Group Captain RS Tathgur was commissioned on 29 Dec 68. A veteran fighter pilot with over 4100 hours of accident free flying to his credit, he is also an A-2 flying instructor. Further his track record as Flight Commander and Commanding Officer of two operational Squadrons is excellent.

Group Captain RS Tathgur was posted as Academy Flight Safety & Inspection Officer in Apr 93 and took over as Chief Operations Officer in Apr 94. The Academy flies over 18,000 hours per annum. Most of this is carried out by ab-initio trainees, which explains the crucial role of both the above appointments in maintaining a safe flying environment. That the Officer has more than met the standards expected of him is evident from the fact that the Academy accident rate for the year 1993-94 was zero. Further as Chief Operations Officer he has maintained a continuous check on potential hazards to flying by eradicating bird roosting areas in the aerodrome vicinity, paying great heed to aerodrome maintenance, introducing Red & Green periods for flying and personally surveying and clearing sectors for low flying. He was also responsible for revamping the pre-accident plan and ensuring its regular practice. These achievements undoubtedly contributed a great deal to the Academy winning the Best Flying Training Establishment trophy for two consecutive years and the coveted Flight Safety Trophy in 1993-94.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain RS Tathgur.