aircraft to the fore, he detected a number of omissions, inaccuracies/discrepancies and redundant items in the proposals. This resulted in technically favourable and comprehensive contracts. With ingenuity and visits to units he identified 318 items for deletion from SNECMA proposals reducing the overall cost by approximately Rs. 8 crores.

Import of 16 complex facilities was essential to set up engine overhaul facilities at Kanpur. By his timely interaction with foreign vendors it was possible to complete the market survey, emphasis the special features to be incorporated during design stage and negotiate contracts in time. This avoided delay in setting up the facility and wasteful expenditure in sending the items to France for overhaul.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Shyamlal Sharma.

Wg Cdr Vinod Kumar Sharma was posted to Signals Intelligence Directorate Army HQ on 11 Apr 88. He is responsible for gathering the signal intelligence (SIGINT) in relation to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for acquiring its order of battle.

Wg Cdr Sharma achieved significant breakthrough and his analysis contributed to attain feasible solutions. Based on his analysis of PAD exercise, new equipment was procured. His projection of increasing air violations by Pakistan in J&K and Punjab sector proved correct and contributed in taking preventive steps.

He was primarily responsible for organising a vast data bank and is responsible for automation of Operational Analysis. His computerised Operational Analysis adopted in the inter-service organisation has opened up new possibilities of employing resources to task for optimum results.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Vinod Kumar Sharma.

Wg Cdr Raghuvir Singh Bragta was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 29 December 1968. He has 6002 hours of flying to his credit. Wg Cdr RS Bragta has held the appointment of Officer Commanding of a Radar Unit and Officer Commanding, Western Air Command (Unit).

Wg Cdr RS Bragta has made valuable contributions to the betterment of the unit administration in the last two years. With his zeal, foresight and sustained hard work he has brought about marked improvement in the working of various sections. The standard of amenities and facilities available to all the personnel of HQ WAC (U) has touched new high. Using his ingenuity and innovative approach, he has overcome the constraints of manpower and financial resources. With his leadership and motivational skills he has promoted new and efficient work ethos among the unit personnel. This has led to the completion of several works services speedily and with financial savings. He has also brought about significant changes to improve the security in Subroto Park.

Wg Cdr RS Bragta has also efficiently met all the operation related requirements as also the numerous administrative measures initiated to ensure the comfort and welfare of the personnel of HQ WAC (U). This has contributed positively towards achievement of desired tasks. Wg Cdr Bragta displayed exemplary professional competence, innovative organisational abilities and resourcefulness to improve the overall administration of the unit.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Raghuvir Singh Bragta.

Wg Cdr Deepak Sawhney was commissioned on 22 January 1972 in the Flying branch of the IAF. A Fighter Combat Leader, he is qualified on MiG-23 BN and Mirage 2000 aircraft. During 1986-89 he was the Flight Commander of a Mirage 2000 Squadron and was most effectively in carrying out all supervisory duties. In addition, he also flew 600 hrs on the Mirage ac during this tenure. He has 2400 hrs of accident free flying to his credit.

Wg Cdr D Sawhney was selected to command a Pechora missile sqn located at one of the premier operational bases in Western Air Command (WAC). Just prior to his taking over the squadron, the unit had been inspected and declared non-operational. Despite having no previous experience on the Pechora systems, Wg Cdr Sawhney was able to identify the weaknesses of his unit and initiate remedial measures. Due to his unstinted efforts, pragmatic approach to problems and dynamic leadership he brought about a sea change in the operational capability of the squadron. From non-operational squadron the unit transformed under his guidance into the Best Pechora Squadron in WAC.

During Wg Cdr Sawhney's tenure the squadron participated in three live firing camps at the missile firing range. The firing on all three occasions was a complete success.

Wg Cdr Sawhney has been on the staff of HQ Western Air Command since 01 Jul. 93. He has been instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of BAP-100 runway denial weapons as well as evolving a precise procedure for providing offensive air support by night on targets which are not illuminated.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Deepak Sawhney.

Wg Cdr Dharam Vir Arora was commissioned on 17 June 72, in the Accounts Branch of the IAF. He has served with distinction in a frontline fighter base, largest equipment Depot and Air Force Central Accounts Office. He also held many key appointments like Assistant Project Manager (Finance) with Aircraft Project Management Organisation, MOD, Staff Officer (SO) to Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Eastern Air Command and Training Command and is presently serving as Senior Accounts Officer (SAO), Air Force Station, New Delhi since 22 Mar 93.

As officer in-charge Provident Fund Cell at AFCAO, he was instrumental in successful transfer of Provident Fund Accounts from Joint Controller of Funds (Meerut) and thereafter their computerisation, thus, saving recurring expenses in up-keep and maintenance of these accounts. As Assistant Project Manager (Finance) with APMO (MOD), he saved over Rs. 20 crores worth of foreign exchange by way of liquidated damages from the foreign suppliers.

The role and functions of SAO AF Stn New Delhi, is to provide accounting services to over 7500 personnel and supervision of 17 Non-public Fund accounts. It entails handling the largest budgetary allocation in the IAF. Under the leadership of Wg Cdr DV Arora, there has been notable improvement in the quality of accounting services. Director of Admin Inspection of Air HQ, awarded the highest grading in the IAF, to the station accounts section during 1993-94. Directorate of Accounts, during the same period, assessed the section a 'Model Accounts Section' of the IAF. The key achievements of Accounts Section highlighted in their Tour Reports, include introduction of 'Daily Payment System', saving efforts of 16-20 paying officers per month following of 'Open Door Policy' for quick disposal of grievances and introduction of 'On the job Training' for the Accounts staff.

Along with his sustained efforts to enhance the standard of accounting services he has conceptualised a new scheme for completing 'Nomination' to Provident Fund accounts of airmen and Non Combatants (Enrolled) which has resulted sizeable savings in terms of money and man power.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Dharam Vir Arora.

Wg Cdr Vinod Agnihotri (13360) Medical was commissioned in the Medical branch of the Indian Air Force on 22 Mar 73 and has been posted to Air Force Station New Delhi as Staff Surgeon to the Chief of Air Staff since May 92. During his service the officer has held several important appointments at major Stations and Hospitals.

The officer completed his post-graduation in Medicine with distinction. Ever since, he has served as a Medical Specialist at various hospitals including Command Hospital Bangalore and at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME). At AFCME, he was actively associated in bringing up the department of Noniuvariye cardiology to international standards. He has also carried out projects on angiography in asymptomatic aircrew, 24 hours ECG monitoring in aircrew and lipid disorders in Air Force personnel.

Because of his exceptionally high standard of performance Wg Cdr Vinod Agnihotri was specially selected to be the Staff Surgeon to the CAS. During this period, he also attended to large number of cases of ischemic heart disease at the Station Sick Quarters. By his timely action he has been instrumental in ensuring prompt cardiac care thereby saving many valuable lives. In fact he is the most dedicated and sought after specialist, who carries out his professional duties with a missionary zeal. He has consistently maintained an ideal doctor-patient relationship.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Vinod Agnihotri.

Wing Commander Garimella Kundali Guru Prasad was commissioned on 28 February 1975 in the Medical branch of the IAF. Since then he has served as an ophthalmologist at Air Force Hospital Bangalore, Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) and Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME). In all his appointments he displayed a commendable flair for research and devotion to solve aircrew problems.

At the IAM, he applied himself to analyse, research and solve aviation related Opthalmological problems. His pioneering work in the area of aircrew vision resulted in permitting aircrew to wear contact lenses while flying thereby enhancing operational effectiveness. He designed and conducted field trials on improved corrective glasses for aircrew. Progressive and trifocal lenses introduced by him for the first time for the IAF aircrew were successful and popular. As Associate Professor of Ophthalmology under Bangalore University he trained many medical officers and aircrew. At AFCME he continued his research on improving aircrew vision and related in-flight problems of night vision and colour vision. He has presented several papers in national and international conferences and published many articles in Ophthalmology Journals. He was awarded the Fellowship of International College of Surgeons in 1991 and 'Best Paper Award' for his paper on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Ophthalmic diseases at Asia Pacific International Congress at Bangalore in 1993. At present, his studies are centered on evaluation of intra ocular lenses in aircrew and improving colour vision with special lenses.

A popular eye specialist, he has established and modernised many eye centres to provide facilities like contact lens clinics for families and glucoma detection for elderly retired people. As a welfare activity he has conducted eye camps at several Air Force Stations in and around Delhi and nearby rural areas enhancing the image of IAF and contributing to a national cause in prevention of blindness.

For distinguished service of high under the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Garimella Kundali Guru Prasad.

Wing Commander Narinder Kumar was commissioned in the Engineering branch of IAF on 05 January 1976. After serving as unit engineering officer in various capacities for eight years, he underwent Flight Test Engineer Course in 1984 and served as Flight Test Engineer for six years. During this period he specialised in Flight Testing, Aircraft Modification and Armament Integration. In 1991, he was posted to a Jaguar squadron where he specialised on Sea Eagle missiles besides serving as Squadron Engineering Officer. In 1993, he was posted to Air HQ as Deputy Director Armament and Safety Equipment to oversee Russian missile maintenance and repair projects. In November 93, he was transferred to Directorate of Projects where he is presently associated with development and experimental programmes.

In view of his background as a Flight Test Engineer and with special expertise on missile systems, he was given the responsibility to undertake aircraft adaptation trials of missiles over and above his primary duties. With ingenuity and dedication, he developed methods for dismantling missiles towards their life extension and performance checks. His initiative and contribution helped in repairing expensive missiles indigenously which otherwise would have required heavy expenses besides delays.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Narinder Kumar.

Squadron Leader Pran Kishore Kaul was commissioned on 10 June 1977 in the Accounts branch of Indian Air Force. He has held the appointments of staff officer coordination and Senior Accounts Officer of a forward area fighter base.

Squadron Leader Kaul has been on the posted strength of Directorate of Public Relations since 22 May 1989, first as Public Relations Officer, Western Air Command, IAF and later as Public Relations Officer Air Force.

The XXII Inter Services Best Physique Championship-94 and several other functions organised by Air Force have received prominent exposure in the national press. Meaningful publicity drive launched by the officer has been applauded all over and has put the Indian Air Force on a sound footing with media.

In short span of time, he proved his professional capability and organising ability on many occasions. His timely action for denial of an erroneous report of Indian Air Force crash some time back helped avert what could have resulted in a very embarrassing situation.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Pran Kishore Kaul.

Squadron Leader Mathew George was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 10 June 1977. During his initial service as Account Officer at Air Force Stations Hashimara and Chandigarh he displayed a unique penchant for planning and organising and was instrumental in clearing long outstanding audit objections. His tireless efforts, systematic professional approach and quest for excellence enabled AF Station Chandigarh to tighten budgetary control and streamline procedures for planned expend iture. During his tenure at AF Station New Delhi, he established himself in a short span of time by his meticulous and methodical working, proper timely action and watchful scrutiny and maintenance of records.

In recognition of his outstanding abilities he was appointed as Staff Officer to Director of Personnel (Officers). He was later chosen to be Staff Officer to Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command and finally ADC to Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters. The officer has discharged his duties in the most outstanding manner using well honed managerial stills to support the functions of the Secretariat of the CAS.

The Officer has displayed remarkable maturity in prioritisation of tasks as well as coordination among various agencies so as to achieve the desired results quickly. In addition, the officer's excellent qualities of management and inter-personal relationship allowed him to build excellent rapport with both the junior staff as well as the senior officers he had to work and interact with, helping in the ultimate objective of task accomplishment.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Mathew George.

Squadron Leader Mujeeb Ullah Khan was commissioned as an engineering officer in the IAF on 26 June 1978 and has been on the strength of Indian Air Force Element, taking part in the United Nations Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM-II) in 1993.

Sqn Ldr MU Khan has held many distinguished appointments. He was Senior Mechanical Engineer of an operational Wing at Leh, Flight Test Engineer and Instructor at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment, Bangalore. He was specially selected as Senior Technical Officer for the overseas assignment with United Nations Operations in Somalia. With characteristic thoroughness, he applied himself to the task and ensured that all requirements for servicing and maintenance of helicopters were listed, procured and despatched in time. With immaculate planning and involvement he ensured that the Indian Air Force helicopters were made operational within record time, when Mogadishu airport was under heavy fire by the militia.

Whilst contingent rotated their helicopters every four months with frequent engine change, Sqn Ldr MU Khan personally attended to minutest details and ensured that Indian Air Force helicopters were always airworthy without such expensive maintenance. Notwithstanding the tiring, taxing, tough and hostile working conditions the officer has involved himself well beyond the call of duty and with his exemplary leadership has been able to motivate, inspire and extract willing support from his subordinates.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Mujeeb Ullah Khan.

Sqn Ldr Sunil Kumar Sharma was commissioned on 15 June 1980 and has commanded a Mobile Observation Flight (MOF). During this tenure he had simultaneously officiated as the CO of another MOF. A total of nine observation posts (OP), jointly from both these MOFs, have been continuously deployed in 'OP Meghdoot' area. The MOF observation posts are not only highest in the world located at altitude of 15000 ft to 18000 ft but are also vulnerable to enemy fire. The operators have to live in shelters which are snowbound round the year with strong icy winds and tempratures ranging between - 15°C to -45°C. It is to the credit of Sqn Ldr Sharma that despite these he, with his involvement, professionalism and selfless devotion to duty, ensured that all his MOF posts remained fully operational and effective throughout his tenure. The successful observation and timely reporting of Pakistani Lama helicopter intruding into our territory during August 1992, which was ultimately shot down by our Forces, was also during his tenure. Realising the great hardship of his airmen, he kept his airmen highly motivated and dedicated towards their tasks by leading from the front by frequently visiting the forward posts, supervising and reassessing the situation, guiding and training them at their OP location and looking after their welfare needs despite the climatic and operational constraints. He ensured that all communication and OP equipment was kept fully serviceable throughout and his manpower trained on the newly inducted high-tech equipments. With his professional competence and excellent managerial qualities, he had the rare distinction of achieving 'Above Average' performance during Air Staff Inspection.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Sunil Kumar Sharma.

Squadron Leader, Vinod Kumar Goel was commissioned as an Engineer in the

Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch on 09 August 1984. While posted as an Engineering Officer of a Chetak/Cheetah Squadron, he performed creditably. Sqn Ldr VK Goel took over as Officer-inCharge General Engineering Section of a Base Repair Depot (BRD) on 01 January 1990. Due to the disruption of supplies of spares from CIS countries there has been an acute shortage of aircraft & aeroengine spares required for the overhaul task of the BRD. The officer indigenised many of these spares and thus immensely contributed towards meeting the annual production task of the depot. The Depot produced 70,000 items in 1991-92, 110,000 items in 1992-93 and 170,000 items of indigenised spares in 1993-94. It is a multifold increase over the 1990-91 figure which stood at only 28,000 items. The resultant annual foreign exchange savings was to the tune of Rs. 140 lakhs in 1993-94 as compared to 10 lakhs in 1990-91.

Sqn Ldr VK Goel is adept in reverse engineering. Many of the items produced by him were quite complex and required ingenuity, strong engineering fundamentals and self motivation. He has also indigenously developed test facilities to establish the reliability of the indigenous components for airborne applications.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Vinod Kumar Goel.

Squadron Leader Tushar G Desai was commissioned on 30 August 1984. He has been looking after the maintenance and servicing of Mi-8 helicopters and is the Senior Technical Officer of the unit.

It was his personal involvement in detailed planning that all the ten aircraft (ac) of the unit were made serviceable when the unit moved from Air Force Station Sulur to Air Force Station Jamnagar. This feat was once again repeated at Air Force Station Jamnagar, when under his supervision hundredpercent serviceability was achieved during more difficult times when the spares were not coming so easily.

The officer carried out a modification to the rocket sight camera of Mi-8 ac due to which the film runs even after the trigger is released and the impact point of rocket is thus filmed. This has helped tremendously in analysing the firing techniques of pilots and improvement in operational efficiency.

During an exercise, one Mi-8 helicopter of the unit required a change of the cooler fan assembly at Goa. Normally, both the engines have to be removed to carry out this change. Because of non-availability of specific ground equipment and to avoid further delay, it was decided to do it without removing the engine. Special tools were fabricated by Sqn Ldr Desai at the Naval workshop. The task was completed in the shortest possible time inspite of the fact that the unit was not on an Air Force base.

One helicopter of the unit had carried out a single engine landing at Rajkot airfield. To retrieve the ac it was decided to dismantle it and bring it by road. Under the supervision and guidance of Sqn Ldr Desai, the entire aircraft was dismantled and loaded on specially prepared trailers within three days. Personal liaison and interaction with the civil authorities by the officer resulted in the Post and Telegraphs Department and Gujarat Electricity Board Department detailing teams with special insulated T-bars to raise the high tension cables and telephone wires all along the route till Jamnagar. Thus, the task was achieved well ahead of time, with limited resources and minimal expenditure.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Tushar Gunvantrai Desai.

Junior Warrant Officer Udai Vir Singh was enrolled as Workshop Fitter on 07 November 1964. While on the posted strength of a Base Repair Depot (BRD) he has been working in structural bay and has been leading repair parties to out-stations to carry out on site repairs to aircraft and make them airworthy.

He has acquired proficiency in structural repairs of MiG-23 aircraft. He also successfully carried out certain structural modifications on MiG-23BN aircraft to accommodate electronic equipment.

He has immensely contributed in the repair and recovery of an IL-76 aircraft stranded during December 1992. Though he had never worked on IL-76, with deep knowledge and experience on aircraft structures backed by his innate sense of duty he successfully repaired the honey comb portion of the starboard Flap Root End within four days, totally ignoring the inclement weather prevailing. He also replaced the top skin of Root End Tip of port wing covering the honey comb structure which required high professional skill and deft handling. He carried out the repair on yet another aircraft which had its outer skin and also the honey comb portion of the Port Flap Deflector damaged.

With his skill on repairs of any control surface of aircraft he has earned the reputation of a master craftsman on structural repairs.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Junior Warrant Officer Udai Vir Singh.