On the evening of 14th November, 1986, an unexpected and very high snowfall blocked both ends of the 3,400 meter high Zozila pass. Over one hundred vehicles were trapped in the pass along with their occupants. Numerous landslides and avalanches further added to the disaster. Wing Commander Maheshwar Dutt flying a Mi-17 Helicopter, flew a total of 75 rescue sorties, 56 of them in the first four days. He personally rescued 145 persons saving them from almost certain death in the raging blizzard with wind speeds of 70kmph and temperatures well below zero. On no occasion was a prepared helipad provided and Wg Cdr Dutt often landed on compact snow by the roadside. These operations, from makeshift helipads scarcely larger than his helicopter wheel base were carried until all the trapped persons were evacuated.

Wing Commander Maheshwar Dutt thus displayed conspicuous courage and sustained endurance in the face of hazardous natural conditions.

Air Commodore Maheshwar Dutt, KC (11607) F (P) was commissioned on 18 May 68 in the IAF. In 33 years of distinguished service, he has held several important command and staff appointments that include command of Mi-17 units both in Siachen and Tawang sectors, Director of Training in DGR (MOD), Air II J&K, Command of two flying stations, Command Personnel Staff Officer at HQ Western Air Command and Director Operations (T&H) at Air HQ.

He is one of the first two Commanders of Mi-17 units in IAF. He raised the Unit and declared it operational in Siachen area in record time. During the first year itself, unit was awarded the best helicopter unit trophy under his command. During this tenure he had single handedly carried out the famous 'Zojila Rescue' operation, which features in the Books of World Records. He was awarded Kirti Chakra on 26 Jan 86.

During 1991-93, he was Air II J&K area and had streamlined and optimized the air maintenance activities in Siachen area. He was appointed Station Commander of a station in J&K in 1995-96, when it was worst affected by militant activities. He vigorously motivated others and professionally organized all activities to meet challenging task in J&K and Siachen areas. During 1996 he was selected as Task Force Commander to conduct Heliborne Exercise Chakravyuh involving 47 helicopters in formation at night.

Air Cmde Dutt was the Director Ops (T&H) at Air HQ from 08 Aug 98 to 03 Jan 2000, which was crucial period since Air Logistics in Siachen area had increased manifolds and country was hit by unprecedented number of floods and natural calamities followed by Kargil Operations. Air Cmde M Dutt assumed command of 36 Wing on 04 Jan 2000. Station is dispersed at four locations and poses many challenges. With his foresight and dynamic approach, he has brought up the station in all respects and has tremendously improved the quality of life of all personnel. He has made a big headway in all areas involving Operations, Maintenance and Administration through innovation and self help schemes under station arrangements.

Air Commodore Maheshwar Dutt, KC has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.