Group Captain Sita Ram Mallick was commissioned in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch of the Indian Air Force in 1943. During World War II, he served in Burma as an officer of the Public Relations Directorate of the then General Headquarters. After qualifying as a paratrooper in 1945, he went to Japan with the British occupation forces for public relations duties. In both these assignments, he acquitted himself creditably. He has served in all theatres of operations in India since Independence, and also abroad and provided public relations cover to the forces. As Chief Public Relations Officer of the Indian forces serving with the United Nations in the Congo, he rendered commendable service. He was a member of the team detailed for photographing Mount Everest in 1953, soon after the first ascent of the Everest, and again in 1965 following the Indian Expedition's success in sending nine members to the top. He was also responsible for providing Press coverage for this Expedition. In his appointment as Deputy Director in the Directorate of Public Relations (Defence), he also rendered distinguished service.