Since 24 Nov 79 Wg Cdr JK Pathania is posted as Assistant Director (Operations) at a Command Headquarters and has displayed a high sense of responsibility, trust worthiness and unwavering devotion to duty. In February, 1980 the officer was closely associated with a Joint Exercise held to test the adequacy of Control and Reporting Standard Operating Procedures. The contribution of the office in the exercise was real substantial and praiseworthy.

In Sep 81, the officer planned and conducted exercise to check on preparedness to deal with incident of hijacking. The result of the exercise was very noteworthy.

The contribution of the officer in various Air Defence and Joint Army/Air exercises has been very significant and praiseworthy.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Jagnandon Kumar Pathania.

Air Vice Marshal Jagnandon Kumar Pathania VSM was commissioned in Administrative branch on 21 Dec 63. During his career of over 35 years he has acquitted himself commendably in a broad spectrum of challenging assignments which include Chief Operations Officer of an operational Unit, Joint Director of Air Staff inspection, Chief Administrative Officer of the largest transport base, Director of Pay, Pension and Regulations and Commandant, Air Force Administrative College. For distinguished service of a high order he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1985. He was also Mentioned in Despatches in the 1971 war.

As Operations Officer of an Air Defence Directions Centre, he displayed a very high level of professional

skill and contributed effectively to the Air Defence of the nation, both in times of peace and war. Due to his professional excellence he was selected for the advanced intercept course on Mirage­2000 aircraft in France. As a Chief Admin Officer, the officer performed exceedingly well and contributed substantially in improving operational efficiency and the quality of life of the personnel. As Director of Pay, Pension & Regulations, he was instrumental in settling the long outstanding issues in pay fixation, restoration

of technical pay and

sanction of field allowances. As Commandant, Air Force Admin College, the officer was able to innovate new ideas to enhance the quality of training. The college was adjudged as the best ground training institution during his tenure.

In Jan 97, he took over as SOA, Central Air Command. He set out with the task with a clear vision to ensure that efficient administrative cover was provided to the units under the Central Air Command. He revised policies in all disciplines of administration and gave special emphasis on work services, non-public funds and personnel/discipline. matters. He was singularly responsible for organising Defence Exhibition at Lucknow In Mar 90 which proved a great success.

Air Vice Marshal Jagnandon Kumar Pathania VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal JK Pathania was commissioned on 11 Dec 1963 in Administrative branch. During his service career of 36 years he has held important field and staff assignments. He is a graduate of DSSC and is a recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. During Op 'Safed Sagar', he was Senior Officer in-charge Administration at HQ WAC IAF. Immediately on declaration of operations, he initiated essential and vital measures at forward operational bases in J&K Sector, Punjab and Haryana to support sustained air operation. Augmented manpower was properly received, distributed and requisite admin facilities were set uphill record time. Security arrangements at bases particularly at Srinagar and Awantipur were promptly beefed up through effective ground defence system and camouflaging to provide safe working environment. Emergency works services were planned and initiated most efficiently. Admin support systems like uninterrupted stabilised electric and water supply were monitored and maintained to ensure that air operations are not hampered at bases due to these factors. Runway rehabilitation schemes were formulated, practiced and kept in a high state of preparedness to meet any contingency. The administrative requirements of the forward bases were closely monitored through personal visits and constant dialogue with commanders to ensure optimum admin efficiency and high state of morale of the personnel in the field.

Air Vice Marshal JK Pathania thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.