Wg Cdr Shankar Mani is on the posted strength of Air Force Station, Bidar as Chief Flying Instructor on Kiran MK II ac since 17 Sep 90. As a Senior Flying Supervisor, he very closely monitored the performance of his trainees and QFIs to ensure meaningful and productive training without compromise of training standards or Flight Safety. The deep sense of professional pride instilled in the aviators and his exacting standards have resulted in Air Force Station, Bidar winning the Training Command Flight Safety Trophy and also the IAF Flight Safety Trophy for subsonic group for the year 1990-91.

Wg Cdr Mani, despite his senior supervisory duties, took active interest in flying and has flown over 630 hrs. In addition, he undertook the task of conducting trial firing at the newly selected air to ground range site. He with his enthusiasm, professional acumen and excellent management, ensured timely execution of ab-initio training firing. Further, with his vast experience of over five years as an erstwhile member of the Thunder Bolts, he has rendered invaluable guidance and assistance to the newly formed Aerobatic Team on Kiran MK II ac at Bidar.

For his professional competence of a very high order, excellence in management and inspiring leadership, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Shankar Mani.

Group Captain S Mani, VSM was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot on 22 Dec 73. An experienced Qualified Flying Instructor, he has over 3600 hours of accident free flying. He was awarded VSM in Jan 1993 and was appointed Commanding Officer of a MiG 21 Squadron in Sep 94.

He led his team from up front and motivated the Squadron personnel to excel in their duties. He personally led the Squadron in a Fire Power Demonstration at Pokhran, a 6 Aircraft Fly Past for President's Standard Presentation at Jodhpur and all the exercises and numerous detachments to other stations. Inspite of extreme climatic conditions at Uttarlai and the Squadron Maintenance Flight being located at Jodhpur, he not only sustained the tempo of fighter flying training but also enhanced it. The Squadron flew over 6000 sorties amounting to 3750 hours during his tenure, which was far higher than ever flown before. Eight pilots were declared fully operational and many others were trained for both day and night flying so as to enhance the operational status of the Squadron. The Unit was inspected by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection and assessed as high average. Considering that the Squadron had to operate from different bases these achievements are noteworthy.

Gp Capt S Mani showed unique determination, steadfastness, physical and mental endurance and flew over 400 hours while in command of the Sqn.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Shankar Mani.