Group Captain Kuldeep Raj Lamba was commissioned in Jun 60 and has held important appointments at various levels. After a long tenure at Air Headquarters, in Oct 84, he was posted to a frontline fighter station as a Chief Engineering Officer.

He took over his duties at a time when the Station aircraft maintenance organization was facing a variety of problems. This resulted in the monthly flying effort of the two locally based Vijay Squadrons being restricted to roughly half the desirable figure. Some of the problems were inadequately trained and experienced technical manpower, shortage of test and ground support equipment and a restricted spares supply line. These problems and others had led to a daunting backlog of 200 hrs inspections at the base Central Repair Servicing Section.

Group Captain Lamba willingly accepted the challenge and set about clearing the backlog of inspections without delay. As a result of his tireless efforts, the locally based fighter squadrons have been able to complete their assigned flying tasks from March 86 onwards without a break.

Group Captain Kuldeep Raj Lamba efforts and achievements have contributed significantly to the restoration of the fighter aircraft fleet based at the Wing to its rightful position of a premier element of the strike force under Western Air Command. In the process, he has made a commendable contribution to the enhancement to the operational preparedness of the base and of the Air Force as a whole.

For his devotion to duty, his technical excellence and his leadership of the Station technical organization, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Kuldeep Raj Lamba.

Group Captain Narayanaswamy Sundarajan was commissioned in Dec 61 and has held various field, training and staff appointments. In all these appointments, the has excelled himself. Since July 1985 the has been functioning as the Chief Administrative officer of a large training station.

The Chief Admin Officer of this station has the unenviable task of managing a population of 12000 spread over 1500 acres of land located in three different camps. Further, it is the only station where advanced flying training for flying instructors and technical training for airmen are bringing about cohesion and harmony to ensure accomplishment of tasks is indeed a very challenging one which calls for total dedication, integrity and professional competence of the highest order. This officer has executed this responsibility with admirable competence and leadership qualities and ensured an administration which had earned the appreciation of all visiting dignitaries.

During Nov 85 when Madras was hit by a severe cyclone and life in the city stopped paralysed for weeks, this officer worked round the clock to ensure that the essential services in the Air Force Station were maintained throughout.

By his unstinted and invaluable effort hard work and total dedication Group Captain N Sundarajan has set an example worthy of emulation and inspired the entire staff at the station, including the MES, to face any future challenges.

For his personal dedication and exemplary contribution to the provision of administrative activities at the Station his laudable professional competence the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Narayanaswamy Sundarajan.

Group Captain Jayaraj Henry Mandody, Logistics, was commissioned in Dec 61 and has served with distinction in a number of field and staff appointments during the past 25 years. As the Senior Logistics Officer of two major Wings, one in the Western and the other in the Eastern Theater, his excellent performance was recognized with a Com mendation by AOC-in-C, Western Air Command in 1978. The Section headed by him was awarded 'HiSat' rating twice by the Director of Air Staff Inspection inspecting teams. As the Chief Logistics Officer of Air Force Station, Avadi, he has geared the entire logistics functioning to yield optimum productivity. All receipts issues and dispatches of stores from the depot have been streamlined to eliminate delays and hold ups in the supply line. During the red alert period in early 87, he geared the entire depot supply effort to issues and dispatched 350 tons of much sought after vital clothing, Barrack and MT spares to operational units by rail, road and air.

By his exceptional devotional to service and outstanding commitment to work, he has excelled in the filed of logistics performance. By judicial planning, harnessing the resources and detailed execution, he has brought up the depot to yield most favourable results. His exemplary alacrity and accomplishment of tasks with commendable speed is a direct result of his detailed planning, timely initiative and dedication to duty.

For his exemplary sense of devotion and dedication to duty, coupled with outstanding resourcefulness, untiring enthusiasm and zeal, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Jayaraj Henry Mandody.

Group Captain Muttatu George Mathew was commissioned in April, 1963 and has held various field appointments. He was on the posted strength of Air Force Station Bidar from 24 Jan 83 to 06 Oct 86. His arrival coincided with a change in the role of the Station. Jet Training on Kiran aircraft was introduced to improve the service ability of airborne electronic equipment, navigation and communication aids. To install a newly acquired radar, he worked round the clock and was able to make it operational within four days and maintained a high degree of serviceability. He was also instrumental in the installation of DRDF/DF and arrester barrier, well ahead of the schedule to meet the jet operations.

In Sep 85, on promotion to the rank of Gp Capt, he assumed the duties of Chief Engineering Officer. This officer, through hard work keen application and ingenuity grasped the essential of his new assignment and improved the serviceability of the of the Kiran fleet. By his sustained effort, he generated sense of confidence and esprit-de-corps among his colleague and subordinates He was primarily instrumental in maintaining a high state of MT serviceability. It was because of the firm foundation laid by him that the station was able to present 100% vehicles in a serviceable condition during the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection in 1986.

Through his excellent man-management and high professional skill, he was able to elicit effective performance from his officers and men. The credit for the station being adjudged the Best Maintenance Station of the Air Force for 86-87 goes to him.

For his excellent performance, high professional skill and deep devotion to duty, the president is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Muttatu George Mathew.

Group Captain Dharam Vir Dhingra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Nov 62. Since then the has held various important appointments with distinction and has acquitted himself in an exemplary manner. Since Sep 86, he has been serving as Chief Administrative officer at Air Force Station Palam.

This Station is responsible to provide administrative services to 21 Units and making arrangements for reception and departure of VVIPs including foreign dignitaries. With limited manpower resources available, he has handled multifarious administrative responsibilities in an exemplary manner to the satisfaction of all the units.

As C AD O, Gp Capt Dhingra is solely responsible for planning and implementation of various works services at this Station.

During the 'Alert' in the country in Jan 87 Gp Capt Dhingra set up 'Air Force Transit Camp' at this Station. Almost 2000 officers and airmen transited through this Station during this period. He had to work regularly, beyond the normal hours to achieve the tasks assigned to this Station during this period.

Besides, the officer has dedicated himself to improving the quality of life of the station personnel. Considerable improvement has been planned and brought about in SNCO and Airmen Messes. The living and working environment at this station has improved considerably. The sustained efforts being made by the officer have substantially contributed to raising the morale of the personnel.

For his qualitative performance, result oriented initiative, high professional competence, and excellent organizing capability, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Dharam Vir Dhingra.

Group Captain Hemant Vishnu Khatu was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 28 Oct 63. He has 2,663 hours of flying to his credit. During his 24 years of service he has held various prestigious and important appointments.

As a member of the directing staff at the prestigious Tactics and Combat Development Establishment Group Captain Hemant Vishnu Khatu efforts were largely responsible for the creation of the publication Fighter Forum - a fighter tactics magazine on the lines of the USAF's Fighter Weapon Review.

Group Captain Hemant Vishnu Khatu commanded a fighter squadron for a little over two years. During his tenure he was responsible for the introduction of numerous innovations many of which have since become standard concepts. The Squadron also became the first to operate supersonic aircraft from one of the world's highest airfields.

After an outstanding tenure as a squadron Commander, Group Captain Khatu was inducted into an operational command as the Ops 1A - a coveted and prestigious appointment. In this capacity, he brought all his flying experience and innovative thinking to bear on the planning of operational activities of the combat forces. It was at his initiative that high altitude live firing by supersonic aircraft was introduced in the Command.

In all the assignments entrusted to him, Group Captain Hemant Vishnu Khatu has demonstrated a high degree of professionalism, leadership of a high order and exemplary devotion to duty.

For exceptional competence in his profession, innovative thinking and devotion to duty, the president is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Hemant Vishnu Khatu.

Wing Commander Shailendra Shankar Saxena was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 21 Jan 63. Since then, he has been employed on air defence as well as administrative assignments. With his exceptional professional knowledge capabilities earnedhim category 'A' in 1974.

As Commander Officer of an Air Force Liaison Unit, Wing Commander Saxena has contributed immensely to result oriented investigating reporting. With his sound operational background, he has been able to cover a large number of new areas in the field of counter intelligence. Under his leadership, the staff members of the AFLU have shown a sense of pride in the job with almost dedication.

In spite of the fact the normal counter intelligence work of his until suddenly increased manifold due to the prevailing political situation in the country, Wing Commander SS Saxena could obtain timely and excellent intelligence through his own example of untiring efforts and total devotion to duty and that enabled Air Headquarters to take suitable preventive measures well in time.

For his outstanding ability, devotion to duty, initiative, extreme loyalty to service, unflinching integrity and professional competence of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander SS Saxena.

Wing Commander Amarjit Singh was commissioned on 24 Jun 64 in ADM Branch and underwent ATCO's course in Oct 64. He has served as Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at a number of operational bases.

An accord to end ethic strife in Sri Lanka was arrived at between Government of Sri Lanka and India on 29 July 87. In pursuance of this accord, there was an immediate requirement of airlifting Indian Peace keeping forces in Sri Lanka. Wing Commander Amarjit Singh was detailed as leader of the IAF team which was airlifted at a very short notice on the night of 29 Jul 87 for deployment at an operational location in Sri Lanka. The task assigned to this team was to set up communication links, provide air traffic control and turn-around facilities to a large number of transport aircraft which were following this team. Wing Commander Amarjit Singh achieved his task within minutes of his arrival by motivating his team with his dedication, personal example and inspiring leadership. The dedicated work put in this team was largely instrumental in successful launching of 55 operational sorties on the first day itself, thereby making a success of an internationally important task assigned to the IAF.

On 01 Aug 87 the runway was blocked by a Chitra aircraft which landed with a nosewheel collapse. Undeterred by the lack of proper equipment and inadequate facilities, Wing Commander Amarjit Singh mobilized all the available resources and ensured that the runway was cleared in the shortest time. But for this prompt and quick reaction displayed by him, the air operations would have been seriously jeopardized.

For the high professional skill, exemplary dedication, courage and qualities of leadership displayed while accomplishing an internationally important mission, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Amarjit Singh.

Wing Commander Vijay Achyut Patkar, commissioned in Jul 66, has held important assignments. He has excelled himself in academics and has done Ph.D. in Computer science from France. He has been responsible for setting up the MCF for Gajraj aircraft and for establishing second line bay servicing facilities for sophisticated electronic equipment Installed on Gajraj aircraft.

Gajraj aircraft were inducted in May 85. At that time only a handful of aircrew and ground crew technicians trained in the USSR were available to man the squadron. There was a pressing need for setting up the MCF urgently so that more aircrew and ground crew could be trained. This officer, with great zeal and enthusiasm, took up the challenging task of setting up the MCF for Gajraj within two months against heavy odds caused by paucity of space and other resources.

Wing Commander Patkar has also been instrumental in establishing sophisticated electronics laboratories, Including, a laboratory for the aircraft's computerized navigation and radar system. This officer designed the laboratory and supervised its construction as per the specification. The establishment of this laboratory has facilitated servicing of the sophisticated electronics equipment locally.

For this hard work, professional skill, exceptional ability to guide people in the technical field and the contribution he has made towards planning and establishing the MCF and the Electronics laboratories for Gajraj and Sutluj aircraft, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing commander Vijay Achyut Patkar.

Wing Commander Iqbal Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 06 Jul 64. After his initial training he served as Radar Officer in two missile combat squadrons.

In recognition of his exceptional performance in the guided weapons stream, he was specially selected and posted to Radar System Installation Unit on its formation in 1973 for installation of a radar under the Air Defence Ground Environment System Plan. While all officers posted to the Radar System installation Unit, on its formation have been specially trained for the task, in France and Italy, Wing Commander Iqbal Singh was the only exception. Because of his skill, caliber and competence, he was considered suitable for the task even without formal training. During this tenure he participated in the installation of radars at three locations. While serving as Senior Radar Systems Officer in one of the important Air Defence Radar Units of the country in the Western Sector he designed an electronic Coder using indigenous spares (worth Rs. 2000/-) as possible replacements for imported optical encoder costing over Rs. 2-3 lakhs each and saved valuable foreign exchange.

In Apr 86 he was posted to RCPO as a Project Engineer (Radar Systems). His duties included induction, planning procurement, monitoring, field installations and commissioning of radar and associated systems. Two high power static Radars were commissioned and availability of these two radars has enhanced the air deference capability of the Air Force. Wing Commander Iqbal Singh made a very significant contribution to the success of these tasks.

For his high degree of professional skill, leadership, devotion to the service, initiative, hard work and sincerity distinguished service of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht

Seva Medal to Wing Commander Iqbal Singh.

Wing Commander Homi Faramoroz Buhariwala was commissioned in July 1965. He was on the posted strength of a Wing from 25 Mar 85 to 24 Nov 86. When he was posted the infrastructure for electronic equipment repair of Jaguar aircraft was not at all established. With the equipment of fighter squadron with Darin-fit Jaguar aircraft, it became mandatory to set up these facilities on priority. Wing Commander Buhariwala with his electronic background and experience, set up the facilities of Darin equipment repair in an expropriated building. He had not only to put in long hours of hard work but excelled himself professionally also in setting up these facilities at this base which where not available anywhere in the Air Force.

Another challenge cheerfully accepted by him was in the beginning of 1987 when the new building for Electronic Engineering Complex was handed over. Here again this officer managed to move all the expensive test equipment from the old building to the new building in a record time of three weeks. The EEC set up at this base is one of the most modern in the IAF. This complex has been highly appreciated by everyone including the AOC-in-C Headquarters Central Air Command.

In another sphere of Aircraft Quality Control also this Officer worked hard with his team. He carried out detailed studies of specific areas of maintenance and produced excelled material for implementation. These studies include original ideas on maintenance activities conduction to safe flying.

For his dedication to duty professional approach, dependability and distinguished service, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Homi Faramroz Buhariwala.

Wing Commander Ashok Sood was commissioned in the Technical Armament Branch in January 1966. During his service career he has held varied field and staff appointments with distinction. From 1982 to 1987, he was employed as Deputy Director Maintenance Plans at Air Headquarters.

Wing Commander Sood is responsible for staff work concerning type and development training of technical personnel, technical trade structure, Branch Commissioning etc. His task includes co-ordination of the functioning of various MCFs to meet the requirements of type training of technicians, technical officers and aircrew.

In discharging the above functions he has displayed deep analytical ability and has strived for excellence in staff work by meticulous attention to detail as also by unbiased and diligent compilation and analysis of data. He involved himself fully in the tasks and the studies undertaken by him had a mark of incisive analysis and extraordinary communicating skill. His work pertaining to the study on utilization of Technical Branch Officers in BRDs, analysis of job evaluation, studies of technical trades by the Institute of Defence Management team and formulation of proposals for introduction of new technical trade in consequence to La Fontaine Committee recommendations, deserve special mention.

The officer is dedicated worker and has always displayed a high sense of responsibility and willingness to work hard for long hours without regard to his personal comfort.

For his exemplary devotion to duty, a deep sense of responsibility and dedication, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ashok Sood.

Wing Commander Kamal Kumar Jotwani was commissioned into the IAF in Oct 66 and has been on active flying duties with distinction.

At present, the officer is employed in the Directorate of Intelligence as Deputy Director (Photo Interpretation). He is in-charge of a very important assignment, i.e., preparation of correctly interpreted target folders and collation of all relevant information pertaining to various targets.

During December 1985, he was assigned a special task of updating the information on target system. A detailed plan was made for acquisition of photographs, their correct interpretation, preparation of up-to-date target folders and their distribution to respective Command Head quarters as per their requisitions. For completion of this task, a time bound schedule was given to him. The officer took it as a challenge. He motivated all personnel very well and directed them methodically towards meeting this challenge. Besides the efforts of the personnel of his section, the required his tactful interaction with other agencies as well. Wing Commander Jotwani has been able to complete more than 90% of the enormous task assigned to him.

In his constant efforts complete the tasks assigned to him. Wing Commander Jotwani has shown exemplary leadership and dedication to service work. On many occasions, he had to work for long hours and even on Sunday/Holidays for prolonged periods.

For achievements of a high order devotion to duty and exemplary leadership in keeping with traditions of the Indian Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Kamal Kumar Jotwani.

Wing Commander Purshotam Singh Mahngar was commissioned in January 1967 as has held various appointment in the field as well as in hospitals. He has been posted to 5 AF Hospital wef 18 Jun 84.

He is a classified specialist (General Surgery) and the senior most surgeon of the hospital. Sincere and devoted to the core, the officer has endeared himself to his patients and established an enviable reputation as a professional. He has come out one very occasion with flying colours and to the great satisfaction of the patients and their relations.

The hospital provides medical cover to troops stationed in Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur as also to a large number of local personnel. During his tenure at the hospital, he was called upon to manage twenty cases of gun shot wounds who were brought after sustaining injuries in combat. All the cases were brought in a critical condition and many of them had multiple injuries of internal organs like liver, spleen, kidney, intestine, blood vessels etc. One patient had sustained as many as six outlet injuries. He worked tirelessly and continuously spending three to six hours in operation theater to pull the patient out of danger. He undertook his job with great determination, challenge and outstanding devotion. He could successfully mange all of them and made them fit to resume their duties.

For his outstanding professional competence, diligence and commendable devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Purshotam Singh Mahngar.

Wing Commander Durba Venkateshwarlu was commissioned in October 1967. In April, 1986, he was posted to Defence Research Development Organisation on a special assignment. The task involved technical appreciation of combat aircraft systems. The task involved technical appreciation of combat aircraft systems and of the technology options to be exercised. A very high level of dedication and determination was needed to ensure that all necessary inputs were generated with laid down time frame to aid decision making, development activity and provision of operational capabilities. This also meant that the officer had to adapt himself in a very short time to the Defence Research Development environment and interact efficiently and smoothly with the scientist.

On successful Completion of the Phase I of the project, namely identification technical requirements preparation of an action plan for Development/integration, Wing Commander Durba Venkateshwaralu was transferred to the Advanced Systems Integration & Evaluation Organization (ASIEO) at Bangalore and charged with the responsibility of executing the project within a short time frame. During this phase concentrated effort towards system development and aircraft integration as well as intensive field evaluation of the system were required.

Wing Commander Venkateswaralu became the crucial contributor to the project, carried out all tasks assigned to him with exemplary technical skills and devotion to duty.

For his outstanding performance in this project, commendable scientific abilities, qualities of leadership and the ability to innovate and achieve results, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Durba Venkateswaralu.

Wing Commander Niraj Rampal was com missioned in Army Dental Corps on 25 Nov 68 and seconded to the Indian Air Force. In Jun 74, he was selected for undergoing specialist training leading to MOS from Bombay University. He successfully completed his course and specialized in Prosthodontics. At present he is working as a classified specialist in Prosthodonist in 1 Air Force Dental Centre, Palam.

As a dedicated dental surgeon Wing Commander Rampal has presented several papers at National level and earned recognition of an exceptional order in his Specialty. In recognition of his achievements in the field, he has been selected as an examiner at the postgraduate level.

Wing Commander Niraj Rampal is keenly interested in research projects. He has successfully completed a research project on Acrylic Implants sponsored by the Armed Force Medial Research Committee during 1980-82. The report on the research project has been sent to all Dental Centres in the Armed Forces. He has also been associated with the Air Force Central Dental Establishment, Bangalore for the manufacture of "Indigenous Investment Material."

At present, Wing Commander Rampal has in hand another research project to evaluate the efficacy of the Mary Land Bridge Technique as restoration for missing teeth. It is a three years project and it will simplify the complicated method of bridge fabrication in prosthodontics.

For his exceptional initiative, outstanding professional competence combined with extensive research work and distinguished service in the field of dental care, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Niraj Rampal.

Squadron Leader Poockoty Govindan was commissioned on 18 Dec 71 and posted to Air Force Station, Gwalior as Station Adjutant. In Apr 78, he was appointed as Secretary, Air Force Sports Control Board at Air Headquarters. During his tenure as Secretary, Air Force Sports Control Board from 1976 to 1984, the Air Force teams performed extremely well and won nearly 8 Championships out of the 17 disciplines in which Inter-Services Championships were held. At the national level, Squadron Leader Govindan is presently the treasure of Indian Hockey Federation, Vice President of Indian Volleyball and Amateur Handball Federations of India. In 1982, he was appointed as the Competition Director for the Handball event in the IX Asian Games held at Delhi. He was also the Manger of the Indian Handball Team of its tour to East Germany in 1982, the Indian Hockey Team for the Four Nations Tournament at Dubai and Kuwait in 1986, Goodwill Games 1986 in the USSR and the Chief de Mission of the Indian contingent for the Champions Trophy at Karachi in 1986. He was a member of the jury in the X Asian Games 1986 at Seoul and VI World Cup 1986 at London.

In July 84 he was posted as the Joint Secretary, Services Sports Control Board. As Joint Secretary, SSCB, his dedication in the conduct, selection and training of service sportsmen in diverse sports disciplines for participation in the National Championships has been amply rewarded. Results shows that 53.3% of the total medals won by India in the X Asian Games at Seoul were by the Services sportsmen.

For his distinguished service in the field of sports in the three services over twenty years, constant dedication and tireless efforts to achieve positive results, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Poockety Govindan.

Commissioned on 30 Dec 72, Squadron Leader Abnash Chander Sharma got himself completely involved in the process of learning developing in the service. After an extensive experience of fighter flying at No. 32 wing (1973-75) and transport flying at NACC, he performed forecasting as well as instruction duties at Flying Instructors' School, Tambaram. In recognition of his outstanding professional acumen, Squadron Leader Abnash was selected as special forecasting officer to accompany the IAF contingent during 5th Antarctic Expedition (1985-86). Before leaving for Antarctica, the officer and prepared himself thoroughly by going through all the available literature about Antarctic weather and also on the spot observation made by the IAF Met Officers during 3rd and 4th expedition. He successfully completed training imparted by the Metrological Department for handling, and installation of sophisticated and modern equipment. For a before understanding of the Antarctic weather and climate he collected a possible data from Dakshin Gangotri, Sohirmachar and neighboring camps of other countries. He carried out round clock observation for eleven days at Sohirmachar (Maitree) Hill against heavy odds. Despite long spells of bad weather and hostile terrain, he ensured record flying by the Air Force crew by rendering timely advice. He also flew total of 20 hours as a crew, even during marginal weather, for weather recce and terrain familiarisation. He also participated in scientific activity for establishing a Data Collection Platform (DCP) and a Met tower.

For his deep sense of dedication, devotion to duty and successfully meeting the challenge of observation and forecasting in Antarctica, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Abnash Chander Sharma.

Master Warrant Officer Sucha Singh Ghotra was enrolled in Sep 53. He is working as Mechanical Transport Officer at a Wing since his posting on 28 Dec 81.

MWO SS Ghotra, during his tenure, has completely overhauled and revitalized the MT Support System and brought about peak efficiency. He has introduced new techniques of maintenance management by establishing a single Daily Inspection Point, enforcing supervisory checks, conducting regular KPL checks and periodical servicing of MT vehicles. Due to his dedicated efforts, reliability of the vehicles has improved and a high degree of serviceability has been maintained. This was achieved by him single handedly and without guidance from his superiors.

He has efficiently handled large deployment of MT vehicles for out station operational commitment like squadron detachments etc. During the recent operational exercise, there was a requirement of a large number of vehicles for dispersal of aircraft equipment, ground defence of the airfield and deployment of squadron detachments away from the base. He geared up the available resources to bring the serviceability of MT fleet to 99% and maintained it during the exercise.

He worked long and ardours hours every day with total disregard to his personal comforts and the needs of his family. Despite all these pressures, he established an excellent report and understanding with his subordinates and most appropriate conduct with his superiors.

For his selfless, devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to MWO Sucha Singh Ghotra.

Master Warrant Officer Natesan Thiranavuk Arasu has been on the posted strength of a front-line fighter squadron since 01 Dec 83. Earlier he was posted to another premier fighter squadron. Thus, he has been associated with the Vijay Fleet right from its inception in the Indian Air Force. During this period MWO Arasu has proved himself not only to be an excellent technician, but also a manager of a very high caliber.

As a technician, he proved himself to be knowledgeable, resourceful and ingenious, in that, he was instrumental in formulating current technical practices for ground handling Vijay aircraft and evolving procedures, in the form of an engine starting circuit, for preserving Vijay aeroengines that are not fitted on the aircraft.

As a manager, his outstanding devotion to duty, creditable and tactful handling of subordinates, whole-hearted professionalism and exceptional supervisory acumen have led to all round improvement in the operational preparedness of the Squadron.

For his zeal, untiring efforts, effective managerial skill, thorough professional knowledge and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to MWO 222170 Natesan Thiranavuk Arasu, Electrical Fitter.

Junior Warrant Officer Tarlok Singh was enrolled into the Indian Air Force in Jan 64. He is on the posted strength of a Squadron ever since its equipment with the MiG-23 BN.

In the early stages of induction of the MiG23 BN, the squadron was faced with many teething problems and shortage of critical equipment. With the flying effort mounting the shortage of equipment was holding up inspections and consequently the operational utilization of the MiG-23 BN. JWO T Singh, in addition to his routine trade duties, took the initiative and manufactured important equipment utilizing the local resources. The commendable initative helped the unit to achieve the operational status in a short time.

Once again when weapons were to be used on MiG-23 BN for the first time, JWO T Singh played a valuable role. He worked out practical solutions for adaption of new weapons for the MiG-23 BN.

For his sustained hard work, devotion to duty, exceptional intelligence, initiative, sincerity and loyalty to his superiors in the best traditions of the Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Junior Warrant Officer Tarlok Singh.

Junior Warrant Officer Radhakrishnan Nair was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in Jul 66. He has been working in the office of SMSO of HQ SAC since 01 Oct 84. He has been associated with setting up of Maintenance Branch offices since its formation of the Command in July 1984. The contribution of the JWO in establishing the various sections of the Maintenance Branch during the initial stages is significant. His dedication to duty is exemplary.

JWO Radhakrishnan Nair was attached to a Wing in Jan 87 under the augmentation plan. He was detailed to work in the CR&SS of Vijay aircraft keeping in view his past experience and training in this type of aircraft. JWO Radhakrishnan Nair acquainted himself thoroughly with the task in hand in the electrical section without loss of time. He applied his professional skill and determined efforts to improve serviceability of aircraft. His simultaneously trained the tradesmen in the electrical section on fault diagnosis and rectification.

For his exceptional professional knowledge, devotion to duty and significant contribution towards setting up of Headquarters Southern Air Command Engineering Sections from scratch, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to JWO Radhakrishnan Nair.