Air Commodore Sudarshan Lal Dutta was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch of the Indian Air Force in July, 1954. Right at the start of his career, he showed a great potential, when with hardly one year of service he was adjudged Cat 'A' Bomb Aimer by Armament Training Wing. Since then he has flown over 4700 hours in a variety of Bomber, Interdictor and Transport aircraft. He has had the rare distinction of obtaining the highest professional category possible on all these aircraft. As a Navigator and Bomb Aimer, he led his Squadron(s) in a number of Joint/Combined exercises, Fire Power Demonstrations and Republic Day Flypasts with distinction.

During the period 1948 to 1962 he flew a number of operational missions as escort to a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. Later, as a member of our Canberra Detachment which was part of the United Nations Forces in Congo, he displayed rare courage and dedication by flying as many as 30 Operational missions.

In 1963, he was specially selected for assignment in Air Headquarters Communications Squadron because of his professional excellence. He was probably the first Navigator from Bomber Stream to be selected for such an assignment. During his long stay with Air Headquarters Communications Squadron, he was Navigation Leader for three years and held Cat 'A' (highest possible) on all the transport aircraft held on charge of the Squadron.

In June, 1976, then Group Captain, he was posted as Station Commander, Air Force Station, Begumpet where besides Ab initio training of Navigators and Air Signallers, Advance Navigation Courses are also conducted. As a Commander, he displayed rare qualities of leadership and inspite of limited resources all the assigned tasks including requirements of Flight Safety were met in full. Notwithstanding his onerous responsibilities as a Commander he set a personal example in professionalism by continuing to maintain Cat 'A' in Transport Support role.

It was during his tenure as Station Commander that coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh were hit by a devastating cyclone in November 1977. As overall in charge of Air activity in support of rescue operations, he, with his exemplary zeal, exceptional devotion to duty, initiative and capacity for hard work, ensured successful completion of this tremendous task.

In September, 1979, he was posted to South Western Air Command in his present assignment as Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration. In this appointment, he has displayed great initiative, devotion to duty and professionalism. During this period a number of Squadrons and new Weapon Systems were inducted in this Command - some of these at very short notice. Credit for successful accomplishment of these tasks goes entirely to his leadership and meticulous planning.

Air Commodore Sudarshan Lal Dutta has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.