Wing Commander Hardish Singh Sodhi has been posted strength of Paratrooper Training School since Jul 83 and he has been working as Flight Commander ever since. The officer has flown over 4600 accident-free hours on various types of aircraft. He holds the highest professional qualification and is an examiner on Packet aircraft. Being a qualified flying instructor with A-2 instructional category, he has also been responsible for conducting the operational training of his pilots. He has devoted himself wholeheartedly to bringing up and maintaining the unit at a very high state of operational readiness. He has ensured a high standard of performance by the flight in all flying tasks assigned to it.

Under his leadership and guidance, the performance of his unit, especially in inter-services exercises has been constantly commendable with all the pilots categorized and the unit winning the coveted Best Categorization Trophy of Central Air Command.

During the recent "Operation Meghdoot", the officer bore the heavy responsibility for the functional support to the detachment. At the same time, the success of the mission was due in large measures to his foresight and organizing ability. In addition, he personally undertook most of the trial flights over most difficult terrain of the exercise area. He also compiled the operating procedures which made subsequent operations in the area both productive and safe. He was also instrumental in training and clearing the pilots for dropping missions over mountain ranges which are amongst the highest in the world.

For the outstanding professional acumen, leadership, devotion to duty and organizing capability in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Hardish Singh Sodhi.