Squadron Leader Ravinder Nath Bhardwaj has been serving at an Operational Training Unit for over two years. During this period, he has flown a total of 3350 hours. By his hard work and professional skill, he improved the flying skill and ground knowledge of the pilots under training. His capacity and willingness for hard work were a source of inspiration to all officers and airmen.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Ravinder Nath Bhardwaj displayed professional skill, initiative and devotion to duty.

Air Marshal Ravinder Math Bhardwaj was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 08 Oct 55. During his long and distinguished career he has held a number of key Command and Staff appointments with distinction which included command of a fighter Squadron, a frontline fighter base and Senior Air Staff Officer of an Air Force Command.

Commencing his career as a fighter pilot, Air Marshal RN Bhardwaj rapidly established a reputation of a thorough professional. His single minded and decisive approach to military flying became abundantly clear during the lndo-Pak War In 1971. He led a number of missions on heavily defended ground targets of the enemy and caused heavy damage. On 10th Dec 1971 while leading a ground support mission in the Chhamb area, he shot down an enemy Sabre aircraft. For his role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for conspicuous gallantry.

A qualified flying instructor of repute he was placed in Command of a Fighter Squadron in 1974. The Air Officer moulded his squadron into a formidable fighting unit through ceaseless effort close supervision and dedicated involvement with men and material.

An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence College the Air Officer was assigned the Command of a key Air Force Base in the Central Sector in 1982. Displaying rare acumen for management the Air Officer was able to build up a military complex which would be ready to deliver results at short notice despite resource-crunch.

Although the Air Officer has an enviable record of operational service, he was equally at ease in training roles. He held a distinguished tenure as a flying instructor with the Iraqi Air Force. Further, he displayed remarkable flair for management of training needs of the armed forces when he was posted as the Deputy Commandant at National Defence Academy in 1984.

In addition to the operational and training roles the Air Officer's contribution in the staff appointments has both a blend of rich field experience and outstanding ability for clear thinking. As Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Inspection) at Air HQ the Air Officer was able to identify weak areas of field units and suggest corrective measures. Later, as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans), the Air Officer played a crucial role in the formulation of new plans and completing on going ones.

Bringing to bear his vast experience, the Air Officer completed a very successful tenure as Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Training Command in the rank of Air Marshal. The Air Marshal continues to contribute to the operational effectiveness of the Air Force in his present appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command.

Air Marshal Ravinder Math Bhardwaj, MVC, VM has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.