Air Commodore Gautam Sengupta (12743) Accts was commissioned on 26 Jun 1971. For his high professional competence, he was commended by AOC-in-C, Western Air Command, IAF in 1978, by AOC-in-C, Maintenance Command, IAF in 1989 and by the Chief of Air Staff in 1993.

On taking over as Command Accounts officer on 20 Oct 1997 this officer identified vital areas which could enhance the quality of life for not only serving personnel but retired personnel too. With his zeal and drive he was able to computerise the Accounts Section in HQ Central Air Command (CAC) and all other Station Accounts Sections of this Command. This effect was not restricted only to Public Fund. The Non Public Funds also benefited immensely. The CSD Canteen of HQ CAC has been completely computerised which has resulted in accurate provisioning, sales and accounting and has reduced the customers waiting at the counter considerably. This had led to enormous improvement in customer satisfaction. With his innovative ideas, and constant persuasion he was able to convince HQ State Bank of India to open a Model Bank of UP area at this HQ. The Bank underwent a total transformation at a record time of six months with modern building, online computer services with Automated Teller Machine (ATM) facilities. All service personnel and civilian employees have been benefited by this modernisation. With the implementation of Fifth Pay Commission the pension orders issued by Controller of Defence Accounts (CDA) were required to be revised for all pensioners. With his personal involvement, keen interest and a good rapport with CDA, Air Cmde Sengupta was able to complete this Herculean task in time bound manner. He was made the nodal point by Air HQ to settle numerous outstanding pension cases for retired officers, airmen and family pension for widows.

His excellent knowledge, thoroughness and foresight in Public Fund Operation, Non Public Fund management and growth, Budgetary Control, Settlement of Audit Objections and judicious utilisation of funds ensured maximum benefit to all the Stations. Because of his personal involvement, constant monitoring and check, there was no case of loss or misappropriation in any of the Non Public Funds in CAC in the last three years.

For his sincere and single-minded devotion to service interest, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Gautam Sengupta.