During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Wing Commander Anadi Shankar Sarkar was serving as Chief Technical Officer at an Operational Wing. With his personal example, man management, he ensured a very high rate of serviceability of air craft inspite of staggering number of sorties flown and the damage caused to the aircraft by enemy action. He was responsible for the expeditious repair of five aircraft which were unserviceable. Under his supervision and guidance, a very high rate of serviceability of specialist vehicles was ensured resulting in quick turn around of the aircraft. He had so geared up the station workshop that it manufactured certain items which were earlier considered beyond local capability.

Throughout Wing Commander Anadi Shankar Sarkar displayed initiative, professional knowledge and devotion to duty.

Air Commodore Anadi Shankar Sarkar VM was commissioned in the Technical branch of the Indian Air Force in 1952. Since then, he has held a number of important field and staff appointments at Command and Air Headquarters. Besides these, he was also an instructor in Air Force Technical College.

Air Cmde Sarkar during his 30 long years of service has held the appointments of Squadron Engineering Officer of four operational squadrons and Chief Technical Officer of four major operational bases - a rare achievement indeed which perhaps has no parallel. During the Indo-Pak conflict in 1971, he was the Chief Technical Officer of one of our forward bases, and was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for exceptional devotion to duty and inspiring leadership.

Whilst on the posted strength of Air Headquarters in 1979-80, as Director of Engineering (D), he was responsible for the re-equipment of a number of Helicopter Units with a new type of helicopter. Under his guidance overhaul facilities for the new helicopter and its engine were set up. Large numbers of equipment and machinery required for the overhaul line were indigenously procured and even modified wherever necessary thereby saving a large amount of foreign exchange.

Since December, 1980, Air Commodore Sarkar has been the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of South Western Air Command. During this period, the force structure has undergone a complete change. But for his forward planning guidance and monitoring, it would not have been possible to absorb these changes in such a short period of time - a factor so essential for the preparedness of an operational Command.

Air Commodore Anadi Shankar Sarkar has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.