Wing Commander Dalip Kumar Khashnobish was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch in June, 1957. He has served with distinction as Engineering Officer in Fighter Squadrons. He has been working as the Chief Engineering Officer of a Wing. Throughout the period, he streamlined the efficiency of the Maintenance Control Center and improved the output of aircraft from the R&SS. By his initiative, hard work and close supervision he has also been able to maintain and wherever necessary, fabricate ground equipment to ensure unfettered flying operations. His association with MiG aircraft dates back to their inception in the IAF. He has also ensured that aircraft are always serviced under close supervision thereby leaving no room for technical flaws. The Flight Safety Trophy for the year 1978 amongst supersonic block was won by one of the Squadrons located at this base speaks of his high dedications.

Inspite of shortages of manpower particularly Elect, MT and Radio trades, the officer, through wise adjustments, was able to complete all allotted tasks and achieve laid down targets for the station. Through his sustained efforts for better quality control and supervision in the CR&SS, the incidence of technical failures were greatly reduced and for the year 1979, there was no aircraft accident/incident on the station because of maintenance lapses.

The standard of MT on the station has gone up tremendously due to personal drive of the officer to educate and motivate all MT personnel. Economy in the consumption of petrol and diesel especially during the shortage period has been encouraging because of the constant vigil kept by the officer to ensure proper planning and coordination of MT commitments.

Wing Commander Khashnobish has all along displayed unstinting devotion to duty of a very high order. This together with his determination to tackle all problems could well be emulated by all ranks. He has shown admirable insight in anticipating bottlenecks and correcting them. His good leadership and excellent man management has resulted not only in achievement of the allotted task but also in building up a very healthy intrapersonal relationship in the station.

For his distinguished services of a high order, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Dalip Kumar Khashnobish.

Wing Commander Balchandra Ganesh Chitnis was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force on 4 Aug 56. During this period he has held various Staff appointments at Command and Air Headquarters.

In Oct 78, he took over the duties of Deputy Director (POL) at Air Headquarters. This Deputy Director deals with the provisioning and supply of all items of petroleum, oil and lubricants as well as compressed gases. Since the range of material is vital for the operation of Air Force, it is of paramount importance that constant vigil is kept on the availability of adequate stocks and no effort is spared to avert low stock situation which may be determinal to the operational preparedness of Air Force.

When Wing Commander Chitnis took over his duties, the country was in the grip of severe fuel crisis and consequently supply of aviation fuels at Air Force airfields was adversely affected.

Wing Commander Chitnis was quick on to grasp the gravity of the situation and though beyond the call of normal duty, formulated plans for movement of fuels from Refineries and Port Installations of Indian Oil Corporation to various Air Force airfields. This task involved deciding upon the production levels of the Refineries, firming up the targets for movement of rail tank wagons and arranging alternative modes of conveyance viz. tank trucks, barrels etc. for effective and purposeful planning and its execution. He took timely and sustained action at all levels to ensure fuel stocks at our strategic airfields remained within acceptable limits and operational preparedness was not impaired due to inadequacy of fuel stocks. Because of his single minded, persistent and relentless efforts, supply situation of Aviation Turbine Fuel, used by all combat aircraft gradually improved.

With the diligence, vivid imagination, mature judgment, sense of perception, sound pragmatic approach and total dedication, Wing Commander Balchandra Ganesh Chitnis has rendered distinguished service. For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Balchandra Ganesh Chitnis.

Wing Commander Kamla Prasad Sharma was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the Indian Air Force on 20 Jun 60. He is serving as Chief Engineering Officer of a Wing since Aug 77. With his superb dedication to duty, professional wizardry, managerial skill, leadership, organizing efficiency and relentless efforts he has elevated the station technical and maintenance services standard to an exceptional level.

His unceasing efforts, application of his high professional knowledge, practical guidance and farsighted planning have achieved and maintained high standards of serviceability of a large fleet of three MiG-21, one Chetak and one Cheetah helicopter Squadrons together with high serviceability state of support services and maintenance facilities. Wing Commander Sharma on his arrival organized an efficient, modern and unparalleled Maintenance Control Center which any station will be proud of. Wing Commander Sharma with his diligent and unflagging efforts has not only set up a modern MTR&S and brought up the serviceability of MT Fleet from 58% to 95% in 1979 but also has retrieved and refurbished 24 vehicles including 10 three ton cranes, crash tender, 4 bowsers, 5mm van and a tractor, which were Class V and were to be back loaded, to Class 1 state in a matter of 1½ years, a feat which saved exchequer dozens of lakhs.

With the same gusto, hard work and cheerfulness, he has set up MiG-21 MF as an ideal training institution within a record time. Under his able guidance, extremely high technical standards have been established, regular follow up of technical training of all tradesmen maintained thereby high main tenance safety record in every field has been achieved.

With his selfless dedication, extraordinary display of managerial acumen, professional ingenuity, hard work and leadership qualities he has rendered distinguished service of a high order. For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Kamla Prasad Sharma.

Wing Commander Sham Rao was commissioned in the year 1961 and having held various assignments in different types of units with outstanding professional competence, he graduated from the DSSC in 1973. He served as SO to the CI (Air) for about 2½ years prior to his posting to the Directorate of Financial Planning in Aug 77. He took over the job of Assistant Director (Cost Analysis) at time when draft plan 1979-84 was being formulated. He very ably contended with the intricacies of the planning process and contributed significantly in the making of the plan and its formulation by the target date. He also very ably assisted in the preparation of briefs to the Committee of Defence Planning and provided the justifications for many on going and new schemes and the necessity for resources allocations.

In the preparation of rolling plan 1980-85 and annual plan 1980-81, he again displayed outstanding initiative and completed the difficult task which covered acquisition cost of major weapon systems with different mix and varying payment patterns in record time. He devised the format and procedure for monitoring both physical and the financial progress of approved schemes from various sponsoring and procuring agencies as a result of which the progress in the implementation of the plan and review of approved schemes could be effectively monitored.

The introduction of costing of courses at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment, a very complicated process, was also done under his guidance. In addition, rational allocation of overheads on different courses being run at training institutions was made possible only through his professional competence.

He has been responsible for the scrutiny of various price proposals of HAL products and through incisive scrutiny substantial savings in the areas of Dakota servicing, HS748 for photo-survey role, RMS orders for spares were identified.

For his distinguished services of a very high order Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sham Rao.

Wing Commander Nanak Chand Kaushal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 01 June, 1961. The officer with a brilliant academic career also topped the course in Air Force Technical College. Wing Commander Kaushal while posted as Project Engineer (Communication Installation 'B') since September, 77 in the Radar and Communication Project Office, Ministry of Defence, was responsible for coordinating and monitoring the installation activities of highly sophisticated Electronics System of the Communication Project.

The task of completing installation, testing and commissioning was time-bound and the target of completing and installation of voice circuits systems set for January 1979 was to be achieved. The officer not only mobilized the resources available both men and material, but also with his personal efforts and not caring for personal comforts ensured achieving of the targets. His devotion to duty and unflinching determination and grit were the main factors which made it possible for meeting the objectives despite continued slippages in delivery of equipment by various suppliers in the concerned sector.

By his personal example and motivation he not only ensured commissioning of the system as schedule but also ensured operation and maintenance of the same to the highest standard with the limited resources available. It goes to the credit of the officer that during floods in 1979, in the area under his jurisdiction vital operational communications were kept fully serviceable when the P & T communications had totally broken down. Even when the task of extending TropoScatter communication between two distant opera tional air bases linked by vast communication was entrusted to him, he had within a short period of one week made it possible to achieve the objective of providing the desired vital communications. By his personal invol vement, a highly satisfactory communication was also made possible during a very important joint Army/Air Force operational exercise.

With his professional and managerial skill, exemplary zeal and unlimited energy to put in hard work far beyond the call of normal duties, he has rendered distinguished service of high order. For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Nanak Chand Kaushal.

Wing Commander Kapil Kak was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) branch of the Indian Air Force in Nov 62. He served with distinction as a Navigator in transport and bomber Squadron and lastly in Air Headquarters Communication Squadron where aircrew with proven merit are posted. Till date he has flown 4580 hours and for his flying proficiency he had held transport category 'A' an exceptional achievement for a transport aircrew.

He successfully graduated from Defence Services Staff College in Nov 75. In view of his excellent record as VVIP/VIP aircrew, in Jun 78, he was selected to take up the duties of DD OPS (VIP) in the Dte of Ops (T&M) at Air Headquarters. In this appointment he was assigned an exacting task of complete reorganization of the VIPs' Cell with a view to streamline its functioning. By dint of sheer hard work, resourcefulness and deep professional knowledge, he rose to the occasion and in short span of time he was able to give a face-lift to the VIPs' Cell.

Planning and coordination of VVIP/VIP Flights involve liaison with civil/service agencies at various levels. It is largely a measure of his personal tact, organizing ability, purposeful intelligence and dedicated hard work that all VVIP/VIP commitments were carried out to complete satisfaction of his superiors. The officer had to put in 15 to 18 hours of work a day to organize VVIP/VIP flights, particularly during Lok Sabha/Assembly elections held in the last two years. To arrange a VVIP flight involving both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters and entailing activation of as many as 15 to 17 helipads on a single day. With cool determination, exemplary zeal and unflinching devotion to duty, he was able to accomplish the task creditably. Some of his noticeable achievements in the Dte are appended below:- a. During the last three years, flying effort devoted towards VVIP/VIP flights has increased by 20%. From 3100 in 1976 the effort increased to 3900 hours in 1979. Wing Commander Kak handled the increased commitments with requisite professional skill and utmost confidence. b. The entire procedure for obtaining, processing and forwarding the special flight return for the VVIP/VIP flights has been rationalized. c. He has made significant contribution in identifying suitable replacement for TU-124 aircraft in Air Headquarters Communication Squadron and also in determining the Standard of Preparation for AN-32 (the proposed METAC). *Name as it appears in the Gazette is Kapila Kak - the original name of the Officer. d. Considerable staff action has been put in by him to have the necessary modification done on Mi-8 helicopters for undertaking VVIP/VIP flights.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kapil Kak has displayed remarkable sense of duty, singular intelligence and professional competence of a very high order. By his personal example and relentless enthusiasm he has won for him the confidence of his superiors and willing support of his subordinates. For his distinguished service of a very high order, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Kapil Kak.

Wing Commander Kalyanaraman Badrinarayanan was commissioned in the technical branch of the Indian Air Force on 16th November 1962. He has been on the posted strength of a Base Repair Depot since October, 1975.

The take-off performance of a type of helicopters in the summer months and at high altitudes had then become a problem of much concern. Wing Commander Badri narayanan was posted to the Base Repair Depot in Oct 75 to specially study and establish the technique without any foreign assistance. He successfully modified two helicopters using his own technique.

During April-December 1976, Wing Commander Badrinarayanan along with a team of technicians took upon the problem of another type of helicopter experiencing excessive oil temperature while operating in hot climate. He developed a simple modific ation to rectify the problem.

While on deputation abroad he was given the task of evaluating the service life and devise maintenance schedule of a new type of helicopter, which with his professional acumen, he successfully completed in a record time, he made fifteen helicopters operationally flying worthy. The technical knowledge of Wing Commander Badri narayanan was mainly responsible for over coming many hurdles during his deployment abroad.

With his extra-ordinary technical competence, initiative, imagination and qualities of leadership Wing Commander Badrinarayanan has rendered distinguished service of a very high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Squadron Leader Satya Pal Bhasin was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 27 Jan 63. He has held many important appointments both in operational units and on staff at Headquarters Western Air Command.

He took over the command of a Signals Unit on 26 Dec 77 and with determined efforts brought operational capabilities of unit to an exemplary standards. His professionalism, outstanding leadership and personal example inspired his men to accomplish many difficult tasks which won the admiration of one and all during deployment of his unit when the equipment was put to such a high order effective use and found to be serviceable at all times and this significantly added towards accident-free flying at the base during operational flying. He continued to work with commendable energy, single minded, devotion and perseverance and improved the operational efficiency of Air Defence System, which is a record performance since the inception of the System. By active involvement, guidance and ingenuity he has also made significant contribution towards detection of low flying targets without hampering the existing role of Medium/high level detection, which has proved a great success during the year 1979 while conducting various Air Defence exercises in western sector to meet the new concept of Base Air Defence Control. In both the above mentioned trials modi fications most creditable factor was the cost consciousness in keeping the expenditure to least possible.

His professional knowledge, technical skill, inspiring leadership and dedication motivated his officers and men, under his command to achieve excellent standard of operational preparedness. His valuable suggestions to enhance the operational performance of Air Defence System as a whole will go a long way. He has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Squadron Leader Raghu Nath Dass was commissioned in Indian Air Force in the year 1963, and from that time held many vital assignments with distinction in missile and photo units.

The officer was posted to the Transport Training Wing of the Air Force in May 77 for the duties of Senior Electrical officer. Within a short time of his arrival he organized fully established electrical and instrument work shop which could effectively cater for the 1st and 2nd line requirements of the three different types of aircraft serviced at the Wing. These facilities drastically reduced the down time of the aircraft for periodic inspections and snag rectification.

He organized a fully equipped R&SS with qualified men and supporting equipment capable of periodic inspections and also the intricate and detailed servicing like Check II A and Check II B of HS-748 aircraft. The result of his efforts are the proud figures of 43 and 47 Check As, and 11 and 12 Check I inspections in the year 1978 and 1979 respectively which stand out as an exceptional performance and formed the backbone for the fast turn round of aircraft and consequent availability to meet the flying task.

Due to the enhanced commitment of training and transport support role of HS-748 aircraft, number of aircraft were falling due for the elaborate and stringent Check II A and Check II B servicings during 1979 for which aircraft needs to be ferried out to a Base Repair Depot. This task had to be met with the resources of the station itself as the overhaul line of a Base Repair Depot Air Force was full to induct any further aircraft. With sound technical knowledge, professional skill of a high order, creative mind and sound organizing ability, the officer achieved the near impossible results of completing 3 Check II A and 2 Check II B inspections in the year 1979-80. The high rate of serviceability of aircraft, exceptional flight safety record and nil accident rate achieved by the station in the year 1979 give a befitting tribute to the flight safety consciousness and stringent quality control technique adopted by this officer in aircraft servicing.

Throughout Squadron Leader Raghu Nath Dass displayed determination, zeal, tenacity and devotion to duty. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order and for this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Squadron Leader Shamir Choudhuri was commissioned in Indian Air Force on 18 Nov 64. He has been on posted strength of Directorate of Plans at Air Headquarters as Asstt Director, Forecasting and Planning from Nov 77 to Jun 79 and thereafter has been working as assistant Director Admin Plans with added responsibilities.

While working as Asstt Director, Forecasting and Planning along with other duties he was required to progress a complicated legal case for release of certain aircraft purchased by Indian Air Force but impounded under court orders in a foreign country. This case on behalf of Govt of India was taken by the Addl Solicitor General and the officer was required to brief and provide required information on behalf of Indian Air Force. This complicated task which was performed by Squadron Leader Choudhuri in a most commendable manner and it was his hard work that went a long way in getting case decided in favour of the Govt.

As Asstt Director, Admin Plans, he is responsible for progressing cases for formation, disbandment of non flying units, KLP of Indian Air Force and War Wastage Reserves. During this period he was given a very important and responsible task of preparation of cases for upgradation of selection grade posts and sanction of substantive cadre posts for Indian Air Force officers. Squadron Leader Choudhuri completed these tasks by his direct involvement, keenness, professional knowledge and most important of all, his ability and willingness to work hard.

In view of his ability and expertise, he was entrusted with the task of Cadre Review for the Indian Air Force as ordered by the Govt of India. The Cadre Review cases involved preparation of statistical data, graphs and charts in respect of three Services to justify increases in the Selection Grade ranks. The Cadre Review was being progressed at the highest level and top priority due to its impact on the morale of the Armed Forces. Squadron Leader Choudhuri accepted this challenge and completed the task entrusted to him.

Throughout his tenure of duty Squadron Leader Shamir Choudhuri has displayed highest professional ability, initiative, zeal and steadfast devotion to duty with complete disregard to his own personal comfort. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a very high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh was commissioned in the year 1965 and passed out from the college standing first in the course. After successfully holding of various appointments like SATCO, Stn Adjutant, Deputy Camp Commandant etc. he has been posted as the Secretary of Central Vista AF Officer's Mess since July 1977.

Central Vista AF Officers' Mess is the premier officers' mess of the Air Force having a membership of almost a thousand officers including a large number of very senior ones. Apart from managing the affairs of about 100 to 150 living in officers, he has to cater to the needs of a large membership and run an institution in a manner befitting the unique position it holds. With unflinching loyalty, determination and single minded devotion to duty, he has been able not only to handle the affairs of the mess with commendable management skill but also effect all-round improvement in the various aspects of administration.

The officer took over his duties when the mess was passing through a difficult time and he was able to set things in order by clearing the arrears and bringing the accounts uptodate. With his sound financial acumen, he has been able to affect various economies in the mess expenditure as a result of which the general mess fund increased from Rs. 2.85 lakhs to Rs. 4.85 lakhs in a short span of one year. This was possible only due to his sincerity of purpose with which he took care of each and every aspects of the functioning of the mess and this impressive record is a testimony to the sterling services he rendered. Besides, he has carried out a complete survey of the property of the mess and added items worth Rs. 40,000 without drawing on the general mess fund.

Air Force Officers' Mess, located as it is and catering for the needs of Air HQ is called upon to arrange several functions mostly connected with the Air Force anniversary, 'At Home' by the CAS, tea party for the SNCOs and parties for foreign air attaches etc. It also caters for the entertaining of big dignitaries calling on the CAS at Air HQ and various high level conferences and meetings held there. His greatest contribution to the Air Force Officers Mess has been in the field of organizing these functions which are attended by no less personages that the presidents, the prime ministers, ministers and very high ranking civil and military officials. The arrange ments that he has ensured on these occas ions have not only enhanced the prestige of the Air Force and the reputation of the Air Force Officers Mess but also helped in providing excellent service at comparatively less expenses. Because of his intimate knowledge of the Indian and continental cuisine, he has been able to supervise and produce delicious food, drink and beverages which have always been appreciated by the VVIPs and VIPs.

With his calm and collected manners and cheerfully disposition, Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh has been able to manage the staff of the mess at their peak efficiency. Working under difficult conditions in shift system the staff had found him a good leader and manager who has always kept their welfare and interest his primary consideration. He has done much to help them in their needs.

Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh's contribution to the improvement of Air Force Officers Mess has been real and substantial and this he has been able to do because he is always out to do anything, even beyond the normal call of his duty, to ensure proper and efficient management of the mess. He has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. For this Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Prabhu Singh.

Master Warrant Officer Brahamdesam Venkataraman Venkatachalam was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 23 August 1949. Ever since, he has been performing various duties like Air Field Safety Operator, Warrant Officer i/c Air Traffic Control, Assistant Adjutant, Assistant Administrative Officer, Security Officer, most efficiently. His sense of duty, loyalty and the ability to work hard over long periods has always endeared him, appreciation from his officers.

Throughout his career, Master Warrant Officer Venkatachalam has worked with devotion and zeal. He has been serving as Adjutant to Chief Operations Officer in a Wing since 30 July 1978. He has shown initiative and enthusiasm in organizing the new base operation room and the operations readiness rooms. As regards the visiting Squadrons and the transiting aircraft he attends to their various problems on his own initiative. His deep involvement and willingness to devote all his time, beyond the call of duty, has proved an asset to his Wing. He willingly assumes all responsibility and takes care of situations as they arise. An intelligent Master Warrant Officer, who has always performed exceptionally well and helped the Wing in meeting its unusually heavy commitments at all times. With his ability to work hard, he has set an example for his juniors, who admire him for his knowledge, understanding and initiative. He is an accomplished supervisor and tireless worker.

With his total dedication and loyalty to the service, beyond the call of duty, MWO Brahamdesam Venkataraman Venkatachalam has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.

Sergeant Muthukrishna Chettiar Sivagnanam was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 17 June 1961. He is on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit since 03 Jun 75.

Sergeant Sivagnanam has always displayed a keen interest in the maintenance activities and has been in the fore front of any task assigned to the unit. He shoulders the responsibilities even at the cost of his personal comforts. His knowledge about the aircraft technical systems pertaining to his trade and other trades has enabled him to be a source of inspiration to others and assisted him in attaining laudable standards of leadership qualities.

In Oct 74 one of our helicopters sustained heavy damage requiring change of major components at site. The helicopter was repaired at site by cannibalizing and flown to base and put on AOG upto 1975. In 1975, Sergeant Sivagnanam undertook the job of putting the helicopter back on line, which involved fitment of tail boom, rotor hub, swash plate, transmission shaft and also the complete rigging of the helicopter which required hard work, technical skill and thorough knowledge of systems.

In Mar 79 this unit faced a novel and arduous task of reviving an helicopter which had force landed on top of a hill at a height of 1500 metres AGL due to severe vibrations. The peculiarity of the snag involved a tho rough check of every system on the helicopter as no clue to the snag was available. It became very difficult task to make the helicopter air worthy. The hilly terrain, lack of road communication and no assistance from any Air Force of Army base added to the problem. The space available on top of the hill just enabled one more Mi-8 helicopter to land. This type of job had never been undertaken by any unit with similar type of helicopter. This further inspired the unit to undertake the challenge and Sergeant Sivagnanam was assigned the task of servicing the helicopter as the leader of ground party.

Sgt Sivagnanam went about the snag rectification in a truly professional manner and it was decided to change the whole set of rotor blades. Removal and fitment of rotor blades requires the assistance of a crane and is a very delicate job requiring technical skill to ensure no damage to the blades. The SNCO went about the job and improvised a method of removal and fitment of blades with the available manpower. He not only inspired other members of the ground crew but was also able to muster the local population for help, guided them and achieved the task with remarkable speed. Above all, he kept up a cheerful disposition towards everyone involved in the operation which brought laurels to the service in general and unit in particular. The helicopter was serviced and flown back to base with no problems enroute. This speaks very high about the individual who took up the responsibilities, placing the interests of service above his own personal comforts. His dedication to the task assigned, methodical way of tackling the problem and his keen knowledge about the capabilities of the individual under him and led others to rise to the great heights.

By exhibiting total dedication to any task assigned throughout his service career, Sergeant Sivagnanam has rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which the Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to him.