Air Marshal Sunil Kumar Malik AVSM (9002) F(P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in the Flying branch on 25 December 1964. He has over 4200 hrs of accident free flying to his credit. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and Air War College of USA. He is a production test pilot, who has held several key appointments such as Joint Director at Directorate (Offensive Ops), Commanding Officer of the Aircrew Examining Board, Air Attaché Moscow, Air Officer Commanding of two operational bases, Additional Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations), Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at South Western Air Command. He was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1996. Presently he is Vice Chief of Air Staff since 01 October 2004.

As Air Officer Commanding, Air Marshal Malik carried out the task of reassessing the operational deployments of Air Defence systems. He executed a major operational work of runway resurfacing with top quality within a record duration of six months. During his tenure the average aircraft serviceability improved from 65% to 74%.

As Additional Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) during Kargil air operations, Air Marshal Malik made significant contribution in planning the target systems and acquiring intelligence on those. He was also instrumental in harmonising all Electronic Warfare Operations. Major inter service and internal changes were necessitated post-Kargil Review Committee recommendations, for which he effectively planned and brought about organisational changes for better exploitation of intelligence network.

As Senior Air Staff Officer of South Western Air Command, Air Marshal Malik most efficiently and expeditiously brought all the forces to an instant alert status ready to face any challenges. He also ensured that all forces remained deployed with a very high level of operational preparedness with sustained high morale. He organised and executed realistic training exercises for bringing about synergy between Air Defence and Strike Forces. During this period extensive flying training were carried out with the lowest accident rate.

As the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQ Southern Air Command, Air Marshal Malik brought about administrative improvements not only in the work environment but also in the quality of life of personnel below officer rank. He was Chairman of an Inter Services Study Group, which was constituted to study and make recommendations in respect of the selection process for NDA, its service training syllabi and other curriculum. The study group under his leadership has made valuable recommendations towards meeting the future requirements of all the three services

Air Marshal Sunil Kumar Malik AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Satish Kumar Jain AVSM VM (9716) F(P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October 1965 in the fighter stream. During his distinguished service of 39 years, he has held many challenging flying and staff assignments, which include command of a fighter Sqn and two front line fighter bases, head of Air Faculty at the DSSC, Director Air Defence, ACAS (Op Concepts & Doctrine) at Air HQ, AOC J&K and the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), HQ Training Command. He has flown over 4200 hours on 25 different types of aircraft. He is a QFI Cat A2 and a Production Test Pilot. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1987 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1998. Presently he is AOC-in-C South Western Air Command since July 2004.

As Director Operations (Air Defence), Air Marshal Jain conceptualized and formulated the futuristic op requirements of modernisation of the country's air defence systems. Their implementation will have a far-reaching effect in enhancing the effectiveness of our air defence. He was also actively involved in planning and support for Op Safed Sagar, which entailed rapid deployment, adjustment and support to Air Defence forces. As the Air Officer Commanding J&K, he successfully accomplished all air logistics and fighter/ combat operations from the six airfields and numerous wheelbases in the J&K and Siachen sector. During the summer of 2000 he overcame a serious logistics crisis at the base camp due to flood-related destruction of bridges with astute employment of his limited airlift resources. The combat capability of his fleet was improved significantly through systematic training, coordination and trials in difficult terrain.

As the ACAS (Operational Concepts & Doctrine) Air Marshal Jain contributed significantly to increase international coop-eration with many countries. As the leader of the Indian Military Delegation to Tajikistan, he saved the exchequer many crores by convincing the Govt of Tajikistan to supply unused Pechora missile spares free of cost thus giving a muchneeded relief to the Pechora squadrons. His dedicated efforts led to the successful conduct of Executive Steering Group meetings with the USAF, which led to unprecedented level of IAF-USAF joint exercises. He was the nodal coordinator at Air HQ for evolution and implementation of joint staff structures pursuant to the recommendations of Group of Ministers to revamp the national security system. He drew up the road map for induction of simulators in the IAF. As SASO, HQ Training Command, Air Marshal Jain initiated concrete steps to upgrade the skills and categories of instructors and controllers, which has resulted in upgradation in large numbers. He ensured significant improvements and growth in networking and computer aided learning at all training units,

Air Marshal SK Jain has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Subhash Bhojwani AVSM VSM (9734) F(P) was commissioned in the IAF as a Fighter Pilot on 16 October 1965. He has flown over 4500 hours on single engined aircraft, which include 31 combat mission in December 1971 in the Western Sector, for which he earned 'Mention-in-Dispatches'. He is a Fighter Combat Leader and one of only two IAF pilots holding QFI cat A-1. For his distinguished services, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1993 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1997. A graduate of RAF Staff College and Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies, Air Marshal Bhojwani has held prestigious field, staff and instructional appointments including CO of two fighter squadrons, Chief Operations Officer of flying station, instructional assignments at DSSC and College of Air Warfare, Air Officer Commanding of a premier fighter base, Director Ops Offensive and Air Staff Inspection, Commandant Air Force Academy and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of Western Air Command, before being appointed as AOC-in-C Training Command since Jul 2004.

As Director Operations (Offensive), he systematised WWR management and measures to optimise availability of weapon and fuses (Project Checkmate). During Kargil operations, he was member of Core Group at Air HQ and was nominated as media spokesman for IAF in which capacity he brought into public focus the crucial role of air power in that conflict. During 2000-02, as commandant Air Force Academy, he restructured the training to optimise existing resources and improves training standards.

At the height of Op Parakram, Air Marshal Bhojwani was appointed SASO, WAC, where he was instrumental in bringing the entire operational assets of the Command to a very high state of readiness. During his two year tenure, he oversaw induction and operationalisation of new technology equipment such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Bison, Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR), Mi-35 upgrade and Integrated Command Air Tasking System (ICATS), as well as expansion of operational use of computer and data networks. The smooth conduct of several major exercises and flawless completion of Op Meghdoot tasks bear testimony to his conceptualisation and management skills. His standard of staff work and related activities has set a benchmark for others to follow.

As AOC-in-C Training Command Air Mshl Bhojwani involved himself in the restructuring of training of airmen and the establishment of the AF Engineering College.

Air Marshal Subhash Bhojwani AVSM VSM has throughout rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani AVSM VM (10440) F(P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 29 October 1966. During his distinguished service of 40 years he has held a wide range of important operational and staff appointments which include Defence Attaché to Sweden, Commanding Officer of a premier Air Force base, Director of Offensive Operations, Air Advisor to the CAS and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers). He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, where he served as an Instructor. He has flown a large number of combat aircraft in the lAF's inventory, and has also gained proficiency in flying helicopters and transport aircraft. Since the early years of his service, his exceptional flying skills and disciplined approach were recognized at every level. During the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, he flew 22 operational missions on MiG-21 aircraft into enemy territory, thereby making a significant contribution to the war effort. For his dedicated efforts and high level of professional skills, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1987 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1991.

In 1984, Air Marshal Bhavnani was selected to lead the IAF team to France to fly the newly acquired state-of-the-art, Mirage 2000 aircraft. On return, he commanded the Battle Axes Squadron and equipped it with the new aircraft and was responsible for laying a strong foundation for the lAF's Mirage fleet. During his tenure as Commanding Officer of prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), he introduced a wide range of changes in the curriculum, leading to significant improvements in lAF's combat skills and orientation.

As SASO HQ CAC, sustained efforts made by Air Marshal Bhavnani ensured successful induction and operationalisation of the newly acquired Flight Refueling Aircraft, 1L-78. In February 2003 he successfully coordinated the first ever Indo-French combat exercise held at Gwalior, involving modern combat aircraft. Later, he also successfully handled the task of planning and conducting the first Indo-US air combat exercise at Gwalior in October 2003. His meticulous preparation and expert professional guidance resulted in the successful conduct of this exercise, which brought in extraordinary accolades from the US Air Force.

In his present assignment as Commanderin-Chief of the Strategic Forces Command, Air Marshal Bhavnani has initiated several important measures to optimize the integration of forces and command and control of the strategic systems with a view to increase the operational potential of the Strategic Forces.

Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Harendrajit Singh Garkal VSM was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the IAF on 15 December 1968. He is an alumnus of the College of Defence Management. During his distinguished service of over 35 years, he has held varied key appointments such as, Air Staff Inspector, Officer Commanding GCA Radar Squadron, Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Personnel Staff Officer, Air Officer Commanding Equipment Depot and Senior Officer-in-charge Administration. Presently he is Air Officer-in-charge Administration since 22 March 2004.

Air Marshal Garkal has brought laurels to the organisation through his exceptional calibre, sincerity, honesty and unimpeachable integrity. He has left an indelible stamp of professionalism in all his previous appointments. For his professional and distinguished service of high order, he was commended by AOC-in-C in the year 1977 and was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1997. As Officer Commanding GCA Squadron, Air Marshal Garkal pioneered the integration of GCA and Air Defence radar for optimum operational Results. As Chief Administrative officer of a major base, he brought about perceptible improvement in all spheres of administrative activities. As Air Officer Commanding Equipment Depot, his far-sighted and proactive approach saw creation of some strategic, permanent assets, besides establishing an innovative inventory management system.

As Senior Officer-in-charge Administration at HQ Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Garkal successfully used his vast experience to bring about qualitative and quantitative changes in the maintenance and upgradation of infrastructure. He took initiative to set up Command Museum and Archives. He ensured efficient management of Public funds and evolved an ethos of cost consciousness leading to desired improvements in all facets of administrative activities.

As Air Officer-in-charge Administration Air Marshal Garkal has initiated steps to ensure quality planning, effective monitoring and execution of operational and security related works. His professional and result oriented guidance to the AFCAO culminated into landmarks e.g. e-POR for officers and airmen, software for data inputs by units, etc. Under his able guidance, sports and adventure activities have got a fresh impetus. His tenure has brought in significant and genuine long-term welfare measures. A drive to improve education standards in Air Force Schools, office computerisation and greater attention to improving the infrastructure at remote locations deserve a special mention. His wholesome involvement and guidance are distinctly visible in every facet of administration, whether in support of operations, welfare, sports, discipline, security or financial management.

Air Marshal Garkal has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Parimal Kumar Sarkar (26480) Med (Retd.) was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on 24 July 1966. During his 38 years of distinguished service he held various coveted appointments which include Senior Advisor in Preventive and Social Medicine, Reader at AFMC, Assistant Director of Health HQ 3 Corps, HQ 4 Corps, HQ Western Command and Commandant of prestigious Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB). He was commended by the Chief of Army Staff for his meritorious service in the year 1997. He retired as DGMS (Air) on 30 September 2004. Earlier, in his formative years, Air Marshal Sarkar earned the qualifications of Diploma in Public Health (DPH) and Diploma in Industrial Health (DIH). He is also a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM). He served with distinction as a specialist in PSM at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. As Reader at AFMC, he distinguished himself as an excellent medical teacher and guided many research projects and PG students. He displayed excellent administrative skills as Commandant CHAFB. He modernised various departments of CHAFB & ensured adequate comprehensive health care to all patients. Patient satisfaction irrespective of rank & status was his primary concern. During his tenure as Commandant, CHAFB was adjudged as “Environmentalist of the year 2002" and was awarded first prize in Hospital Waste Management System by Karnataka State,

As Deputy Director General (Pension) at the office of DGAFMS, Min of Def, Air Marshal Sarkar was instrumental in revision of the book “Guide to Medical Officers - Military Pension" which guides all medical officers of the Armed Forces regarding attributability, aggravation of the disabilities and disability pension. He ensured revision of all the Armed Forces Medical Forms used for admission, discharge in hospitals, medical categorization etc.

During his tenure as DGMS (Air) Air Marshal Sarkar focused on improving patient care in hospitals and training of doctors and para medical staff in the Air Force. Due to his endeavour, state of the art equipment has been installed in the Air Force hospitals which would further augment the patient care. A new electronic medical records data management system has been established at the Med Dte to maintain records of all AF officers across the country.

Air Marshal Sarkar has excelled himself as a professional teacher and displayed excellent organisational skills as an able administrator and contributed significantly to the growth of medical services of the Armed Forces. He has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.