Flight Lieutenant Dinesh Chandra Kumaria is a UK trained pilot who has been on the posted strength of an operational squadron since 01 Sep 79. When he initially joined the Squadron there were only six UK trained pilots on whom fell the mantle of responsibility to organise and lay the infrastructure of the first Jaguar Squadron. Flt Lt Kumaria proved himself equal to the task. He coped with all demands made of him, volunteered for additional jobs and accomplished these well within specified time frames to the best of his ability.

With his continuous hard work on the ground and in the air, Flt Lt Kumaria soon established himself as a dependable and mature officer. He made rapid strides and was selected to undergo Qualified Weapons Instructor course in UK. With his usual dedication, he commenced studying for the course as soon as his name was recommended. On the course itself, his customary application and methodical approach paid dividends. He stood first and his aggregate marks has set a record that is unlikely to be broken in the near future.

For his dedicated attitude, professional .competence and high standards, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Fight Lieutenant Dinesh Chandra Kumaria.

Group Captain DC Kumaria was commissioned as fighter pilot on 02 Jun 73. He was chosen to train on the Jaguar in UK on its induction. Later, he was selected to undergo the Qualified Weapon Instructor course in UK where he stood first and achieved the first ever "exceptional" grading in a flying course in the RAF, a record that is unlikely to be broken. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1984. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, he has served as Directing Staff at Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) and as Assistant Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh. Prior to his present appointment he was in command of a front line Jaguar squadron (Sqn) employed in maritime operations role. During the period of his command, many new strike profiles and tactics recommended by him were accepted by TACDE and issued by Air HQ as an air publication titled "Maritime Tactical Employment Manual". The Sqn was assessed "Above Average" by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team in Operations and Administration. The Squadron won a number of trophies in the Command Gunnery Meet including the overall championship. The squadron was adjudged the Best Combat Squadron in South Western Air Command in 92-93 and again in 93-94.

Gp Capt Kumaria was especially selected for the newly created Air War Strategy Cell in Nov 94. The cell was tasked to write an Air power Doctrine for the Indian Air Force. He applied himself to the task and worked relentlessly to complete the project by the given date of 31 Mar 95.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain DC Kumaria, VM.

Air Commodore Dinesh Chandra Kumaria VM VSM (13366) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in June 1973. In his 33 years of distinguished service. He has held various important appointments including Commanding Officer of a Maritime Jaguar Squadron, which was declared the Best Operational Squadron and overall winners of the Inter Command Gunnery Meet. He also commanded an operational base which was adjudged the best Station in Operations, Flight Safety and Administration as well as won the trophy for 'Best in Air Traffic Services' in the entire Air Force. He has been a member of the Directing Staff at TACDE and founder member of Air War Strategy Cell, where he co-authored the IAF Doctrine. He has served as a Defence Attaché at the Embassy of India in Italy, and Principal Director Concept Studies at Air Headquarters. For his exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished services, he has been awarded VM in 1983 and VSM in 1996, The Air Officer has been the Air-1 at HQ WAC since 01 November 2004, where he was responsible for all facets of fighter operations of the largest Operational Command of the IAF. As Air-1, he adopted a pro-active approach and contributed immensely in dissemination of Air Combat Tactics learnt during lAF's participation in various interna tional exercises, which had a significant impact in improving the operational preparedness of this Command. By meticulous and innovative ground work, it was ensured that new concepts were proven with the least air effort, thus ensuring high productivity. The lessons from these exercises have been accepted at the highest levels of the IAF and form the basis of operational planning for the future.

The Air Officer's close interaction with his counterparts from other services resulted in a very high level of Jointmanship and Synergy. The lessons of joint exercises in the recent past have led to an all round acceptance of the lead role that would be played by the Air Force in future. As Air-1 he was also responsible for the conduct of Fly Past at the Republic Day and Air Force Day Parades for past two years. Each of these was executed with flawless precision, earning high esteem for the professionalism of the IAF. He also put into practice concepts of Host Squadron Operations and Pilot TRS which provide operational flexibility to an operational commander. The successful implementation of these concepts have fed to their introduction in other Commands subsequently.

Based on experience of HQ WAC in Disaster Management and Relief, he was tasked to compile a handbook on Disaster Management. With his usual diligence and perseverance he has written a comprehensive handbook which would serve as a guide for disaster relief operations in the future. He has also authored another book on Air Power for better comprehension of the subject by young Air Warriors. As the Air-1, Air Cmde Kumaria has been the epitome of professionalism, probity and personal integrity.

Air Commodore Dinesh Chandra Kumaria VM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.