Group Captain Sudhakar Paranjape (5829) AE (M) was commissioned in the Air Force in 1959. He has held various field as well as staff appointments and has proved his professional competence in each of them. He was specially selected to specialize in 1st and 2nd line servicing of MiG (BIS) aircraft for that he was sent to USSR for training.

Since 26 Jun 86, Group Captain Paranjape has been holding the important appointment of Chief Engineering Officer of a major operational base in Eastern Sector. During his tenure there, he has established a reputation throughout the Command and also in the rest of the Air Force as a totally dedicated technical officer who has done outstanding work in raising the quality of maintenance on the aircraft operating from his base. His technical leadership and efforts in improving knowledge and understanding of Type 66/77 and Chetak aircraft by the technical personnel has enabled the Wing to maintain a consistent level of very high serviceability with intensive flying and excellent flight safety record. His aim has always been to improve on existing standards and procedures and he has created an environment in which every incident and every snag is studied and analysed in depth to ensure that rectification action is effective. In the process he has made several recommendations to the manufacturers and organized seminars/discussions in which both aircrew and technicians participate. These have helped to evolve several new procedures and modifications that have improved the serviceability and safety of the fleet. At all times Group Captain Paranjape has worked devotedly for long hours with a deep sense of commitment, cheerfully sacrificing much of his spare time in the cause of better maintenance.

By his dedication to the Service, outstanding technical leadership and excellent performance in improving the serviceability and safety of aircraft in the Air Force, Group Captain Sudhakar Paranjape has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.