Wing Commander Thazhe Para Hari Prasad (17036) Administration was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the 1AF on 29 Dec 1982. Presently, he is on the posted strength of HQ Training Command, 1AF since 23 Apr 2001 as the Command Judge Advocate.

Wg Cdr Hari Prasad has introduced a new work-ethos in the Command Legal Section. Instead of working in a compartmentalized fashion, he has encouraged all other sections to interact and seek the advice of legal section before taking decisions on major issues, which has ensured issue of foolproof and legally sound orders/directions. Wg Cdr Hari Prasad has institutionalized the monitoring of civil suits in the Training Command. His approach of shouldering the responsibility of civil cases by legal officers, rather than leaving them to the concerned units and sections has paid rich dividends in defending civil cases. He possesses intellectual honesty of the highest degree and always renders correct, complete and appropriate legal advice to his superiors.

Wg Cdr Hari Prasad has an astute sense of comprehending and identifying problem areas. While analysing the observations by civil authorities on unauthorised possession of liquor by Service personnel he was quick to point out the anomaly existing between the Service rules and the State Excise laws leading to the perceived violation of State Excise Laws. When the Andhra Pradesh Government called up AF personnel to pay profession tax, against the usual norms, he carried out an analytical examination of the situation and suggested the solution to exclude Service personnel from the purview of the order of the State Govt. To equip the Air Force officers in dealing with legal problems, Wg Cdr Hari Prasad has also mooted the idea of starting a Paralegal course.

Wg Cdr Hari Prasad continues updating his legal knowledge. He has used his higher legal qualification to the hilt in his appointment. It is a testimony of his professional competence that in the past about five years, Wg Cdr Hari Prasad has been often selected as the Judge Advocate to conduct the Court Martial especially in the complex cases. All the Court Martials conducted by him were logically concluded and the decisions whenever challenged were upheld by the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India.

Soft-spoken and mature in his dealings, Wg Cdr Hari Prasad leaves an indelible impression on the others. Always ready to shoulder additional responsibility cheerfully, he keeps his subordinates well motivated for any responsibility. The legal activism innovated by him in identifying problems and rectifying them in administrative and training matters is evolving into a new work culture, motivating his juniors to foster professionalism.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Thazhe Para Hari Prasad.