Flight Lieutenant Seethraman Lakshimarayan Thantry was a member of the team entrusted with the task of installation, testing and commissioning of Diesel Generating Sets in the Power House.

On the 14th October, 1982 after the rectification of excessive vibrations in one engine, it was started for further checks. As soon as the engine was started it went into runway condition, the speed shooting up much beyond the normal operating speed of 1000 RPM. Efforts to shut off the engine from the electrical control panel in the Control Cabin, and also by manually operating the stop solenoid fitted on the engine failed. In the mean time the material on the exhaust pipe of the engine caught fire. The whole power house was filled with toxic fumes and heavy smoke which reduced the visibility inside practically at zero. Heavy sparks were also noticed from the alternator. Realizing the gravity of situation Flight Lieutenant Seethraman Lakshimarayan Thantry, decided that the fuel supply to the engine should be closed to starve the engine fuel. In spite of grave risk to his person he went crawling behind the engine and closed the fuel valve to the engine. The fire extinguishers were thereafter operated to put out the fire.

Flight Lieutenant Seethraman Lakshimarayan Thantry thus displayed exemplary courage in saving the running engine from total ruin, and also possible heavy damage to rest of installed equipment in the Power House.