Wing Commander Ashok Sarkar was commissioned in the Logistics Branch in March 1953. Since then he has held many important staff appointments and also served as member of Air Force delegations proceeding abroad.

In January 1972, he joined the staff of a composite supersonic aircraft cell at Air Headquarters. He has been primarily responsible for effecting the reorganization of this important cell. By dint of his sustained hard work much beyond the call of duty, perseverance, personal example, ingenuity, skill and considerable man-management techniques, he has particularly instrumental in streamlining the provisioning the entire range of spares and equipment for the first line aircraft. The high serviceability rate of this aircraft fleet and its consequent operational preparedness own in no small measure to his untiring efforts, high professional zeal and competence. Besides, it was solely due to Wg Cdr Sarkar's wholehearted energy and enthusiasm that a beginning has been made in the compilation of the alphanumeric catalogues of spares which is already bearing fruit in proper identification of items, quick clearance of demands, regulated and rationa lized holdings and in servicing of aircraft.

During April-May 1974, Wg Cdr Sarkar was hand picked as a member of the high powered Defence Delegation that visited USSR. His penetrating insight and clear concept of out logistic requirement vis-à-vis the intricate knowledge of the Russian supply set up and system, coupled with his capacity for mastering all relevant details was mainly responsible in rendering the Delegation's task simpler and easier. By arduously working long hours with sustained zeal and enthusiasm, totally unmindful of his own personnel inconvenience, Wg Cdr Sakrar had been instrumental for the significant achievement and success of the Delegation's mission.

Notwithstanding many odds and constraints like limited manpower resources, Wing Commander Sarkar has now upon himself the onerous responsibilities of logistics management of two of the supersonic aircraft weapon system.

Wg Cdr Sarakar has displayed exemplary leadership, professional skill and competence and has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order.