Air Marshal Proteep Kumar Ghosh VSM (7106) AE (L) is working as Senior Maintenance Staff officer at HQ Maintenance Command with effect from 24 May 99. Earlier in his career starting from 29 Jan 63, he has been recipient of several fellowships of different academic institutions, namely IETE and Telematics Forum of India. He also holds the membership of prestigious Indian Science Congress, Institution of Engineers (India) and Aeronautical Society of India. In his distinguished career he has held the key appointments such as Officer Commanding, Station Commander, Air Officer Commanding of a very important Base Repair Depot, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of an operational command and ACAS (Sys) at Air Headquarters. Besides, he was Air Officerin­Charge Maintenance for two years before taking over as SMSO at HQ MC, IAF.

During the recent Op Safedsagar, when the situation warranted the modification of EW equipment on the Russian fighter aircraft and helicopters, he took up the challenge. With his professional competency and efficient leadership, he ensured completion of task in record time at the BRDs. He has also continuously stressed the need of making IAF self reliant with indigenization efforts, and has worked on it with a singular aim to reduce the foreign dependency to the minimum. The positive support of PSUs and other industries in this direction was successfully achieved with his enthusiastic approach, which have been of immense help in making significant progress toward indigenization and saving substantial amount of foreign exchange. Also, he has embarked upon the life extension programme for different types of ageing aircraft and their overhaul with indigenous capability. Under his guidance the Maintenance Depots have undertaken the modernization drive in IAF and the old infrastructure is being revamped by sophisticated modern stat of art technology machines in a phased manner.

Air Marshal Proteep Kumar Ghosh VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Krishna Chandra Varma (7583) Met has functioned in the capacity of Director Met and later as ACAS (Met) at Air Headquarters with effect from 01 Dec 94.

During his tenure at Air HQ, AVM Varma has worked with dedication and single­minded purpose to enhance the efficacy of Met services in the IAF. The officer has played a major role in the induction of modern Met equipment in the IAF. The introduction of Satellite Reception and Video Display Systems at IAF bases has provided timely and high quality Met information. The availability of accurate and prompt Met forecasts has contributed immensely towards enhancing flight safety. The officer was also instrumental in reorganizing the communication network with India Met Department. His dedicated efforts resulted in better connectivity, automation and access to valuable Met data from Indian Meteorological Department. His praiseworthy efforts have resulted in enhancing the reliability and accuracy of Met forecasts. The saving of manpower due to automation has led an annual savings of over Rupees ten lakhs. The implementation of the officer's proposal to include personnel below officers rank for independent forecasting duties has enabled the IAF to overcome shortage of officers in the Met branch to a great extent.

The officer has had a brilliant academic and professional record during his thirty six years of distinguished service. He stood first in the Senior Forecasters' Course in 1972 and later topped the course on Computer Oriented Scientific Techniques in Management conducted at Defence Science Centre Delhi in 1979. He is a graduate of the National Defence College. AVM Varma is currently a member of the Editorial board of the National Met Journal 'Mausam' published by IMD. He has also participated and effectively contributed in a number of National and International seminars and symposiums on Meteorology.

Air Vice Marshal Krishna Chandra Varma has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Suresh Chandra Vohra (6713) Lgs was posted as Air Officer-in-charge Logistics Management at HQ MC from 10 Jul 95 to 21 Mar 99. He is a graduate of National Defence College and has undergone a number of professional courses besides holding prestigious appointments including command of two of the Equipment Depots. He is a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal and has been commended twice by the CAS and once by an AOC-in-C.

The provisioning and procurement responsibility of aircraft spares of Kiran Mk­I & II, HPT-32, Dornier and Cheetah/Chetak helicopters along with clothing and MT spares was transferred from Air HQs to HQ MC on an experimental basis with effect from 01 Apr 96. AVM SC Vohra took charge of new commitment and applied his professional and managerial skills with zeal and enthusiasm to produce commendable results. Specific achievements are given in subsequent paragraphs.

He ensured adequate and speedy availability of aircraft spares by proper forecasting and initiating timely procurement. The serviceability of these centralized fleets during the last two years has been very high and much above the target. The MPE figure was reduced voluntarily thus resulting in reduced inventory carrying cost as well as cash outflow. Though the net saving in this regard have not been calculated, these would however run into crores. 100% availability of clothing items has been ensured while reducing the expenditure. This was achieved by regular monitoring of various locations, frequent reviews and positioning of stocks directly at nodal points instead of centralized stocking which also meant reduced inventory carrying cost.

Air Vice Marshal SC Vohra has made innovations in the field of Logistics Management, which have far­reaching impact.

Air Vice Marshal SC Vohra VSM, has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Man Mohan Sehgal, VSM (8390-F) F (P), commissioned on 18 Apr 64 and with 2578 hours of accident free fighter flying, has held numerous Command and Staff appointments with distinction. He is a fighter combat leader, a graduate of DSSC and has undergone the Higher Command course. Consecutively for two years, the Squadron that he commanded was declared 'Best Supersonic Sqn' of the IAF. He encountered successfully the threat from subversive elements and yet maintained high state of operational preparedness when commanding both Amritsar (including a short stint at Trincomalee) and Srinagar which had a lot to do with his superior leadership, managerial skills, innovative approach and administrative ability.

As SAASO, HQ MC, IAF he contributed immensely by innovative approach of personally directing “Nodal Point Works Conferences" on a regional basis, which paid rich dividends. His directional ability and firm attitude brought about minimum rate of 2­wheeler accidents and the least outstanding movements in the year 1997-98. He was not only largely instrumental in compilation of an excellent book on “Protocol & Quality of life" but also, introduced numerous innovative measures to enhance the quality of life through out the Command.

He is presently posted as ACAS (Plans) w.e.f. 17 Aug 98, a job that has an unlimited canvas and is extremely demanding. In a short span of time with no previous experience in the Plans Branch, he has acquired the highest levels of requisite job skills beyond all expectations. He has introduced regular inter­branch coordination/integration interactions on an organised scale leading to expeditious processing of various projects. His excellent communication skills and flair for liaison with various agencies has further contributed to hastening of on going schemes. The officer was most actively involved in promptly responding to all war equipment requirements during the Kargil operations. His infectious work ethos, excellent monitoring and feed back system, positive attitude, intellectual honesty, being oblivious of long working hours and unquestionable loyalty and integrity are hallmarks of his personality. He belongs to that breed of officers who always leave a void wherever they have worked, since the standard they set for themselves and the atmosphere of cordiality and commitment they engender are difficult to replace and replicate for sheer quality.

By his selfless devotion to duty, ingenuity, resourcefulness, remarkable foresight and vision, wholehearted involvement and exceptional administrative and planning acumen, Air Vice Marshal Man Mohan Sehgal, VSM has rendered distinguished service of an exceptionally high order. AVSM 2000

Air Vice Marshal Arunachalam Saibaba (9996) Adm was commissioned on 26 Dec 65 in the Administrative Branch of IAF. For the first twenty-five years, as a Fighter Controller, he was associated with Air Defence Operations of Air Force and held various associated appointments at field, training establishments and HQs. He has to his credit more than 300 live interceptions and was Air Force Examiner for seventeen years. He is recipient of 'Best Professional Award (Fighter Controller)' award from the Prime Minister in Oct 84. He also performed creditably during his stint as operation Manager on the research and development project 'Low level Radar Networking Group' at Bangalore. After his reversion to administrative duties in 1991, the Air Officer has distinguished himself in the appointments of Chief Administrative Officer of a Fighter Wing, President of Central Airmen Selection Board, Senior Personnel Staff Officer of an Operational Command, Provost Marshal (Air) and Director Air Force Works. Currently he is functioning as Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration, Training Command. An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, the Air Officer has acquitted himself with credit throughout his service career.

Air Vice Marshal Arunachalam Saibaba has capably handled the administrative support machinery at Training Command leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the required administrative cover is available to meet training schedules as per time­frame. All administrative aspects pertaining to Aero-India 98 namely work services, manpower augmentation, hospitality and security were taken care of adequately under the stewardship of the Air Force. A large number of compliments in this regard were showered by various visiting dignitaries.

Air Vice Marshal Arunachalam Saibaba has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Puzhankara Ambalavattam Hari Mohan, VM (9723) F (P) was commissioned as a pilot in the flying branch on 16 Oct 1965. he has held prestigious field and staff appointments. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for his devotion to duty while commanding an AN-32 Sqn. Being professional to the core and widely experienced, this officer has made valuable contributions in improving professional standards of transport pilots in the IAF. During his squadron commander's tenure, a discernable improvement in the categorization state of pilots was achieved at this station.

His tireless efforts in improving the operational status of all the flying units in his station has ensured high state of availability of aircrew and aircraft at all times. This resulted in the achievement of all major tasks including successful conduct of field exercises. Two seminars on transport operations were organized at Air Force Station, Agra and the benefits derived by the participants were highly appreciated.

Air Force Station Agra had for a long time been seriously affected by shortage of water and electricity. Air Cmde Hari Mohan, with his personal involvement, determination and relentless interaction with civil authorities, managed to improve the situation beyond expectations. Various welfare measures initiated and services provided have contributed immensely in improving the quality of life of all personnel at Air Force Station Agra.

Air Vice Marshal Puzhankara Ambalavattam Hari Mohan, VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Prakashchandra Khandubai Desai, VSM (10078) AE(M) took over as Air Officer Commanding of a major maintenance base on 16 Aug 96.

During his career, besides having an excellent academic record in numerous service and civil course including DSSC and post graduation, he has successfully handled critical appointments of Test Engineer at Aircraft and System Testing Establishment (ASTE), Dy Air Attaché at Embassy of Moscow, Chief Engineering Officer at 11 Wing and Chief of Planning at 11 BRD before coming to 402 Air Force Station. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1984 for major contribution in many weapon evaluation, adaptation and testing trials at ASTE.

His qualities of leadership and man management and administrative acumen came to the fore while commanding this base. His untiring efforts in providing transparent, proactive as well as sensitive administration resulted in improved morale, better work culture and higher output. In functional areas, he personally guided the production activities of Base Repair Depots, logistic management of Equipment Depot and modification tasks of V/UHF Installation Team.

Besides surpassing the production targets for three years in running, establishment of M-53 Depot Level Maintenance, computerization of inventory and disposal of large salvage store were some of the major achievements. Airfield maintenance, accident/incident free record of operations, resolution of major land disputes, improved security environment, welfare of personnel and their families and provision of better living conditions/ work environment were other areas where he diverted his energy vigorously and achieved great success.

He has been the Chairman of many joint studies with scientific and R&D organizations. He was also involved in various studies like currency of foreign exchange for the state. He was also involved in various studies like trifurcation of AE branch, reorganization of R & SUs, trade allocation of airmen and review of quality assurance services at BRDs. As Chairman Aeronautical Society of India UP & Bihar Chapter, he conducted seminars on subjects of Air Force interests like rubber technology, vibrations and metallic materials for aviation, which gave great impetus to indigenization efforts.

Air Commodore Prakashchandra Khandubai Desai, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Avdesh Kumar Singh, VM, VSM (1105) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Jun 67. During his thirty­two years of service, he has held important Staff and Command appointments like Squadron Commander of a fighter squadron, Chief Operations Officer, Station Commander of ADDC and Air Officer Commanding of an operational wing. During Srilankan crisis, he was appointed the Task Force Commander of Jaguar Forces. He flew thirty photo reconnaissance missions over Srilanka by day and by night. For his contribution during Srilankan crises, Air Commodore AK Singh was awarded Vayu Seva Medal.

As an Air Officer Commanding of an operational wing, Air Cmde AK Singh focused on improvement in quality of life, living conditions and most importantly, operations and flight safety. His emphasis to create awareness of flight safety have paid dividends as there was no cases of bird strike during 199697. With the recovery of eight aircraft on AOG for periods ranging from eight months to two years, the station recorded an all times record in serviceability of aircraft in the Indian Air Force. It was a creditable performance.

He is presently posted as Air­1 in Western Air Command. His notable achievements have been his major contribution towards Ex­Trishul and the ongoing Kargil crisis. His control, careful formulation of plans and execution thereof, have yielded the desired results. He was instrumental in developing connectivity of all Stations under WAC on Wide Area Network, which was tested successfully for the first time ever during ExTrishul. The system was well appreciated by all concerned and is now being introduced in other operational commands as well. By his exemplary involvement and rare dedication, he made a substantive contribution towards the operational preparedness of units/squadrons under Western Air Command. His efforts towards planning and conduct of Air Operations in the current Kargil crisis were also noteworthy.

Air Commodore Avdesh Kumar Singh, VM, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Bhushan Nilkanth Gokhale, VM (11630) F (P) was commissioned as a pilot in the flying branch on 02 Jun 1968. He has been an instructor both at FIS and DSSC. He was awarded the Vayu Seva Medal while commanding a fighter sqn. He is a graduate of Air War College, USA. He has also served as Defence Attaché in Indian Embassy at Cairo. He has flown various types of aircraft and has about 3700 hrs of incident free flying. Presently, he is commanding a major fighter base.

Air Cmde BN Gokhale possesses exceptional managerial skills, which he has effectively put into use. He has activated the parallel taxi track, south dispersal and under ground base operations, all of which were lying unused for a long time. He provided impetus to the maintenance activity. For the first time inventory control was carried out resulting in very high and sustained serviceability of both Jaguar and Mi-8 fleet at the base.

During last year's flash floods in Eastern UP Air Cmde Gokhale promptly responded to the call of the Civil Administration. Under his able leadership the station carried out two months of sustained relief operations providing succour and relief to lakhs of hapless and marooned masses. This was appreciated by the Prime Minister of India himself.

With his sustained efforts and close liaison with Civil authorities the station reacquired over fifty acres of land which had been encroached upon. He is also responsible for activating Darbangha airfield, which was lying unused since long.

Air Commodore Bhushan Nilkanth Gokhale, VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Kanwar Dalinderjit Singh (12403) F (P) has been the Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Bidar, a flying training establishment (FTE) since 05 Jan 98.

Last year he took significant and bold steps to improve the working environment in the station. By his own example he brought up a culture of hard work and professional honesty. The Air Officer motivated all personnel to bring about a high degree of general cleanliness, neatness, maintenance of buildings and beautification of surroundings. He ensured that all the Flight Safety Directives were implemented strictly and ensured that all unwanted vegetation was removed. By close supervision, detailed planning, motivation of maintenance personnel he succeeded in improving the serviceability state of aircraft from an average 40-50% to 80-90%.

Air Officer led the flying training wing by personal example and motivated the flying instructors to upgrade their instructional capability and category. He flew with each and every instructor and also sample test sorties with trainees to maintain high standards of training. As a result of high quality of flying AVSM 2000 and academic training, trainees of Air Force Station Bidar performed better than their counterparts in other FTEs. They secured high positions in the overall final merit.

He closely supervised the training of Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team inducing high degree of professionalism and perfection in their displays. The Air Officer was instrumental in a quick attainment of nine aircraft display capability in the new profile. He, with his foresightedness and innovative thinking, directed the aerobatics team to build a variety of display maneuvers.

The Air Force Station was adjudged the best flying training establishment in 1998-99 considering an overall excellent performance in flying training, maintenance and administration. The achievements of the station were also appreciated by the Chief of Air Staff during his visit in Jul 99.

Air Commodore Kanwar Dalinderjit Singh has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Bijender Singh Siwach VM (12413) F(P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Jun 1970. An exceptional and keen flier, he has over 6000 hrs of accident/incident free flying to his credit. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for exceptional devotion to duty in 1979. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and College of Combat. He is an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor with over 1500-hrs instructional flying in India and abroad. During his long and meritorious service, he has acquitted himself creditably particularly while commanding Mi-17 and Mi-8 Helicopter units.

Gp Capt BS Siwach, immediately after assuming the command of Air Force Station, Sarsawa on 05 May 97, whole heartedly devoted himself to the task of building up his station personnel into a well knit cohesive and professionally competent force. Displaying a very high degree of organizing ability, foresight, initiative and resourcefulness, he brought about distinct all round improvements in every facet of the station functioning. A highly committed officer, he has ensured a very high standard of operational preparedness of the station. His innovative approach in conducting two highly successful Flight Safety Weeks has contributed immensely towards the promotion of Flight Safety.

Keeping the resource crunch in mind, Gp Capt BS Siwach motivated his personnel to innovate, indigenize and fabricate mobile AVSM 2000-01 starting and servicing power trolley, six test benches and host other items. The mobile power and hydraulic trolley which have been fabricated without any addition in manpower or resources are being used as a substitute to Russian Appa and Upega vehicles costing around Rs. 50 lakhs each in foreign exchange. In addition, these trolleys have enhanced operational flexibility and effectiveness and a saving of recurring expenditure to the tune of approx. Rs. 2500/- per day.

Gp Capt BS Siwach with his personal liaison and relentless efforts, has been able to ensure uninterrupted power supply on the station as against earlier 8 to 9 hours power shut down every day, thus enhancing quality of life and morale of the station. Under his leadership, Air Force Station, Sarsawa has been awarded best Transport and Helicopter Wing and best overall runners up Wing Trophy in Nov 1998.

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

Group Captain Ajay Shriniwas Karnik, VM (13140) F (P) has been the Base Commander of a FBSU, Air Force since May 97. Commissioned in the IAF as a fighter Pilot on 24 Jun 72, Gp Capt AS Karnik has had a distinguished record as a Squadron pilot. He is a graduate from Defence Services Staff College. Prior to taking over his present assignment, he commanded a fighter squadron and has done a tenure as Chief Operations Officer at a major base.

As a station commander of this important forward base he has brought about an all round improvement in the operational, maintenance and administrative set up. Notwithstanding the remote location of the unit he successfully inspired his men and officers to perform optimally and achieved the desired results. Activities like setting up of ASBADC, replacement of AC plant in ATC, clearance of vegetation around runway shoulders, improvement in drainage system to prevent flooding of runway were achieved with innovative use of unit resources within the PDCs. Apart form contributing extensively during FPDs, the unit took an active part in Ex-Shivshakti and EX-Gujraj. Successful UAV trial and day-night SHB operations in conjunction with Army were carried out from this base during the period of exercise. A big thrust was given to improve the technical practices and working environment within the base. The technical flight at Uterlai was successfully set up with transfer of manpower and equipment from Jodhpur. Timely completion of various labs contributed in a large measure to the expeditious setting up of tech flight. Works services were given a fill up resulting in more than 20 original works being executed within the PDC and savings ranging from a few thousands to Rs. 10 lakhs in some cases.

Displaying leadership qualities of high level, Gp Capt AS Karnik led by setting a personal example in the base. He has successfully infused a sense of pride and camaraderie amongst the personnel resulting in their battling against all odds to achieve success.

Group Captain Ajay Shriniwas Karnik, VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.