Group Captain Hemant Rama Krishna Chitnis was one of the few instructors to qualify from the United Kingdom and to hold an Instructor's appointment in the Flying Instructors' School. He has over 3,500 hours of accident free flying record, of which about half is on instructional flying duties. As a Squadron Commander, he not only ensured conversion of his Squadron to Hunter aircraft, but also made it achieve high operational efficiency in a short time, Subsequently, with praiseworthy initiative, drive and organizing ability, he successfully executed the task of raising a fighter-bomber wing in the Eastern Sector.

Throughout, Group Captain Hemant Rama Krishna Chitnis displayed initiative, organising ability and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Air Commodore Hemant Ramakrishan Chitnis (2964) was commissioned as a pilot in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in July, 1944. After early years of service in Operational units, he was selected to undergo a Flying Instructors Course in the UK and on his return, he was utilised in various Flying Training Establishments. Thereafter he served with distinction in several staff appointments at Air Headquarters and as the Commander of two operational Wings.

Air Commodore Chitnis was appointed to the post of Director of Pay Commission and Job Evaluation Cell In July, 1970. His task was to formulate Air Force proposals for consideration by the Pay Commission. This was a very difficult task involving as it did a detailed scrutiny and analysis of every area of Air Force skills, but he tackled it in a remarkable manner and produced very sound proposals. He showed of tact originality, foresight and Immense drive and determination in finalising these proposals in a limited period.

Throughout his career, Air Commodore Hemant Ramkrishna Chitnis has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Hemant Ramkrishna Chitnis was commissioned in the Air Force in 1944. Besides holding several important Command and Staff appointments during his 36 years of service with the Air Force, he underwent several professional courses in India and abroad. He did his Flying Instructor's Course in U.K., Defence Services Staff College Course at Wellington and Senior International Defence Management Course at USA. He made effective use of the knowledge and experience gained by him during these training courses in his various Service assignments.

He commanded with distinction an Operational Squadron, a Flying Station and the Air Force Academy. His important Staff assignments at Air Headquarters include Joint Director Intelligence, Director of Flight Safety, Director of Training and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans).

As Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans), he was responsible for forecasting, planning and formulating Air Staff requirements for new aircraft and equipment for the IAF. He made significant contribution in the preparation of the Five-Year (1978-83) Financial Role on Plan for the IAF and in planning for the Acquisition of Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft and Medium Transport Aircraft, and the Trials of Various Inertial Navigational Equipments.

As Commandant, Air Force Academy, he meticulously planned and organised his tasks and resources and ensured a high standard of training without a single fatal accident. On taking over as Air Officer Commandingin-Chief, Training Command, he re-oriented the training in the IAF on the basis of his vast experience as Instructor. While he ensured the highest standards of training necessary for the Operational Units, he also achieved the lowest wastage rate among trainee pilots. As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Maintenance Command, he was responsible for the overhaul and repair of aircraft, aeroengines, airborne and ground equipments specialist vehicles. Through effective management of manpower and material resources, he significantly improved the output various Base Repair and Equipment Depots in his Command and thus ensured effective serviceability his Operational Units.

Air Marshal Hemant Ramkrishna Chitnis has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exception order.