Group Captain Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan was commissioned in the Accountant Branch of the Indian Air Force on 26 January 1950. Group Captain Gopalan has displayed great foresight, perspicacity and maturity in tackling complex accounting problems. His attempts to improve budgetary planning and control in Units are resulting in optimisation of resources. His studies and recommenda- tions on the contractual purchases at Units have led to considerable savings and greater benefits to the Units. He has also refined and improved the system of performance analysis of accounting function which has been in the Air Force since 1973-74 and made it a reliable yardstick for measuring the absolute perfor mance of individual Units and the compara tive performance of various Units.

His judicious interpretation of regulations has achieved economy in expenditure, while meeting service requirements fully. His organising ability is exceptional and he has been a source of inspiration to all Officers. Group Captain Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.

Air Vice Marshal Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan (4751) Accounts was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He is an MBA from Delhi University and was the Head of the Department of Financial Management at IDM from 1973 to 1976. Throughout his service, he has distinguished himself in all the staff and instructional appointments he has so far held at Stations, Command Headquarters, Air Headquarters and Ministry of Defence. Air Vice Marshal Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has been the Director of Accounts at Air Headquarters from Feb 81 to Oct 82, after which he was appointed Director Financial Planning. In both these jobs he has shown vision, sagacity and dynamism in evolving and pushing through farsighted proposals to further enhance the effectiveness of Accounts Branch. Immediately on taking over as Director Financial Planning he streamlined the planning and budgetary process of the Air Force through tremendous personal effort and unflagging enthusiasm. As a result of his interest and effort, the Directorate has been able to take firm charge of all budgetary planning and coordination, a task which was hitherto dispersed amongst many directorates. He is presently engaged in casting the next 5 year plan (1986-90).

He has shown initiative in preparing a comprehensive document which will justify AF requirements as well as link up various aspects of future requirements such as equipment, manpower and works services.

An officer of very high professional competence and integrity, intellectual vigour, unflagging enthusiasm and determination, AVSM 1984 Air Vice Marshal Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.