Wg Cdr Subhanka Sekhar Lahiri has been on the posted strength of an Air Force Flying unit.

In all activities the job performance of the officer has been of an exceptionally high order. This officer has exhibited extraordinary innovativeness for the benefit of the service. The sight head in a (MiG Variant) considerably reduced the cockpit visibility. Wg Cdr Lahiri took upon himself the task of preparing an aircraft with reflectors removed and again with sight head removed for flight trials. The aircraft was flight tested and the Squadron pilots confirmed that cockpit visibility during landing had significantly improved.

Two (MiG) aircraft had met with accident some time back and sustained different degree of damage. They were to be withdrawn, crated and sent to HAL for repair. Displaying considerable boldness, the execution of the task was taken up by Wg Cdr Lahiri. One aircraft was built up assembling the front fuselage of one aircraft and wing, rear fuselage, oleo legs and other rotable of the other aircraft. The engine was also replaced and judicious cannibalisation from other unserviceable aircraft was also resorted to. The aircraft was successfully launched into the air on 29 Apr. 89. This task of creating a new aircraft was completed in a record time.

For his all round capability, innovative skill and high level of leadership qualities, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr SS Lahiri.

AVM SS Lahiri took over as AOC of a BRD on 13 Sep 99 with a specific task of streamlining the test equipment management which was hitherto in total disarray. He started with the massive task of census of test equipment in the IAF, followed by identification of deficiencies and making them good through import or indigenization. His interaction with indigenous entrepreneurs has resulted in an indigenization of a number of complex testers with improved technology and reliability. By his sustained efforts, BRD could commission and streamline the functioning of mobile air transportable test equipment calibration set up. Beside the mobile set up, AVM SS Lahiri has also established stat of art echelon III test equipment repair facilities at the base depot. For all these efforts, the Bureau of Indian Standards has awarded ISO 9002 accreditation to his depot in recognition of the quality prod uction lines. Outstanding contribution by AVM SS Lahiri has enhanced the availability of testers at the field unit's manifold.

In addition to the repair and calibration of testers, Avro Check II servicing and Dornier 2400/3600 servicing is also done at a BRD. Under the watchful eyes of AVM SS Lahiri, both these lines have performed exceptionally well. Especially on Dornier the servicing time has been cut down to 50% as compared to the time taken by HAL and that too with the small work force of 40 technicians.

Air Vice Marshal Subhanka Sekhar Lahiri, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.