| Details : | Air Commodore Balvinder Singh Sabherwal (17374) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as an air traffic controller in the administrative branch on 22 Dec 83. A topper of 73 Ground Duty Officer's Course and youngest ever Cat 'Pâ€.air traffic controller of his times, the officer in his 30 years of distinguished service has held various key appointments including CO Air Force Element (AFE) in Bhutan, instructor at Air Traffic Control (ATC) Officers' Training Establishment, Senior Air Traffic Controller of a fighter base, Chief Administrative Officer (C Adm 0) at Air Force Station Chabua, Air Force ATC Examiner and Director Air Staff Inspection at Air HQ. He presently holds the appointment of Principal Director Organisation (Ceremonials) at Air HQ since 29 Apr 13. During his tenure as CO AFE in Bhutan, he led his fire fighting team from the forefront and saved the lives and property of Tshongdue Town, Paro during a major fire outbreak on 16 Feb 97, which was appreciated by the Bhutan Govt. As C Adm 0 of AF Station Chabua, the officer earned a reputation for providing a fair, transparent and considerate administration resulting in overall satisfaction and high morale of the personnel. His efficient planning and execution of works services resulted in timely induction of Su-30 MKI Sqn at the base. As an ATC Air Force Examiner, he motivated ATC officers and created a record by producing 23 Category 'Pi controllers in two years i.e., 2011 and 2012. This was made possible by initiative taken by the officer in creating a first ever website on ATC on AFNET domain wherein all the information required to earn professional excellence in ATC was uploaded and regularly updated. In his present appointment, he has ensured setting up of very high standards for the conduct of ceremonial events. Successful conduct of National, tri-services and Air Force level ceremonies including two President's Standard/Colour presentation ceremonies in the last one year is testimony of his perseverance and indefatigable drive. His initiative led to approval of various cases on improvement to uniforms such as, scaling of side cap and nylon belt for NCs(E), scaling of new pattern side cap for Airmen, reduction in life of jersey pullover for NCs(E) from 60 months to 36 months, scaling of better quality physical training shoes, etc. His foresight to provide avenues to musicians to achieve higher professional competence led to approval of certification courses from Trinity College of London wherein ten musicians have been detailed to undergo the course in the first phase. For his distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Air Commodore Balvinder Singh Sabherwal (Retd.). |
