Squadron leader Nori Seetarama Sastry has been Chief Technical Officer of an operational Wing since 21 September, 1964. During his tenure as Chief Technical Officer of the Wing his professional skill, initiative and ingenuity have been largely responsible for the mobilization and optimum utilization of the technical resources of his station. During the recent operations against Pakistan, Squadron Leader Sastry, in spite of repeated air attacks on his airfields, had maintained a very high rate of serviceability of the fleet of Alouette helicopters and Auster aircraft and completed repairs to aircraft and helicopters damaged due to enemy action or flying accident in record time. He also maintained a very high rate of serviceability of the common user and specialist vehicles thus enabling proper conduct of operations from his base.

The extensive repair work carried out on two Alouette III helicopters under his personal supervision and guidance deserves special mention. One of these helicopters had force landed on 28th May, 1965 on a helipad at an altitude of 14,500 feet. He realized the difficulties and limitations of airlifting heavy equipment and material required for this repair work to a helipad at such a high altitude. He planned his work and requirements of equipment with such thoroughness that minimum equipment and material had to be airlifted to enable the helicopter to be flown to base. He took just two additional airmen with him and yet was able to complete the work in a record time under two days. This achievement is outstanding particularly in view of the great discomfort felt by the repair party on account of cold, height and lack of proper shelter. Had it not been for Squadron Leader Sastry's exceptional devotion to duty, initiative and leadership it would not have been possible to retrieve this helicopter.

Another example of Squadron Leader Sastry's exceptional ability was evidenced when he organised and supervised the repair work on the second Alouette helicopter. This helicopter was categorized as cat 'B' as a result of an accident on 21st July, 1965. Apart from the extensive metal repairs, it involved replacement of about 60 per cent of the major assemblies and their installation checks and subsequent intricate adjustments. Squadron leader Sastry had to design and fabricate some fixtures and templates required for the job. Undaunted by the risks which he had to face during repeated air attacks by Pakistani aircraft, he continued and completed the work. The helicopter was subsequently air tested by a production test pilot and passed all approved tests required for such a major work and changes of assemblies. It was Squadron Leader Sastry's ingenuity and initiative that made this repair possible although the work involved was not within his purview.