Air Commodore Kuldip Singh Bhatia, AVSM, Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in 1951 and has served in the Indian Air Force with distinction, ability and devotion to duty. In 1973, he was awarded AVSM for successful planning of systems design of a highly advanced communication system and Air Defence Ground Environ mental system for the Air Force.

Air Commodore K.S. Bhatia was selected for a highly specialised assignment abroad because of his exceptional expertise and achievements in planning systems. He enhanced the prestige of the Air Force by his contribution to the work of the National Radar Council, where he was called upon to head a number of important working groups with many eminent scientists as members. In 1978, though this Officer belonged to electronic stream, be was posted as Chief Engineering Officer of an operational base. He showed his exceptional ability by combining his technical skill and managerial ability and achieved a high rate of serviceability of all the Squadrons on the station on a particular day.

In 1979, he was posted to command one of the Base Repair Depots. This officer with his exceptional qualities, high level technical skill and leadership, completed the task of the Depot allotted for the year. For this achievement, the Repair Depot was awarded the 'Best BRD Trophy' for 1979-80.

During 1980 the Depot was given a challenging commitment of setting up of the Repair and Overhaul task of a new missile system. This task was completed ahead of schedule and in the very first year, one complete major overhaul was carried out on one of the systems, without upsetting the other tasks. As a result, the depot was awarded for a second time the “Best BRD Trophy" for 1980-81.

Air Commodore Kuldip Singh Bhatia has continued to achieve most outstanding results of great value to the Air Force in the various assignments given to him and has shown dynamism, tenacity and high degree of leadership. He has become a source of inspiration and an example for technical officers.

Air Commodore Kuldip Singh Bhatia, AVSM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commdore Upkar Singh, AVSM (4658) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 16 Jan 54. In the early stages of his career, he became known as a highly competent fighter pilot and there were many predictions made on his future value to the Service. These Predictions have been translated into facts purely because of his professional quality, his progressive attitude and his special flare for fine, enlightened leadership.

He commanded a MiG-21 Squadron, filled several operational staff appointments and because of the distinguished quality of service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1971.

In 1978 he was posted to command a large MiG fighter Wing in the Northern Sector. There were twelve lodger units on the base and it was expected that both operational and administrative health of the Wing would progress satisfactorily under his control.

In the event after two years under his command, the Wing has attained standards far in excess of what was expected. For two years running, the base has won the trophy for Best Operational Wing in Western Air Command, and the MiG Squadrons it houses have flown the most in the Command with the least accident rate, also for two years running. Administrative activity and the management and generation of amenities has also been of positively outstanding quality. In fact, this base has won the WAC trophy for the 'Best Wing in Administration' in 1980. These achievements imply a consistently high performance and created attitude on the part of most of its personnel over a very wide spectrum of activities. In this connection, the enthusiasm and cheerfulness of Personnel at all levels in noteworthy and is a powerful manifestation of superior leadership.

The Wing has become a show piece in the Command and figures in the tours made by most foreign dignitaries to Air Force units and in the various demonstrations laid on for visiting professional teams.

It very clear that the outstanding conditions of the Wing is a source of pride to the service and is almost wholly attributable to the outstanding abilities and leadership of Air Commodore Upkar Singh, who has thereby set a very fine example of how a senior commander should operate.

Air Commodore Upkar Singh, AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Mahendra Singh Rao Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 15 Jul 1950. Since then he has served as Engineering Officer of transport as well as fighter Squadrons, Officer-in-charge Avro Assembly, Chief Technical Officer of a large fighter base, Deputy Air Attaché in the Embassy of India at Paris, Officer Commanding of an important Base Repair Depot, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Central Air Command and recently he has taken over as Air Officer-in-Charge of Engineering and Systems at Headquarters Maintenance Command. Air Vice Marshal Rao is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and he successfully completed Senior Defence Management Course at the Institute of Defence Management.

Air Vice Marshal Mahendra Singh Rao was closely associated with the maintenance planning for introduction of new types of fighter as well as helicopters. His contribution was of immense value for the smooth introduction of four different types of Fighters, Transports and Helicopters in the Indian Air Force during its formative years.

Air Vice Marshal Mahendra Singh Rao during his tenure as Officer Commanding of the Base Repair Depot successfully completed the challenging task of meeting the production targets of a large number of rotables for our aircraft. AVSM 1981-82

He not only brought about remarkable improvements in the functioning of the BRD but also carried out modifications of far reaching strategic importance on two types of front line fighter aircraft.

Air Vice Marshal Mahendra Singh Rao was Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Central Air Command from November 78 to June 81. During this period the air officer had contributed significantly to the overall improvement of aircraft serviceability in the Command. He had done this by keen and deep personal involvement in maintenance matters to keep aircraft flying to the maximum extent possible. The aircraft fleets in the Command included Canberras and Packets which are very old aircraft.

Notable achievements in the maintenance field are the clearance of prolonged aircraft on ground (AOG aircraft). In 1979 and in 1980 a very large number of aircraft, which had been on prolonged AOG were cleared.

Air Vice Marshal Mahendra Singh Rao has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Nirmal Chandra Suri, VM Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 15th March, 1952 and has over 4700 hours of flying to his credit. During his tenure of about 30 years he has handled a wide and varied range of assignments and held with distinction a number of important positions including command of two front line fighter squadrons, examiner in the Aircrew Examining Board, Deputy Director and Examiner in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspections, Director of Air Defence, Director of Intelligence, Station Commander and Air Officer Commanding, of a large Air Force Station. It is to his credit that in all these important assignments handled by him, he has left his mark with his hard work, intelligent and analytical approach, drive and initiative, professional skill and administrative ability. While commanding an operational fighter squadron he was personally involved in the modification for release of armament stores from the type of aircraft in his squadron, thereby enhancing its fire power. This major modification had not only enhanced the fire power of the Indian Air Force but also saved a large amount of foreign exchange.

He has been in command of a large Air Force Station, since January 1979. During this period there has been significant and noticeable improvement in the performance of all operational, technical and administrative AVSM 1982 activities. These improvements have come about in great measure due to his keen involvement in all the multifarious activities of the Wing. A system of making a comparative assessment of performance of all units in this command was instituted in 1979 and trophies awarded to winners. Of the trophies awarded for 1979 his Station has won the trophy for being the best station in maintenance, best in administration and also for best in sports. Its performance in 1980 resulted in the award for best overall in the Central Air Command again going to his Station, and it also the won the best in maintenance trophy.

Air Vice Marshal Nirmal Chandra Suri, VM, has thus rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.

Air Commodore Arvind Dalaya was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1951. His first posting was to a fighter Squadron where he was assessed as an above average pilot. After this he completed a tenure as a Flying Instructor. Later he had the distinction of commanding three helicopter units and was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1965 for his participation in the Sialkot Sector. He was also assessed as an exceptional helicopter pilot.

Shortly afterwards, he commanded an establishment which was responsible for the receipt assembly and air test of the then latest fighter aircraft being acquired by the Air Force from abroad. All these aircraft were delivered to the earmarked Squadrons on schedule and without a single accident. For his dedicated work, he was commended by the CAS in 1971.

Immediately after this, he was entrusted with a task to carry out trial landings on water in the Chetak helicopter for the first time. He completed these trials single handed, and without sophisticated aids, on the Arabian Sea and evaluated the performance of the helicopter for landing on water. He then trained the entire newly formed helicopter unit in this task in order to enable them to operate at Bombay High.

In 1977, he was given command of a large Air Force Station. In this assignment, due to his total involvement in every aspect of the functioning of the Station, he ensured that the multifarious commitments and functions entrusted to the Station were always accomplished with a high degree of efficiency. It was during this period that the Station was called upon to assist the flood victims of Delhi area. It was because of his untiring effort and inspired leadership that prompt relief measures were undertaken to provide succour and rehabilitation to the affected villagers. His efforts earned the Air Force the praise of the public as well as the press.

In January, 1979, he took over as the Director of Personnel Services at Air Headquarters, an appointment responsible for a varied spectrum of activities ranging from Ceremonials, Publicity, Welfare, Honours and Awards, Bands, Catering, Dress, Disciplinary cases, Appeals, Writ Petitions, Provost, Benevolent Fund, Central Welfare Fund, etc.

Inspite of the heavy pressure of work involved, he always displayed a capacity for sustained and systematic hard work to achieve results.

Air Commodore Arvind Dalaya, VM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Sudarshan Lal Dutta was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch of the Indian Air Force in July, 1954. Right at the start of his career, he showed a great potential, when with hardly one year of service he was adjudged Cat 'A' Bomb Aimer by Armament Training Wing. Since then he has flown over 4700 hours in a variety of Bomber, Interdictor and Transport aircraft. He has had the rare distinction of obtaining the highest professional category possible on all these aircraft. As a Navigator and Bomb Aimer, he led his Squadron(s) in a number of Joint/Combined exercises, Fire Power Demonstrations and Republic Day Flypasts with distinction.

During the period 1948 to 1962 he flew a number of operational missions as escort to a Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. Later, as a member of our Canberra Detachment which was part of the United Nations Forces in Congo, he displayed rare courage and dedication by flying as many as 30 Operational missions.

In 1963, he was specially selected for assignment in Air Headquarters Communications Squadron because of his professional excellence. He was probably the first Navigator from Bomber Stream to be selected for such an assignment. During his long stay with Air Headquarters Communications Squadron, he was Navigation Leader for three years and held Cat 'A' (highest possible) on all the transport aircraft held on charge of the Squadron.

In June, 1976, then Group Captain, he was posted as Station Commander, Air Force Station, Begumpet where besides Ab initio training of Navigators and Air Signallers, Advance Navigation Courses are also conducted. As a Commander, he displayed rare qualities of leadership and inspite of limited resources all the assigned tasks including requirements of Flight Safety were met in full. Notwithstanding his onerous responsibilities as a Commander he set a personal example in professionalism by continuing to maintain Cat 'A' in Transport Support role.

It was during his tenure as Station Commander that coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh were hit by a devastating cyclone in November 1977. As overall in charge of Air activity in support of rescue operations, he, with his exemplary zeal, exceptional devotion to duty, initiative and capacity for hard work, ensured successful completion of this tremendous task.

In September, 1979, he was posted to South Western Air Command in his present assignment as Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration. In this appointment, he has displayed great initiative, devotion to duty and professionalism. During this period a number of Squadrons and new Weapon Systems were inducted in this Command - some of these at very short notice. Credit for successful accomplishment of these tasks goes entirely to his leadership and meticulous planning.

Air Commodore Sudarshan Lal Dutta has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Padam Sen Kapur, took over as Air Officer Logistics Management at HQ Maintenance Command with effect from 4 August 1980. His area of responsibilities covered inventory management of first and second line spares held at stock holding depots, Air Stores Parks and third and fourth line spares held at Overhaul Supply Depots and Support Wings of BRDs. He also looked after the mechanical transport requirements of Maintenance Command units and Repair and Overhaul of Specialist MT vehicles. In addition he was entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining close liaison with HAL Factories, Air India, Indian Airlines and other Public Sector undertakings.

His in­depth knowledge on all logistic activities like ware­housing, storage, maintenance, provisioning, inventory management and control, transportation, purchase procedures etc. was the basis for making major recommendations and forwarding the proposals which have led to an improvement in the working of logistic functions in this Headquarters and have also contributed in achieving economy and optimal supply system in the Air Force.

Air Commodore Padam Sen Kapur, VSM, (Retd.) has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Pynummoottil Simon George has been Air Officer Commanding of one of the operational Wings. The Wing is responsible for exercising operational and functional control over Fighter Squadrons, Helicopter Unit, Air Observation Post Flight and Range Unit. Under his command the Wing has steadily registered an all­round increase in operational preparedness. There has also been a marked increase in the utilisation rate of aircraft. The flying environment has improved and this has enabled the Squadrons to fulfill training tasks/exercises. A Fighter Squadron and a Helicopter Unit have won squadron of the year' trophies. All flying units have attained Fully Operational and Instrument Rating status. The Wing was able to achieve the laid down percentages of serviceability in respect of all aircraft. A high Radio Navigational and serviceability was maintained throughout the year. MT serviceability was optimum. During this short span of time, the Wing was able to complete all works services sanctioned within the specified frame which resulted improved water supply, power supply, recreational facilities, working environment and living conditions. Resurfacing of link taxi track was also completed and an independent feeder line from nearby city was commissioned. Nonpublic funds registered a large growth rate. Air Commodore Pynummoottil Simon George has brought about worthwhile changes in day to day functioning of the Station and the quality of life of personnel due to his steadfast performance of duties.

Air Commodore Pynummoottil Simon George has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Eric Lionel Allen, VM was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October, 1953. He was posted to a Fighter Squadron and on completion of his tenure was detailed to undergo the Flying Instructors Course. On completion of his Instructional tenure the officer held a number of varied posts, distinguishing himself not only by professional competence but also by outstanding administrative ability.

He commanded a front line fighter squadron where he accomplished enhanced operational preparedness and all round efficiency. Subsequently as the Command Training Officer (Flying) in Headquarters Training Command, Air Commodore Allen with meticulous planning and optimum utilisation of aircraft, manpower and equipment reshaped the training, achieving creditable results without compromise in the training standards.

In recent years Air Commodore Allen was in Command of an Operational Signals Unit. Immediately on taking over the unit he was faced with various Operational Maintenance and Administrative difficulties due to the unit's location, in extremely difficult terrain. Air Commodore Allen with great determination and unflinching devotion to duty organised the unit to meet the existing and changing challenges with limited resources at his disposal. With dedicated hard work, he brought the unit's operational effectiveness to its peak, despite constraints of communication, maintenance and manning. During his tenure there was a vast improvement in the operational functioning of the unit, in that the serviceability of radar was maintained at 99.2 per cent and outstanding categorisation of Fighter Controllers was achieved, by imparting continuous theoretical and practical training, and the Operation Room was re-organised to meet operational commitments.

Air Commodore Eric Lionel Allen, VM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain P. M. Sundaram has held a wide variety of appointments as a specialist medical officer in the Indian Air Force. He has been in charge of the Department of Acceleration Physiology at the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bangalore from 1969 to 1971 and again from 1973 to 1975. During his tenure at the Institute of Aviation Medicine he has carried out many research projects independently which are of direct benefit to the Air Force. His work led to the standardisation of the technique of determination of G threshold of pilots which is currently being followed. In this study he was also able to establish a correlation between Pilot's G threshold and their anthropometric measurements. Group Captain P.M. Sundaram completed the project on design and development of the Universal cockpit at the Institute of Aviation Medicine which is a versatile tool for human engineering problems in relation to fitness of aircrew with disabilities.

During his tenure as DPMO (Aviation Medicine) at Western Air Command, Group Captain Sundaram was responsible for streamlining the Casualty Air Evacuation Procedures and was instrumental in bringing out the publication of Casualty Air Evacuation which is still in current use. He carried out a survey of survival packs with a view to provide aircrew with all survival aids in the event of an emergency situation. Similarly he also carried out a detailed study of use of ear defenders by personnel so as to contribute to the hearing conservation programme of the Air Force.

Group Captain P. M. Sundaram has also successfully completed the tenure as Officerin­Charge Aero Bio Engineering Unit in the R & D Organisation. During his tenure he was responsible for the development and indigenisation of various items of flying clothing, safety and survival equipment. More particularly it was during his tenure that indigenous oxygen masks were produced in bulk thus saving valuable foreign exchange. Specific requirement of development of G loaded helmet for the Ajeet Aircraft was carried out under his guidance and supervision.

Group Captain P.M. Sundaram has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Brijesh Dhar Jayal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 8 Oct 1955. His entire service has been marked with outstanding professionalism in every field of activity that he has been involved in. Whether as a Pilot Attack Instructor, a first line fighter Squadron Commander, a test pilot or as a staff officer, his performance has always been of a very high and exceptional order. As a test pilot Group Captain Jayal was associated with trials on various types of aircraft. His approach to test flying has always been intelligent and constructive throughout and his analytical assessments highly valuable. He was responsible for working out the radii of action and take­off techniques in various configurations in respect of a supersonic aircraft, and successfully evolved its gunnery technique and helped in the adoption of the right and simple type of gun sight. He was responsible for pinpointing the faults of a trainer aircraft safe for flying. For his contribution in test flying he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in January 1969 and in January 1974 was awarded a Bar to Vayu Sena Medal for his significant contribution to military aviation.

Group Captain Jayal has been the leader of the Jaguar Project Team in the U.K. since April 1979. In this capacity, he has played an extremely important role in the implementation of all the agreements for the acquisition and very rapid induction of Jaguar aircraft in the Indian Air Force. Throughout the conduct of countless operational and technical aspects of this wideranging mandate he displayed an intensely farsighted anticipation, an extremely painstaking thoroughness and tremendous dedication. All his dealings with the manufacturers, their sub­contractors and the British Ministry of Defence were marked by a remarkably high degree of professionalism and negotiating skill which generated in these organizations a very high regard and admiration for the Indian Air Force. Further, his endeavours were constantly directed towards the singleminded purpose of safeguarding our long term technical and financial interests in the execution of this immense investment.

Group Captain Brijesh Dhar Jayal, VM & Bar has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Srinivasan Krishnaswamy (5149) was commissioned in the Education Branch of the Air Force in April, 1956.

During more than 25 years of service; the officer has served in various assignments, initially on instructional duties at various training institutions, including the National Defence Academy and subsequently on staff appointments. While his performance, throughout, has been outstanding, his contribution to the Air Force has been of special significance in two of his important appointments.

Firstly, as Assistant/Officiating Deputy Director of Intelligence at Air Headquarters, in the early 70s, the officer, by his acumen for identifying weak areas and suggesting remedial measures, made substantial contribution towards bringing about a remarkable improvement in the security environment at various operational Stations just before the commencement of the Indo-Pak conflict in 1971. He also codified the instructions and procedures for handling the highly sensitive tasks entrusted to the Directorate of Intelligence thereby enhancing the efficacy of security/counter-intelligence operations in the Air Force.

More recently, in his present appointment as the Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff, an appointment which he has held for more than three years now, the officer has brought in a high degree of improvement in the staff work by his involvement, maturity and the highest norms of inter­personal relations. By virtue of his professional and un­biased approach to the wide spectrum of subjects referred to the Chief of the Air Staff, he has rendered invaluable staff assistance to the Chief of the Air Staff.

Group Captain Srinivasan Krishnaswamy has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain, then Wing Commander, Dinanath Nadkarni, VM, was

specially selected to command, the first Jaguar Squadron. On returning to India after training he took up the task of setting up the squadron and training pilots. He worked long hours to plan, formulate and execute training of pilots, laid down drills and training syllabi. In a short period, with limited resources in terms of aircraft and associated equipment he was able to declare 12 pilots fully operational. In addition, he simultaneously undertook the training of new pilots locally, thereby saving valuable foreign exchange. During the same period he was also involved in ferrying of aircraft from UK and was largely responsible in laying down briefings, procedures and orders for safe conduct of ferries.

By his hard work and total involvement he was able to put the squadron on a very strong and firm footing in a short time. He also ensured a total flight safety environment whereby with limited resources the squadron flew well over a thousand hours without accident. Throughout Group Captain Dinanath Nadkarni has displayed remarkable qualities of leadership, dedication and loyalty of a very high order.

Group Captain Dinanath Nadkarni, VM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.