Group Captain Sudershan Kumar Nijhawan (6223) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) has been on the posted strength of a transport wing and is working as Chief Engineering Officer since 01 Apr 87. Within 17 days of his taking over as Chief Engineering Officer, there was a serious belly landing accident of AN-32 aircraft on one of the Advanced Landing Grounds and the runway was blocked. Group Captain Nijhawan collected his men, materials and landed at the Advance Landing Ground. Without and loss of time, he started the operation and by working round the clock, against adverse weather conditions, could remove the aircraft and cleared the runway for flying within the shortest possible time.

On 13 Feb 88 there was another serious landing accident at another Landing Ground in which nose section, including nose undercarriage of an aircraft was extremely damaged. Gp Capt Nijhawan developed and manufactured special trusses in the Station Workshop for supporting track jack so that the aircraft could be removed to another safe location to clear the runway for normal operations of Sutluj aircraft.

For his dedication to duty and professional skill and hard work, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Sudarshan Kumar Nijhawan.

Air Commodore Sudarshan Kumar Nijhawan started his career as Senior Technical Officer of a newly formed Helicopter Training Unit in 1962. Notwithstanding shortage of trained man power and lack of proper tools, he erected two newly received helicopters from USA within a week. When posted as STO of a Heavy Transport Squadron during 1971, he mobilised all resources and brought up serviceability of the fleet to 100%. He was awarded Commendation by the Chief of the Air Staff in January 1973. As the first C Eng O of Forward Base Support Unit, he expeditiously established technical and other associated facilities to enable operation of fighter aircraft from the base. As Dy Dir Flt Safety at Air HQ, he ensured induction of various remedial measures to minimise accidents/incidents. In recognition of his achievement he was once again awarded Commendation of the CAS in January 1983.

On assuming charge as C Eng O at a major Transport Wing, he found that half of the fleet was awaiting inspection and there was also “Aircraft on Ground" build up. With his dedicated effort he not only cleared servicing of all these aircraft, but also ensured that no aircraft remained on prolonged “Aircraft on Ground". In recognition of his achievement as C Eng O, he was awarded VSM in 1989.

As the Commanding Officer of 11 Base Repair Depot, Air Cmde Nijhawan effectively mobilized resources of men and material and achieved the assigned task of medium repair of 9 aircraft for 1990­91 well in time.

Under his guidance, the Depot has produced a compendium of approved modifications for MiG-23 BN aircraft and dispatched to all concerned in November, 1990 as a ready reckoner. He has not only ensured completion of allotted modification tasks, but also undertaken development of modification to improve reliability of the weapon system. The Depot has produced a large number of indigenous tools, ground and test equipment and air borne items which have resulted in savings of lakhs of rupees in foreign exchange.

Air Commodore Sudarshan Kumar Nijhawan, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.