Gp Capt KN Paradkar was commissioned in erstwhile Signals Branch of the IAF, in Jul 63. He served for five years, with distinction, in Guided Weapon Squadron and Wing, and took active part in Squadron mobilities during 1971 Operations. Immediately thereafter, in 1972, he was selected for post graduation in "Aviation Electronics" at Cranfield Institute of Technology, England, where, he, once again, secured the highest marks.

Since his return from UK in 1974, Gp Capt Paradkar has been engaged in all aspects of Electronic Warfare (EW) activity. The officer took over as the Commandant, 1 Wireless Experimental Centre, an inter-service almamater for SIGINT activities, in Jan 89.

However, it is in the field of Signals Intelligence communications that Gp Capt Paradkar has excelled. He has revolutionized the concept of SI dedicated communication. The new systems have opened up possibilities of unattended operation which would ultimately result in saving in manpower as well.

In recognition of his sustained, selfless hard work with utmost devotion and dedication of exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Gp Capt KN Paradkar.

Gp Capt Chandra Kant Krishnatri took over the command of a Squadron with effect from 09 Sep 88. He had the challenging task of managing two flights operating different types of aircraft, viz. Canberra and Jaguar, in different roles. He also faced the arduous task of making the Jaguar flight operational on maritime offensive role which was a new assignment to the aircraft.

During the period of his Command, the Squadron made tremendous strides in its operational capabilities. Excellent rapport and professional understanding were reached between the operational elements of Air Force and Navy over effective management of offensive maritime operations. Following these, Standard Operating Procedures were evolved on maritime tactics for both the services.

Under Gp Capt Krishnatri's able Command the flight won the best over all trophy in 1989 Gunnery meet and team events in level bombing, front guns and cine.

He flew both Jaguar and Canberra aircraft operationally. Under his leadership Canberra aircraft undertook Target Towing commitments for all three services. The Squadron as a whole achieved 100% instrument flying rating and aircrew categorization.

For display of leadership and professional skill of exceptional order and for his contribution towards the operational efficiency of a Squadron, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Gp Capt Chandra Kant Krishnatri.

Gp Capt Shyamlal Barn Majumdar took over as Commanding Officer of ADGES Maintenance and Standards Establishment (AMSE) with effect from 10 Apr 90.

Since taking over of Command of AMSE, Gp Capt Majumdar has been a driving force to organize available resources to assure an efficient and prompt maintenance support to the far flung ADGES radar and communication units. The Cat 'D' arisings reached a peak of 5737 repairable modules and 882 testers, instruments and digital modules in Sep 89. With his untiring effort, zeal and organsisng ability of a very high order, Gp Capt Majumdar inspired his personnel to gear up the resources to reach a peak production rate from 600 repairable to 1200 per month. This enabled AMSE to bring down the backlog to a meager figure of 400 modules of Radar and around 100 testers.

During 1989, the performance of PSM-33 Mk 1 radar at most of field units, suffered a set back. His quick appreciation revealed that repair of a number of sophisticated and complex microprocessors based electronic modules of radar was possible at AMSE but not attempted. Gp Capt Majumdar took it as a challenge and stretched the capabilities of AMSE to successfully add nearly 100 such modules to the list being handled at AMSE repair laboratories. All these steps brought about a major break-through and improved the operational availability of PSM-33 Mk 1 radar to a very high percentage.

For his high degree of professional competence, initiative, devotion to duty and remarkable leadership, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Gp Capt SB Majumdar.

Gp Capt Shashi Mohan Puri was commissioned in the flying branch in Oct 66 and has been in Command of a Squadron since 28 Aug 88. An officer with exceptional competence and vast flying experience, he has 6450 hours of accident-free flying to his credit.

Ever since the assumption of Command, Gp Capt Puri has through outstanding supervising capabilities and dynamic leadership raised the operational status of the Squadron to very high levels besides achieving 100% categorization of all categories of aircrew.

Gp Capt Puri has had the singular distinction to be selected by the Air Headquarters as the Type Force Commander for every major exercise held by the Air Force. He was the leader of AN-32s which participated in Op Cactus.

After his Squadron has been designated in the new role, Gp Capt Puri has totally devoted himself to the formulation of standardization of training syllabus besides evolving SOP and tactics. He has been successful in converting crew in the new role in a very short time frame. The Squadron has been declared the 'Best Transport Squadron' in 1990-1991.

For his excellence in professionalism, outstanding leadership and dedication to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Gp Capt SM Puri.

Gp Capt Kalathi Payyan Sreekanth took over the Command of the Prestigious MiG Operational Flying Training Unit (MOFTU) in Nov 88, after having successfully commanded a frontline MiG-21 Sqn.

Under his dynamic leadership, the Unit has logged over 13000 sorties of which Gp Capt Sreekanth has personally flown nearly 700 accident-free sorties. Because of his meticulous planning and continuous prolonged involvement with the task in hand, the Unit has been able to pass out MOFTU courses in time, thereby contributing immensely to the overall Op potential of the Indian Air Force. The above noteworthy achievements were possible mainly due Gp Capt Sreekanth's personal example and his great enthusiasm for flying.

Under his professional guidance, the Unit, while successfully fulfilling its training commitments, also ensure Op continuity training of its staff pilots as a result the Unit is now fully geared to meet its wartime role with the same degree of confidence.

The Unit was adjudged as the 'Overall Champion' for two years. It also bagged F/G and Bombing trophies (1989) and the level R/P trophy (1990) besides number of individual events.

For his dynamic leadership, unflinching and exceptional devotion to duty, meticulous planning and very high professional standards, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Gp Capt KP Sreekanth.

Wg Cdr Nitin Madhukar Gupte has been on the posted strength of TACDE, AF with effect from 24 Feb 88.

During his tenure at TACDE, he has worked with an extremely high sense of devotion and dedication to his assignment. The recent changes in the air environment with the induction of lethal air-to-air missiles of the BVR and all aspect category, have led to a complete revolution in concepts of air combat. The task of developing new tactics therefore called for revision of the basic theories of combat, which have existed since the early days of aerial warfare. This task was undertaken by Wg Cdr Gupte in a very highly professional manner. A very comprehensive and meticulous report for manoeuvring in the air, encompassing the entire gamut of air combat operations was prepared by Wg Cdr Gupte.

During his tenure at TACDE, Wg Cdr Gupte has worked with a very keen sense of devotion towards the tasks assigned to him. His quality of placing service interests always ahead of personal interests have been a shining example to all.

For his devotion, dedication and professional ability of the highest order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr NM Gupte.

Wg Cdr Anil Kumar Adya was posted to Air HQ Communication Squadron, AF. He has flown more than 3000 Hours on Boeing 737 aircraft and has a total of 8000 hours of accident-free flying to his credit.

On 16 Jan 90, Wg Cdr Adya was detailed to fly as a check pilot on Boeing-737. The route was Delhi-Lucknow-Varanasi. As he gained altitude en route to Varanasi, he heard a pilot of the Piper aircraft calling Lucknow. The Piper pilot appeared to be lost. He was trainee pilot who had taken off from Lucknow for Faizabad due east about 70 NM for a solo cross country by day. He had got lost and had tried to come back to Lucknow. By then night had fallen. Since he had never flown at night in his life, he did not know what to do.

Wg Cdr Adya discontinued the training flight to Varanasi to search for the lost aircraft and render all assistance. He immediately turned towards the track from Lucknow to Faizabad, switched on all his landing and wing lights and asked the Piper pilot to switch on his landing lights to increase the chances of spotting either aircraft.

He continuously kept the morale of the Piper pilot by reassuring him that he would be found. A few minutes later, the Piper pilot reported seeing the lights of a city. Wg Cdr Adya asked him to head for the city and then modified his search plan. Finally the Piper pilot was helped to land safely.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, professional competence, calm and cool manner the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr AK Adya.

Wg Cdr Sarvajit Singh Hothi has been commanding an operational squadron with effect from 10 Jun 88. His systematic approach, quest for excellence and the stress laid on training of Sqn pilots enhanced the operational status of the Sqn. His planning and approach to operational status ensured that all night strike qualified pilots successfully undertook live heavy armament stores firing at a range.

The task of planning and co-ordinating of night exercises was entrusted to Wg Cdr Hothi. His meticulous planning and effective co-ordination involving different fleet was exemplary.

Wg Cdr Hothi has flown nearly 1000 hrs on MiG-23 BN ac, all accident free. He has a total of 4055 hrs to his credit on single engine jet aircraft.

For his professional excellence, zeal, contribution towards operational preparedness, leadership, devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr SS Hothi.

Wg Cdr Tejbir Singh Randhawa was commissioned in the IAF as a Flying (Pilot) on 22 Jan 72,

On 04 Jul 88, Wg Cdr Randhawa took over the Command of a fighter squadron. This was the time when most of the experienced team members were posted out. He had the dual responsibility of selection and training of new members, to form a 9 aircraft close formation aerobatics team, in a limited time frame which also included the monsoon period. Over and above this, he was also tasked to train U/T Ops Pilots from OCU. The grand finale came in Mar 89, when the 9 aircraft display at a range for Air Power Demonstration, held the spectators spell bound.

In Oct 89, the close formation aerobatics role was suspended and the Sqn was asked to change over to operational role. Wg Cdr Randhawa accepted this change willingly and improved upon the Ops status of the Sqn Pilots to a very high percentage and the rating status to 100% in a veritably short span of time. This achievement ensured the squadron's participation in Inter-Squadron Gunnery Meet 'EKLAVAYA' where the unit proved its worth by winning trophies for the individual events.

For his excellent professionalism, sustained hard work beyond the call of duty, selfless devotion to duty and qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr TS Randhawa.

Sqn Ldr Kottukonam Neelakantan Gopakumaran Nair is on the posted strength of one of the helicopter units with effect from 22 Aug 1988.

Sqn Ldr Kottukonam Neelakantan Gopakumaran Nair is a veteran pilot with over 4200 flying hours to his credit. He had undertaken over 750 missions in OP PAWAN including 45 missions by night. All these missions were flown over an extremely hostile and unfamiliar terrain under constant exposure to enemy ground fire.

The very fact that Sqn Ldr Kottukonam Neelakantan Gopakumaran Nair undeterred, undertook 14 casualty evacuation missions by night in the thick of enemy fire and in adverse weather conditions, speaks volumes of his devotion to the service and the display of his courage.

For his high standard of professional skill, dedication to duty and to the service and the display of courage in the face of the enemy, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Kottukonam Neelakantan Gopakumaran Nair.

Sqn Ldr Harjinder Pal Singh Natt is on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Helicopter Units since 30 Jul 88.

Sqn Ldr Natt was a member of the VIII Antarctica Expedition because of wide experience on Mi-8 and Chetak helicopters. He has flown a total of 186 hrs and over 370 sorties in the treacherous Antarctica environment, which is a record.

On 08 Jan 90, Sqn Ldr Natt was Captain of the aircraft, which landed at a Camp, to discover the tragedy leaving four expedition members dead. Overcoming the initial shock, he helped evacuating the dead to Maitri camp. On 13 Feb 90, the expedition doctor Major CS Joshi slipped on hard plus ice and was seriously injured. Sqn Ldr Natt, with his presence of mind immediately prepared a sling and administered first aid to Major Joshi. On getting airborne from the accident site with casualty on board it was found that both, the expedition leader and the senior surgeon, whose presence was necessary for further medical treatment, were away from Maitri camp. Sqn Ldr Natt immediately took charge of the situation and went to locate the senior surgeon. Sqn Ldr Natt's professional skill, determination in evacuating the causality and yet carrying on with the tasks at hand were of the highest order.

For his selfless sacrifices, skill and determination in evacuating the causality under the most trying circumstances, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr HPS Natt

Sqn Ldr Diwakar Dattatraya Kulkarni is on the posted strength of MiG Operational Flying Training Unit (MOFTU) since 22 Jun 87.

On 17 Jan 90, he was leading a four aircraft low level strike in a Type-77 aircraft. Approximately 75 Kilometers from base, he ordered a controlled scatter manoeuvre. For this, the formation engaged reheat and turned 30°, accelerating to 1000 IAS. At 1000 IAS Sqn Ldr Kulkarni switched off reheat and noticed his fire warning light on. He immediately gave a call and eased up in a climbing turn towards base. As his speed dropped to 500 IAS Sqn Ldr Kulkarni operated the fire extinguisher but the fire warning light continued to illuminate. He climbed to three kilometers to level out below cloud. In the climb, he also noticed his main hydraulic warning light coming on and pressure reading 50 Kg/cm2. As a precaution, he switched off his aileron booster and auto pilot and noticed that his JPT/rpm were normal indicating that the jet nozzle had closed. Approaching overhead base, at height, he lowered his undercarriage on emergency. The cone did not retract and remained at 95%. He attempted to retract the cone manually but was unsuccessful as the main hydraulic pressure was now 30 Kg/cm2. Sqn Ldr Kulakarni then correctly elected to carry out a descending circuit. He made a flapless approach, landed safely and switched off on landing.

For his cool professionalism and undaunted courage in the face of a serious and complex emergency, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Kulkarni.

Sqn Ldr Sudhir Vishwamurti Bal is on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Squadrons with effect from 21 Aug 89. On 23 Mar 90, he was authorized to fly a procedure sortie by night during dark phase. While carrying out an instrument let down, he experienced a case of severe engine surge at a height of 5 Kms. The RPM of the engine dropped and the JPT (Jet Pipe Temperature) started rising abnormally, while the 'engine overheat' light came on. He analysed the situation correctly and promptly switched off the engine. Thereafter, a successful relight was carried out by him. However, on opening throttle, the engine surged once again forcing him to switch off the engine for second time. By this time, the aircraft had descended to a height below 3 Kms. Again, he carried out a relight successfully, descending below 2 Kms in the process of relight. While carrying out the relight, he skillfully positioned himself to carry out a descending circuit and landed the aircraft safely, with minimum use of RPM.

Sqn Ldr SV Bal has displayed exemplary professionalism and extraordinary courage in the best traditions of the Air Force. In recognition of his professionalism and courageous act, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr SV Bal.

Flt Lt Gopalkrishanan Sreepal Warrier is on the posted strength of an Air Force Wing since 07 Dec 89 and has been working as Senior Engineer (mechanical).

On 03 Jul 90, one Chetak helicopter flown by Flt Lt MV Rao had to be left behind at Amar post due to engine failure. Change of engine to retrieve the helicopter from Amar post situated at 19000 ft AMSL and pressure altitude of 23000' in the face of random shelling and on the actual line of control, was a challenging task by any standards.

Flt Lt Sreepal volunteered to take upon himself the uphill task of replacing the engine at site. Notwithstanding the adverse weather condition and enemy shelling during the process of changing the engine by the team to successfully do the job which started at 1800 hours on 12 Jul 90 and ended at 0900 hrs on 13 Jul 90. The helicopter was flown out at 1740 hrs on 13 Jul 90.

For his exemplary courage, single-mindedness of purpose, determination and professionalism, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flt Lt Gopalkrishanan Sreepal Warrier.

Fg Offr Shailender Sood has been on the posted strength of 142 SSS Flight since Dec 88. He holds A 'C' White status with 250 hours on type.

He was detachment commander of a Chetak Helicopter of 142 SSS Flight at 5 Wing. On 11 Nov 88 at 2020 hrs, he was called upon to rescue a pilot who had ejected from a Hunter aircraft. He acted with methodical proficiency and getting airborne within a commendable time of 40 minutes. He was guided by Air Traffic Control to the last known position of the crashed aircraft. Though it was moonlit night, the visibility started to deteriorate. Unmindful he pressed on and spotted a cartridge fired by the ejected pilot. He carried out a reconnaissance of the area and promptly landed with precision. Thereafter he returned to the base with the injured pilot. Fg Offr Sood, in this act of singular valour, achieved the very first night pick up of any ejected aircrew in a Chetak helicopter.

For displaying extremely high sense of duty, ability to take and execute a professionally calculated decision and bravery of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Fg Off Shalinder Sood.

MWO Davinder Singh Bindra was on the posted strength of one of the Helicopter Units since 19 Mar 84. As one of the pioneers of the unit trained in Soviet Unit, MWO Bindra has been performing the duties of Engineer Leader in the Unit.

In Oct 87 when the Unit detachment moved for `Ops Pawan' , MWO Bindra was one of the first aircrew to land in Sri Lanka and subsequently first to undertake live mission. Since then he has been a vigorous participant in the operational area having 108 missions and 97:10 operational hours in `Ops Pawan' besides having flown 4400 hours on various types of helicopter in Indian Air force.This MWO proved his worth during Operation Checkmate. There was extensive use of Akbar helicopter in Nitikaikulan area using varying armament configurations. Realising the sensitive nature of these operations, he decided to be in the cockpit in every mission. With total disregard to his personal comforts, over a period of one month from 28 Jun 88 to 28 Jul, he flew as part of aircrew in 58 missions and 42:05 hours.

For his exemplary hard work, courageous actions and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to MWO Davinder Singh Bindra

Sgt Yoganandam Kalluri is on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Helicopter Units since 13 Jan 90.

On 03 Jul 90, a helicopter had to be left behind at Amar due to engine flame out on ground. The retrieval of the helicopter was planned after an engine change. Amar helipad is at a height of 19000' AMSL and on the Actual Line of Control, within range of enemy artillery fire. The post is constantly shelled by the enemy.

The engine was flown to Amar on 12 Jul 90. During this period the post was under enemy shelling, when Sgt Yoganandam under instruction of Flt Lt Sreepal, Officer incharge of the team, assisted the offloading of the engine. The task of engine change could commence only in the evening due to enemy shelling. Sgt Yoganandam with the help of other technicians carried out the engine change during the night with the help of kerosene lamps and torches. Finally the helicopter was flown out at 1740 hours on 13 Jul 90.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, selfless service and thorough professionalism, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sgt Yoganandam Kalluri.

Wg Cdr CA Dalton is on the posted strength of No. 6 Squadron, AF since 23 Nov 84. He has spent 13 years of his service career in a Canberra Squadron and has to his credit an impressive 6200 hrs of flying, all of it accident­free. He has the unequalled distinction of having the maximum flying hours not only among the Canberra Navigators in the Indian Air Force, but also those of the transport fleet. This indeed is a unique achievement.

Wg Cdr Dalton has flown Canberra aircraft in all its multifarious roles, viz. bombing, Reconnaissance, Survey, Maritime strike and Target Towing. He was also assigned tasks associated with the demarcation of the IndoBhutan border in 1982.

On 30 Oct 87, when on a low level tactical sortie, while carrying out a simulated high speed attack, his Canberra suffered a massive bird strike on the nose section of the aircraft. Wg Cdr Dalton who was then in the nose section navigating saved his head from being shattered while suffering multiple injuries on his face and hands. Inspite of bleeding profusely, he navigated the aircraft safely back to base.

For his consistently outstanding achievements in flying, administrative skills and enthusiasm of an exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr CA Dalton.