Group Captain Shakti Bhushan Prasher (12442) AE (M) is commanding No. 8 Base Repair Depot since 09 Oct 95. He is a versatile and innovative Engineer who has constantly exhibited a very high degree of professionalism and technical acumen throughout his career.

During his tenure in a Squadron, operating state-of-the art combat aircraft of the IAF, he had accepted the challenge to modify the air intakes of the aircraft against the advice of the manufacturers to ferry the aircraft abroad for this modification. The task was executed to perfection on all aircraft of the fleet and thus a very large amount of foreign exchange drain was averted. As Senior Engineering Officer with Air HQ Communication Squadron, his recommendations on periodicity of Check II servicing of Boeing-737 aircraft resulted in substantial savings to the Exchequer. During his tenure as Senior Engineering Officer, the Squadron completed approximately 25,000 flying hours without any incident or accident on three different variants of aircraft used for conveyance of VVIPs. For distinguished services rendered, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff on 26 Jan 94. Under his command, No. 8 Base Repair Depot has recorded all round improvement in production, administration and environmental upgradation. Under his direction, the Depot has completed four Vehicle Re-engineering Projects with available infrastructure and expertise, which has enabled them to complete overhaul of a number of vehicles lying unserviceable for many years. With sustained hard work, he has inspired personnel under him to improve technical practices, develop new concepts and innovative methods towards achieving a high standard of performance.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Group Captain Shakti Bhushan Prasher.

Air Commodore Shakti Bhushan Prashar, VSM (12442) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the IAF on 06 Jan 70. During his career of over 33 years, he has successfully held important appointments such as Senior Engineering Officer (SEO) at Air HQs Communication Squadron, Chief of Functional Wing at Base Repair Depot (BRD), CO of a BRD and HQ Central Air Command (CAC). He was awarded VSM in 1998. The officer was the Air Officer Commanding of a BRD prior to his retirement on 30 Sep 03.

During his tenure at AF Station Gawlior, he accepted the challenge to modify the air intakes of Mirage 2000 ac against the advice of the manufacturer to ferry the aircraft abroad for retro modification. As SEO with Air HQ Communication Squadron, his recommendation on servicing of Boeing-737 aircraft resulted in substantial saving to the exchequer. As CEO HQ MC, he controlled all maintenance related matters in respect of the fighter fleet of IAF besides direct control of production activities of two BRDs. The project managed by him included indigenous development of overhaul technology for MiG-29 ac, Total Technical Extension Project for MiG-29 ac, Life Extension of MiG-25 ac, Viper Aero-engines and Avionic Modification.

His qualities of leadership, man management and administrative acumen came to the fore while commanding a BRD. His untiring efforts in providing transparent pro-active administration resulted in improved morale, excellent work culture and higher production outputs. In functional areas, he guided the production, indigenization and logistics management activities of the BRD. As a result the depot was assessed as Best Depot during the last year.

Air Commodore Shakti Bhushan Prashar, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.