Group Captain Chennupati Ramachandra Prasad (14998) Flying (Navigator) was commissioned in the Flying Navigator's Branch of the 1AF off 10 Jun 1977. He has been CO of AF Stn, Begumpet since 29 Jan 01. In 26 years of distinguished service, he held several prestigious appointments, including Commanding Officer Navigators Training School (NTS), Directing Staff (DS) at Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and Station Commander AF Station, Begumpet. Presently, he is held on the posted strength of HQ EAC, 1AF.

Gp Capt Prasad has displayed exemplary leadership qualities during his tenure as the Station Commander of AF Stn, Begumpet. During surprise inspection carried out by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) team in Apr 2002, the Station was assessed 'High Average' in operations, training, maintenance, administration and air warrior qualities. DAS1 team commended the effort put in by the Station personnel under the leadership of Gp Capt Prasad.

The team building capability of Gp Capt Prasad resulted in all round improvements in operations, maintenance and administration of AF Stn, Begumpet. During the Commanders' Conference held at Headquarter Training Command in Aug 2002, the Station received three trophies (Flight safety and Maintenance Safety Trophy to Navigation Training School and two trophies for AFWWA and Hindi implementation).

Gp Capt Prasad has consistently endeavoured to improve the quality of life of the personnel placed under his command. His efforts were particularly focused on Flight Cadets, Airmen, NCs(E) and civilians. During his tenure, a number of works services and amenities were created for the benefit of airmen and flight cadets. This emphasis on the quality of life has ensured the highest level of motivation of air warriors under his command. The personal example set by Gp Capt Prasad has elicited the best out of all personnel. This was evident in the static display that formed part of the 1AF awareness campaign in the Twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Despite the short notice of just one-month, the static display conducted at AF Station, Begumpet was a grand success, where more than 1.5 lakh people visited the show. The ability of Gp Capt Prasad to marshal all available resources and meticulously implement the plan of action contributed in large measure to the success of this event. He displayed exemplary tact in coordinating with various agencies of Government of Andhra Pradesh and Airport Authority of India.

For his distinguished service of high order and exemplary leadership qualities, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Chennupati Ramachandra Prasad.

Group Captain Yadunath Jayram Sathe (15044) Logistics was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the IAF on 10 Jun 1977. He has held various staff and instructional appointments, which include Asst Director Armament and Safety Equipment at Air HQ, Directing Staff (Logistics) at Air Force Academy, Senior Logistics Officer (SLO) at Air Force Station, Jamnagar. His contribution as Senior Logistics Officer at Air Force Station, Jamnagar was particularly noteworthy during the cyclone of Jun 1998, Op preparedness during Kargil Op 1999 and the Bhuj earthquake in Jan 01. Gp Capt Sathe is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington. Presently, he is posted as Command Logistics Maintenance Officer (CLMO) at Headquarter Western Air Command (HQ WAC) since 01 Jul 2002.

At HQ WAC the task of managing logistics supplies to all WAC units during 'Op Parakram' was a daunting task. Later, during Oct-Nov 2002, deinduction of forces and equipment needed a huge transportation effort. Gp Capt Sathe handled both the tasks professionally and with aplomb. Post 'Op Parakram', he initiated a programme to ascertain and replenish the deficiencies in tentage and camouflage nets, caused due to long term deployment. He has also brought out a manual on clothing.

Gp Capt Sathe actively monitored the logistic activities at all WAC bases and guided the SLOs towards purposeful logistics support to all operational and maintenance tasks assigned to the units and stations. His proactive logistics planning, positive attitude and continuous dialogue with SLOs, brought about a qualitative change in the logistics support at the field level. As CLMO, he tirelessly pursued the supply chain for procurement of Aircraft on Ground (AOG) spares. He gave valuable and timely inputs on shortage of tyres for fighter ac which enabled taking corrective measures to tide over the critical period. Further, four Sqns were re-located during past six months. For the first time, the Sqn moves were accomplished using road transportation. Apart from the savings accrued, the advantages of doorto-door delivery ensured safety of equipment. MT management by SLOs went through the period of consolidation in 2002-03. Careful handling of MT funds along with planned down-gradation of vintage vehicles resulted in net savings of over 12% during the year 2002-03. His follow-up on rotation of vehicles at Leh and Thoise has improved the vintage of vehicles at these Stations.

Gp Capt Sathe has tremendous teambuilding and management abilities. These, coupled with astute professional knowledge, foresight and an eye for perfection have enabled him to post a new benchmark in logistics management in this premier operational command.

In recognition of his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Yadunath Jayram Sathe.

Group Captain Dattatray Keshao Pande (15081) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering Branch of the IAF on 25 Jul 1977. During 26 years of distinguished career, he has held important appointments at operational Stations, Base Repair Depot (BRD), Technical College and Air Headquarters. Presently, he is Director Engineering at Air HQs since 08 May 2001. As Senior Engineer (Aircraft) at Air Force Station Pune during 1997 to 2001, he planned and set up infrastructure for Su-30 fleet, achieved self-sufficiency in maintenance operations in shortest time and minimised dependence on Russians. He ensured very high availability of aircraft and engines by conducting on site repairs and resolving design related issues. The on-site repair of engines has resulted in saving of approximately $ 7.8m. His pioneering work in indigenisation of Flight Data Recorder (FDR) decoding equipment has resulted not only in substantial saving in foreign exchange but also made the additional FDR decoding equipment available to the operators. This has helped a great deal in achieving high standards of operational and maintenance safety.

As Deputy Director Engineering in MiG27 aircraft cell, through foresight, proactive provisioning and optimum management of resources, he ensured very high serviceability and availability of MiG-27 fleet during 'Op Parakram'. As Director Engineering, he is involved in all maintenance and logistics activities of newly inducted Su-30Mk-I aircraft. With his focused approach on key result areas, he has set in place an effective maintenance Support system. He participated in many price negotiation meetings with foreign vendors, leading to considerable reduction in price and speedy conclusion of contracts. Under his guidance, indigenisation programme of Su-30Mk-I spares is progressing on fast track. His constant interaction with HAL and MoD officials has resulted in satisfactory progress of repair and overhaul programmes of Su-30-Mk-I aircraft.

He has always led from the front as a true leader with unquestionable loyalty and integrity. His selfless devotion to service and ever-willingness to take on challenging tasks has always been exemplary and worth emulating.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Dattatray Keshao Pande.

Group Captain Anirudh Prabhakar Kaduskar (15189) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 28 Dec 1977 as a Fighter Pilot. He has a total of over 3000 h of accident-free flying on fighter aircraft. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College. He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor with over 1200 h of instructional flying to his credit. During his 26 years of distinguished service, he has held various field and staff appointments, which include Chief Operations Officer at a premier fighter base, Commandant of Electronic Warfare Range at Gwalior and Directing Staff at Defence Services Staff College. Presently, he is posted as Deputy Military Secretary to the President of India since 11 Oct 2002. He was commended by AOC-in-C, Training Command in Jan 1990 and by the CAS in 1994.

As the Deputy Military Secretary to the President, Gp Capt Kaduskar is responsible for coordinating all the functions and ceremonies at Rashtrapati Bhavan and also all the functions in Delhi as well as outside Delhi. In addition, the officer also co-ordinates other engagements of the President; viz., calls by various individuals/groups of people in consultation with the personal cell of the President. Over the period of last eleven months, he has performed these duties in an exemplary manner with sincerity, patience and devotion. He is meticulous and incisive, possesses sound judgment, which is obvious in his careful planning & execution of the President's tours to all the states of the country. He displays excellent leadership qualities while working together with the other military staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan; viz, the AsDC and JCO AsDC to the President, the President's Bodyguard and the Ceremonial Section, Tour section and the Invitation Section. Ever willing to take on additional responsibilities, the officer maintains a very high level of rapport with all the other security/civilian/military staff of the Presi dent's Secretariat. While exercising abundant care and caution in discharging his duties, the officer displays courage, tact and discretion. He is lively, warm, affable and possesses impeccable manners.

For his exemplary conduct, professional approach and distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Anirudh Prabhakar Kaduskar.

Group Captain Anup Ghosh (15563) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 30 Dec 1978. During his 25 years of service, he has held the appointments of Flight Commander and Commanding Officer (CO) of a MiG-21 Bis Sqn. He is an A-2 Quali fied Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and also an alumnus of College of Defence Management. Presently, he is the Director, Concept Studies since 01 Nov 2002.

Under his Command, the Sqn did exceptionally well and won two trophies and the overall championship in the Gunnery meet in the Command. The Sqn also maint ained 100% serviceability on all occasions, including Kargil Operation, when the Sqn was deployed at three bases. He led by example and flew over 700 sorties during his command of .two years.

During his tenure at Air HQ in the last three years, Gp Capt Ghosh has held various appointments like Deputy Director (Air War Strategic Cell), Joint Director (IT & Information Warfare) and Joint Director (Space Application). He has written various concept papers on the induction of simulators in the IAF, deployment of the IAF in insurgency, space applications, nuclear matters, information warfare and information technology, which has formed the base of creating the IAF philosophy. He has single handedly written the doctrine for information warfare. He has also authored the air operations of the Kargil War, drafted the Air HQ War Book (based on the Union War Book) and brought in changes in the operat ion instructions of the IAF to suit the environment.

His concepts on operational matters and self-learning in computers has enabled him to understand complexities of modern war where he could suggest improvements in the IAF roadmap on Network Centric Warfare. Gp Capt Ghosh has an innate ability to comprehend complex tasks and produce results at an exceptionally fast pace.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Anup Ghosh.

Group Captain Hemant Sharma (15941) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering Branch of the IAF in Jan, 1980. He has held the appointments of Senior Technical Officer (STO) of a fighter Sqn, Chief Engineering Officer (CEO) of a Forward Base Support Unit (FBSU) and Joint Director at Air HQ. Presently, he is held on the posted strength of Air HQ since 01 Apr 2000.

During his first posting as Engineering Officer, he displayed extraordinary professional competence and retrieved four Caribou ac, grounded for seven years, after carrying out modification to propeller feathering system. As STO of MiG-25 Sqn, he ensured high operational status by carrying out 3rd and partial 4th line servicing of ac at Unit level, as no repair depot existed for this ac. He also ensured successful induction of vital systems for frontline fighter aircraft in the shortest time possible. At Air Force Station, Gwalior, he set up maintenance facility to repair electronic items of ground-based systems that were earlier sent to France. This resulted in savings of close to one crore rupees in foreign exchange. For his professional excellence, he was commended by the CAS. During his tenure as CEO Air Force Station, Naliya, the unit was adjudged the best FBSU.

As Chief Engineer Telephones at Air HQ, he has been instrumental in setting up computer network connectivity between all Directorates at Air HQ (VB) and Air HQ (RKP). Through ingenious methods he set up data connectivity with Western Air Command by utilising available hardware. Presently, as JD AWACS, he is handling important projects such as Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and all air defence radars. With his absolute involvement, zeal and enthusiasm he has been able to ensure fast progress on all new schemes. As a result, the Directorate has been able to conclude procurement of two important projects and two more are nearing completion.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Hemant Sharma.

Group Captain Pankaj Aneja (15975) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering Branch of the IAF in Jan, 1980. The officer is ME (Mechanical) in Air Armament. He has undergone Air Staff Course at Defence Services Staff College. He was commended by AOC-in-C, Maintenance Command in 1991 and by the CAS in 1995. Presently, he is on the posted strength of Air Force Station, Ojhar since 06 Nov 2000.

He took over as Senior Production Engineer in MiG-23 overhaul line when the production line was passing through a difficult phase. The post production aircrafts were experiencing repeated snags on autopilot and avionics systems during test flights and large number of serious structural defects, severely affecting availability of aircraft. He regrouped his team and brought about an appreciable improvement by reducing the air test requirement from over ten to an average of six air tests. With his professional skills, he indigenously developed structural repair schemes and facilitated repair of number of aircraft by the depot team. Under his guidance as Chief of Aircraft, the depot for the first time in the history, not only achieved the task but also ferried out all MiG-23 and MiG-29 aircraft to operating units in the same production year. This was despite the fact that aircraft were inducted late for overhaul and there was shortage of manpower due to augmentation during 'Op Parakram'.

The officer also provided valuable guidance to rectify SM 293 aircraft, which had serious and chronic snag of Revolution Per Minute (RPM) drop since the year 1995. He has also made significant contribution towards fast recovery of 16 MiG-23 aircraft unserviceable due to Main Landing Gear (MLG) beam crack, issue of STI (Special Technical Instructions) on MLG beam, life extension review on MiG-23 aircraft, and fabrication of snow clearance rig.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Pankaj Aneja.

Wing Commander Tonda Sree Venkatesh (16796) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying branch of the IAF on 04 Jun 1982. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College. He was awarded Commendation by the CAS in Dec, 1989 for flying operations in Operation Meghdoot. He also took part in Operation Pawan during 1989-90. He was the Flight Commander of a helicopter unit from 1996 to 1999. Presently, he is the Commanding Officer of a Helicopter Flight (HF). On taking over the HF in May 2000, Wg Cdr Venkatesh revised the Standard Operating Procedures for IAF helicopter flying over the sea at Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which has become operational. Considering the depth of his knowledge and experience on different roles of helicopter operations, Wg Cdr Venkatesh was nominated as a member of the Inter Services Joint Planning Group for the AMPHEX 2001. This led to smooth conduct of helicopter operations during the exercise. Under his command, the Flight achieved 100% serviceability for 131 days during 2001-02.

During the tenure as Commanding Officer, Wg Cdr Venkatesh was instrumental in commencing armament training for the Flight for the first time in Nov, 2000. During Dec, 2000, he commenced inter-island night cross-country flights for the first time in the history of the Helicopter Flight and cleared four aircrew on the role. Both these aspects enhanced the operational capability of the HF. In Jun, 2001, Wg Cdr Venkatesh was tasked to carry out a feasibility study to land a Mi-8 helicopter on the deck of a merchant vessel 'MV Swarajdeep'. After extensive study, he carried out the trial landing on board the deck of 'MV Swarajdeep' on 28 Apr 2002. This event has opened the options for tactical deployment of Mi-8 at sea as well as its transportation by ship.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Tonda Sree Venkatesh.

Wing Commander Arvind Kumar Dwivedi (16979) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the 1AF on 29 Dec 1982. He has flown 3000 h on MiG-21 and Mirage2000 aircraft. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and a Qualified Flying Instructor. In 21 years of distinguished service he has held several important appointments like Flight Commander of a fighter Sqn and Station Flight Safety and Inspection Officer (SFS10). For his zeal, professionalism and dedication to the service, he has been awarded CAS Commendation on three occasions. While working as SFS10 at AF Station, Gwalior, Wg Cdr Dwivedi created an excellent flight safety environment and brought down the bird strikes to zero thereby bringing tangible savings to exchequer. As a result, the station was awarded flight safety trophy for two consecutive years.

He took over command of the first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Sqn on 01 Jul 2002 during 'Op Parakram'. He displayed exemplary professional vision in exploiting the versatile UAVs. He contributed immensely in refining and upgrading the professional standards of op crew and ensured 100% fully ops status of the Sqn. His emphasis on training and consolidating of tech crew has ensured that all unit level maintenance activities are undertaken without the assistance of manufacturer, thereby saving precious foreign exchange. He flew more than 200 h in last one year and was directly involved in all operational missions. He played a stellar role in developing and formulating UAV tactics and Standard Operation Procedures for integrated training, joint operations and ferry of UAVs. He utilized his vast operational experience in deploying the Sqn at these different op locations in J&K sector during last one year. In addition to meeting all the Air Force tasks of obtaining target intelligence, the unit also flew operational missions in support of Army operations providing valuable and timely intelligence.

Under his supervision, the Sqn has contributed immensely towards conducting UAV Technical Type Training (TETTRA) courses despite severe constraints of manpower and resources. As a pioneer in the filed of UAV, he has presented three valuable service papers on "UAV Mission Planning in High Risk Areas", "Employment of Modern UAVs and UCAVs" and "UAV-HRD Management".

For his contribution in the field of UAVs and for distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Arvind Kumar Dwivedi.

Wing Commander Vellore, Doraiswamy Eshwar (16994) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 29 Dec 1982. He is a MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilot. The officer is a Fighter Combat Leader who has been the Deputy Commandant at Tactics and Air Combat Development and Training Establishment (TACDE). He is also an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College. Presently, he is the Commanding Officer of a missile Sqn since 29 Mar 2002. Wg Cdr Eshwar assumed command of Missile Sqn, whilst the Sqn was deployed for 'Op Parakram'. Inspite of the trying circumstances of an active operational deployment, in a very short span of time, Wg Cdr Eshwar built up his professional knowledge and understanding of a complex system to his customary high standards. Notwithstanding the fact that the Sqn was deployed at two op locations, geographically separated by over 2000 km, he ensured that the op capability of the Sqn was maintained with 100% serviceability for the entire period of 'Op Parakram'.

During deployment, certain urgent modifications had to be carried out on the system to ensure operational efficiency. The military necessity of 'Op Parakram'demanded that these be carried out in field conditions. Despite the misgivings of the manufacturers, the officer accepted the responsibility and planned on site modifications at both Op locations in a phased manner, wherein the combat readiness of the Sqn was never compromised. He also ensured cross training of the available manpower towards multiskilling/tasking. Through involvement and initiative of the officer, the unit converted two common user trucks for mounting refuelling modules and operationalised them in a short span. Using his exceptional management skills, he has also been able to save on system inventory spares, computer peripherals, specialist tools, spare engine propellers etc to the tune of $ 100,000.

For exceptional overall performance during the period, the Sqn was adjudged as the best missile Sqn of Central Air Command for 2002-03, which is an acknowledgement of the officer's deep involvement.

For his professional acumen and distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Vellore Doraiswamy Eshwar.

Wing Commander Thazhe Para Hari Prasad (17036) Administration was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the 1AF on 29 Dec 1982. Presently, he is on the posted strength of HQ Training Command, 1AF since 23 Apr 2001 as the Command Judge Advocate.

Wg Cdr Hari Prasad has introduced a new work-ethos in the Command Legal Section. Instead of working in a compartmentalized fashion, he has encouraged all other sections to interact and seek the advice of legal section before taking decisions on major issues, which has ensured issue of foolproof and legally sound orders/directions. Wg Cdr Hari Prasad has institutionalized the monitoring of civil suits in the Training Command. His approach of shouldering the responsibility of civil cases by legal officers, rather than leaving them to the concerned units and sections has paid rich dividends in defending civil cases. He possesses intellectual honesty of the highest degree and always renders correct, complete and appropriate legal advice to his superiors.

Wg Cdr Hari Prasad has an astute sense of comprehending and identifying problem areas. While analysing the observations by civil authorities on unauthorised possession of liquor by Service personnel he was quick to point out the anomaly existing between the Service rules and the State Excise laws leading to the perceived violation of State Excise Laws. When the Andhra Pradesh Government called up AF personnel to pay profession tax, against the usual norms, he carried out an analytical examination of the situation and suggested the solution to exclude Service personnel from the purview of the order of the State Govt. To equip the Air Force officers in dealing with legal problems, Wg Cdr Hari Prasad has also mooted the idea of starting a Paralegal course.

Wg Cdr Hari Prasad continues updating his legal knowledge. He has used his higher legal qualification to the hilt in his appointment. It is a testimony of his professional competence that in the past about five years, Wg Cdr Hari Prasad has been often selected as the Judge Advocate to conduct the Court Martial especially in the complex cases. All the Court Martials conducted by him were logically concluded and the decisions whenever challenged were upheld by the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India.

Soft-spoken and mature in his dealings, Wg Cdr Hari Prasad leaves an indelible impression on the others. Always ready to shoulder additional responsibility cheerfully, he keeps his subordinates well motivated for any responsibility. The legal activism innovated by him in identifying problems and rectifying them in administrative and training matters is evolving into a new work culture, motivating his juniors to foster professionalism.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Thazhe Para Hari Prasad.

Squadron Leader Mahesh Kumar Abrol (17391) Administration was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the IAF on 22 Dec 1983. He has held the appointments of Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO), Senior Administrative Officer (S Adm 0), Works Officer and Security Officer at various AF Stations. Presently he is Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Security Officer and Officer Commanding (OC) DSC Coy at Air Force Station, Kalaikunda.

Sqn Ldr Abrol handled two extremely sensitive but vital issues, which had a bearing on security and flying environment. The first case related to removal of 155 unauthorised shops/hutments, in existence for the last 30 years just outside the main gate, posing grave security risk. The officer succeeded in getting the shops and hutments demolished in a peaceful manner. This was achieved within a time frame of eight months. In this respect he had to hold a series of meetings and make reconciliatory approaches in various forums involving shopkeepers, political leaders and Govt officials, which he did with professional acumen. The demolition also entailed the rehabilitation of shopkeepers on humanitarian grounds. The officer, therefore, also pursued resolutely the case with the district administration for allocation of two acres of land especially for the purpose and the political leadership for the financial assistance for

construction of the new shopping complex. In the process, the officer not only earned the goodwill of the displaced shopkeepers, who were resettled in the new complex, but also enhanced the image of the Air Force amongst the local population.

In the second case, the issue of the pollution caused due to unloading of cement clinkers from railway wagons just outside the Air Force Camp merited an early solution. The cement dust due to unloading process was not only affecting the safe flying environment but was also causing serious health problems to the residents including about 1200 school children. The case was pursued spiritedly for over one year, entailing collection of evidence and logical presentation of the case to the Appellate Authority of the Pollution Control Board, Kolkata and the Min of Defence. Finally executive orders for stoppage of unloading of cement clinkers were issued and the processes of unloading cement clinkers ceased thereafter. The associated issues in this case were the security and traffic threats due to engagement of hundreds of unverified labourers and civil trucks just outside the Air Force Camp, which also got resolved in the process. The officer received special tributes of the Honorable Judges of the Pollution Control Board.

While handling the above cases, Sqn Ldr Abrol had met with threats of his life. Undeterred, he pursued both the cases to final outcome best suited to the interest of the Air Force. The officer thus displayed tremendous courage, sincerity of purpose and dedication beyond the call of his duties.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader Mahesh Kumar Abrol.

Squadron Leader Vineet Goel (20699) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering Branch of the IAF on 11 Mar 1991. The officer has varied experience and has worked as Deputy Chief Engineering Officer at Southern Air Command. He was commended by AOCin-C, Central Air Command in 1995 and by the CAS in 1997. Presently, he is on the posted strength of a Base Repair Depot (BRD) since 11 Dec 2000.

Sqn Ldr Goel has excellent organisational skills and has ensured efficient and smooth flow of work by reorganizing the overhaul activities. The officer has regular interaction with Equipment Depot (ED) and HAL (Kanpur). His meticulous planning, hard work and persistent efforts have helped completing the task of 10 AN-32 overhaul before 31 Mar 2003. Implementation of structural modifications during overhaul was a grey area in AN-32 aircraft. After detailed study he fabricated local tooling, devised detailed procedure and implemented four out of six modifications. This has obviated the need for deputation of foreign specialists for implementation.

The officer is an excellent professional and applies his knowledge effectively through total involvement and dedication. He has been giving invaluable suggestions to overcome critical problems in AN-32 fleet. When a transport ac veered off the runway on landing at Kanpur, he was able to pinpoint the exact reason for this to the inadequate engagement between follow up system bell crank and nose wheel steering cylinder. He then suggested a procedure for testing and rectification of the defect to prevent any recurrence. A snag of aircraft rolling to port side on selection of antiicing on an another transport aircraft of Chandigarh, which existed for more than three years was successfully rectified under his direct supervision. His other noteworthy contributions are successful completion of life enhancement studies on AN-32 Flexible Fuel Tanks and preparation of Corrosion Prevention and Control Programme document.

For his professional capabilities, efficient managerial skills and distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader Vineet Goel.

Group Captain Vijay Kumar Dayalu, VSM (13096) Adm was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the IAF on 17 Jan 1972. He has held the appointments of Camp Commandant at Air HQ, Chief Administrative Officer at AF Station, Tezpur and AF Station, Jalahalli, and Senior personnel Staff Officer at Central Air Command. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College. He was awarded VSM in 1994.

Gp Capt Dayalu has been President, Central Airmen Selection Board (CASE) since 01 Jul 2002. On taking over, he faced the challenge of impersonators posing as candidates, imbalance in all India representation and some lengthy manual procedures, making the selection process a difficult task. By introducing a proactive vigilance system, implementing personal interviews and use of digital cameras, he has been able to reduce the involvement of impersonators which is evident from the fact that over one hundred persons have been booked in various civil cases. He has strived hard to make the system transparent by including Warrant Ranks in all stages of selection. The scope of recruitment rallies has also increased and resulted in a substantial rise in the number of candidates selected. A total of 1300 candidates were enrolled in Jun 2003 as against 2182 candidates in the preceding six years. The selection system has been made candidate friendly by increasing medical appeal centres from 7 to 12. In addition, he has introduced many time saving features and innovative systems to ensure effective resource utilization in his area of work such as clubbing of Gp 'Y' streams, introduction of workshops to train civil candidates by the State Govt and raising the educational level criteria from 45% to 50%. This has led to a major saving of 30% of manhours, which are now being diverted to ensure a better selection system.

For his distinguished service of very high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Vijay Kumar Dayalu VSM.