Group Captain Sudershan Kumar Nijhawan (6223) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) has been on the posted strength of a transport wing and is working as Chief Engineering Officer since 01 Apr 87. Within 17 days of his taking over as Chief Engineering Officer, there was a serious belly landing accident of AN-32 aircraft on one of the Advanced Landing Grounds and the runway was blocked. Group Captain Nijhawan collected his men, materials and landed at the Advance Landing Ground. Without and loss of time, he started the operation and by working round the clock, against adverse weather conditions, could remove the aircraft and cleared the runway for flying within the shortest possible time.

On 13 Feb 88 there was another serious landing accident at another Landing Ground in which nose section, including nose undercarriage of an aircraft was extremely damaged. Gp Capt Nijhawan developed and manufactured special trusses in the Station Workshop for supporting track jack so that the aircraft could be removed to another safe location to clear the runway for normal operations of Sutluj aircraft.

For his dedication to duty and professional skill and hard work, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Sudarshan Kumar Nijhawan.

Group Captain Ramesh Singh Sehgal (6792) F (N) was commissioned in Nov 1962. Since then he has held various flying assignments and has 4771 hrs of flying experience of his credit.

In May 1986, as the Star Sapphire radar at his unit had become obsolete, a new radar was allotted as replacement for this urgent operational requirement. However, Radar Communication Project Office, the erection agency, felt that in view of the mountainous road, the trailer mounted radar shelters and other heavy equipment could not be moved to the unit. Since the operational requirement was most urgent, Gp Capt Sehgal, judging this situation correctly, took upon himself the task of transportation of the radar from the valley to hills and installing it on top of tower.

Group Captain Sehgal surveyed the entire length of the road and in close cooperation and coordination with the civil engineers moved all the trailers to the radar site on schedule. Thus, a project which would have taken approximately two years and cost the exchequer millions of rupees was ready in 3½ months with no cost to the state.

For his exemplary leadership, resourcefulness, innovation and uncasing efforts, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Sehgal.

Group Captain Avinash Chander Chopra, VM (7604) Flying (Pilot) has been posted as Air-II at Headquarters Southern Air Command for the last three years.

As Air-II, Gp Capt AC Chopra is responsible for planning coordinating and executing of transport and helicopter operations in the geographical jurisdiction of HQ SAC.

Sometimes in May 87 it became apparent that large scale transport/helicopter operations will be required in Sri Lanka. The officer was entrusted with this task and he worked diligently to achieve the requisite infrastructure to support such large scale envisaged operations. Facilities were crated at Thanjavur and Trichurapally. These two locations were such where no Air Force elements existed. His efforts enabled the initial induction and operations of large scale helicopter and transport operations in a very satisfactory manner.

He maintained close liaison with maintenance personnel to ensure that all the twenty five helicopters placed at the disposal of HQ SAC are serviced promptly to ensure

availability of maximum number of helicopters at all times.

For unflinching devotion to duty, meticulous planning continuous prolonged involvement the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt A C Chopra VM.

Group Captain Surinder Singh Chauhan (7853) AE (M) has been functioning as the Chief Engineering Officer of an operational wing since 20 Nov 86. This wing is the base for two Vajra Squadrons, one Chitra Sqn and a Chetak Flight.

Gp Capt Chauhan took over charge which the Vajra force was in the process of consolidation. To ensure that the force was able to carry out its frequently operational and training commitments outside its home command, it was essential that the second line maintenance back up at base for the airframe, engine and other components was geared up for immediate response for the needs of the detachments. He played a key roll in improving the serviceability of Vajra & Chetak aircraft based at his base. In addition, he has carried out modification roll on all Vajra aircraft and its engine in a most professional manner.

Gp Capt Chauhan has been a dynamic Chief Engineering Officer who has, through deep involvement, correct direction and excellent man management, established an exceptional standard of maintenance at the wing.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, outstanding dynamism and professional competence of the highest order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Surinder Singh Chauhan.

Wing Commander Kuldip Singh Bhatty (8206) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of a Pechora Squadron since 09 Feb 87 and has been Commanding Officer of the Squadron since then.

The Squadron was declared Non-Operational by Director of Air Staff Inspection in Oct 86 with adverse comments on all aspects of its functioning. Wg Cdr KS Bhatty was in an unenviable position of taking over such a non-operational Squadron, that too during Red Alert. Wg Cdr KS Bhatty, having taken over the Squadron, brought it operationally to a level befitting the prevailing Alert Situation in a very short time.

With his exceptional level of professional knowledge, high stamina, zeal and enthusiasm, Wg Cdr KS Bhatty regardless of his personal problems and interests, concen trated on the Squadron operation preparedness from all angles and inspired all officers and men placed under highly successful live firing by the Squadron Combat Team in 1987. Further, under his guidance and supervision the serviceability state of squadron specialist vehicles and Common User Vehicles improved to their highest, having been graded as 'Exceptional' and 'Very Good' respectively by Command Inspection Teams.

For his sincerity, dedication to service, exemplary performance and good administrative skills, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Kuldip Singh Bhatty.

Wing Commander Arokiasami Balamohan (8533) Administrative/Air Traffic Controller has been on the posted strength of a Ground Control Approach Squadron since Apr 85.

As an Air Traffic Inspector of Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, and Air Force examiner between May 1980 and May 1984, he was responsible for setting new objective standards for testing and inspection, and in establishing procedures and practices which were instrumental in enhancing the operational efficiency of IAF bases. Through months of tireless hard work beyond the normal call of duty he single handedly completed the new Manual of Air Traffic Services.

As Commanding Officer of the unit he provided his immense organizational capabilities and dedication, in getting the radar system operational in a record time of 15 days after he moved the Squadron to a new Wing location. Subsequently, under severe constraints of shortage of spares and makes shift working conditions, he has been able to organize and motivate the personnel under him to achieve almost 100 percent availability of radar for flying.

For his outstanding achievements, professional competence of a very high order, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Arokiasami Balamohan.

Wing Commander Satya Pal Daulay was commissioned in the Air Force on 27 Jun 64. He has been on the posted strength of operational as Wing as Senior Meteorological Officer Since Oct 83.

Wg Cdr Daulay has always excelled in his professional field right from the beginning of his career. In the Professional courses for Junior and Senior Forecasters the obtained A-2 level grading.

With his excellent knowledge he has evolved new procedures and skills in weather forecasting and prognosis of weather systems which has enhanced accuracy of weather predictions manifold. He has also written a paper of the subject which was published in 'VATAVARAN' the Air Force meteorological magazine. Throughout his tenure his timely and accurate weather warnings have time and again prevented diversion of aircraft and prevented any incident due to weather and has thus contributed substantially towards flight safety.

In recognition of his exceptional achievements, professional competence, dedication and devotion to duty of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Satya Pal Daulay.

Wing Commander Kulbhashan Raj Bali has functioned as the Chief Technical Officer of a Signal Unit from 24 Oct 83 to 03 Apr 88.

This unit was first to be equipped with a new type of Radar and it went in for its first major overhaul in Aug 87. As the overhaul started in Aug 87 it was evident that the unit would have to shoulder the major portion of the overhaul task.

The potain Crane used to lift various components of the antenna drive system was not available for the overhaul. Wg Cdr RK Bali, and his technical officers of the unit designed and fabricated a lifting device that served the purpose extremely well. The heaviest component that the device lifted was weighing 2.3 tonnes. This igneous invention eliminates that total dependence of such units on the expensive imported cranes.

Wg Cdr Bali has been instrumental in saving foreign exchange and weeks in the availability of such an important radar.

For his professional competence, rare degree of innovative skill and a very high level of human endurance and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Bali.

Wing Commander Unnikrishnan Nair is on the posted strength of Air Headquarters Communication Sqn with effect from 08 October 84 and is performing the duties of Senior Engineering officer.

Because of his past experience and profound knowledge, Wg Cdr Nair was specially selected and posted to the premier VIP Squadron to fulfill one of the most challenging and arduous tasks which entails maintenance and upkeep of three variants of transport aircraft viz. Boeing-737, Chitra and Pratap Helicopter. He showed exemplary zeal, enthusiasm, man-management technique and an uncanny sense of analytical frame of mind to identify problem prone areas in advance and resolve them meticulously and systematically from grass root levels.

While maintaining a very high degree of aircraft serviceability, he took a special interest to incorporate certain modifications in Boeing-737, Chitra and Pratap helicopter. To quote a few instances, he designed and developed a dry galley for both Boeing-737 and Chitra aircraft, a compact baggage hold for Pratap helicopter and an improved call system for Chitra aircraft. These modifications were appreciated immensely by the VVIP/ VIPs.

For his utmost sincerity, dedication, devotion, determination, sense of purpose and courage of conviction, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Unnikrishnan Nair.

Wing Commander Ratnakar Anant Paranjape has been on the posted strength of an operational Wing since 28 Jul 86. He has rendered invaluable advice in the running of the administration which has resulted in this Wing bagging the South Western Air Command trophy for being the Best in Administration for the last two consecutive years.

HQ South Western Air Command has labeled the wing as a model one for the proper initiation, monitoring and execution of the work Service. The officer was called to give a presentation on work services in HQ SWAC, IAF. The Officer has excelled in ensuring high standards of services in Catering, Sports, Non-Public Funds and work services. He has been instrumental in motivating the civilians of this station and thus enabling them to work with devotion.

The officer has applied himself to all aspects of administration with great devotion. On the whole, the quality of life has improved within the camp because of the officer's commitment and devotion to both minor as well as major details.

For his unstinted hard work, devotion to duty and dedication to service, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ratnakar Anant Paranjape.

Wg Cdr Gopalakrishanan's contribution in designing cockpit control and display system within the continues of the cockpit was one of the remarkable achievements of his career.

For his outstanding ability, devotion to duty, initiative, innovation, extreme loyalty of service and professional competence of a very high, order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Nampat Raghav Menon Gopalakrishanan.

Wing Commander Subramaniam Swaminathan is on the posted strength of Air Force Central Accounts Office since Mar 86 and is working as Officer in charge Electronic Data processing wing since Sep 86.

His professional acumen and bold initiative were irrefutably evinced when he accomplished, with stupendous speed and accuracy, the seemingly insurmountable task of implementing the IV Pay Commission Recommendations both for Officers and Airmen, through computer.

His magnum opus was the computerization of Personnel Occurrence Reports and Acquittance Rolls of the Airmen and NCs (E) which has led not only to speedier and complete actioning of these two inputs but also to the rational utilization of the existing manpower, With this, the Herculean task of computerizing 1.3 Lakh Pay Records of Airmen and NCs (E), became a reality and that too, much ahead of schedule.

His exemplary leadership and objective management have knit his team of young professionals into a winning combination. The availability of trained computer personnel from within, is the result of his foresight and futuristic plans.

For his extra ordinary and multifaceted contributions to the computerization of Pay Accounting and Provident Fund records in the Indian Air Force, and services of exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Subramaniam Swaminathan.

Squadron Leader Deepak Gajare was commissioned in the IAF on 22 Jan 72 and is on the posted strength of an Operational Squadron since 10 May 87. He has since been working as a Navigation leader of the Canberra Flight.

He has 4,090 hours of total flying to his credit of which an impressive 2,450 hours are operational. During the period 1987-88, he has flown a record number of successful Canberra Photo reconnaissance missions in highly sensitive and hazardous operational areas. His planning of operational missions has been meticulous. This brought tremendous credit to the IAF, thus enhancing its image with the sister services.

As a keen and enthusiastic flier he has always volunteered himself and led hazardous missions. His sterling leadership, thorough professionalism, undaunted courage and ever smiling attitude to under take the most difficult operational task coupled with precision flying so vital for photo missions single out Sqn Ldr Deepak Gajare as an example worthy of emulation by his superiors and subordinates alike.

For his very high professional standards, fearless flying and a record number of successful operational photo reconnaissance missions, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Deepak Gajare.

Squadron Leader Vaduvur Srinivasarghavan was commissioned in the Air Force on 04 Jan 71. He has held various important appointments during his service career.

Seeing his past excellent performance, Sqn Ldr Sunder was specially selected as a part of Project Team which was assigned the task of carrying out an important modification to enhance the operational capability of a frontline combat aircraft. Sqn Ldr Sunder being the only specialist for the Mechanical and Structural side played an important role in developing and implementing the modification scheme on the aircraft. His sound professional knowledge, intelligent and dedicated hard work led to the successful completion of the modification which significantly enhanced the operational capability of the Air Force and led to saving of foreign exchange of crores of rupees.

In accomplishing the above tasks Sqn Ldr Sunder has displayed commendable enthusiasm, perseverance, anticipation, analytical power, organizing capability and professional competence of a very high order. For his dedication hard work and significant contribution in carrying out modification on the aircraft, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Vaduvur Srinivasaraghavan Sunder.

Sqn Ldr Om Prakash has been on the posted strength of Aviation Research Center from 26 Jun 84 and has been carrying out the duties of para Despatch Officer. He is responsible for para Training of personal of paramilitary forces.

He is a very highly experienced Parachute Jumping Instructor with more than 1000 jumps, with total safety, to his credit. He is a qualified sky diving Instructor as well as diving. He has also put together a team of troops for demonstration sky diving jumps.

He was responsible for opening Thoise Valley for paratrooping in Nov 87. He is the first paratrooper in the history of Indian Armed Forces to have jumped in the Thoise Valley that too with an old an conventional parachute. The task was accomplished with complete safety in the worst possible environment in sub-zero temperatures. Besides this, he has been responsible for planning and execution of High Altitude para jumps in the Leh Valley on two occasions.

For his professional skill, devotion to duty and achievement in the field of Para trooping and free all training, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Leader Om Prakash.

Squadron Leader Chellappan John Albert Sylam is posted as senior Technical Officer of a fighter squadron since 01 Jan 86. Sqn Ldr CJA Sylam had his initial training in France on the Airframe System of Mirage 2000 aircraft. He completed the training in France with distinction securing A One rating.

In 1987, the Squadron was fire tested during the RED ALERT. The high operational preparedness of the Squadron was made possible due to the scientific management of the team of engineers and technicians by Sqn Ldr Sylam. He himself led the detachment. During the later half of 1987 and the first half of 1988 the Squadron has been concentrating on its new role. As the Senior Technical Officer of the sqn he contributed immensely to the successful integration of Equipment System.

Flight safety is a key result area in every flying Squadron. By introducing innovative techniques like Aircraft Quality Control Centre, Maintenance Safety Cell and Training cells he has contributed well towards the high flight safety record of the Squadron.

For his high professional ability, exceptional leadership qualities, managerial skills and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Chellappan John Albert Sylam.

Squadron Leader Rangasamudram Kylasam Sekar has been on the posted strength of Area Maintenance Support facility Centre Electronics Standards and Calibration Laboratory since 06 August 1983.

During the mid 1987 period, when the political situation in southern region required availability of full transport aircraft fleet, the IAF was faced with a serious problem of unserviceabiilty of an electronics switching unit BK- 4 used in cockpit warning system of Sutluj aircraft. As a result large number of aircraft were non operational. The factory level repair facilities for this unit were not set up in India till then all unserviceable items were being sent to the manufacturers for repairs.

Sqn Ldr Sekar using his exceptional knowledge of modern electronics developed the detailed repair techniques and fabricated Simulator for functional testing. Thereafter, he started repairing the BK-4 units and within one month repaired all units thereby significantly improving the fleet serviceability.

Sqn Ldr Sekar, after successfully completing the repairs of critically needed BK-4 units, was tasked to set up repair facilities for number of other electronic systems of Sutluj and Gajraj aircraft.

For his outstanding contribution to service, initiative and displayed of exceptional technical skills, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Rangasamudram Kylasam Sekar.

Squadron Leader Brijesh Kumar has been on the posted strength of No. 3 Base Repair Depot. Air Force since 10 Jun 85.

Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar had been entrusted with the tasks of overhaul of TV2 aero engine and VR-8A reductors. He took up this challenging of TV2 aero engine and VR-8A reductors. He took up this challenging task willingly. As a result of his meticulous approach and dedicated effort, the depot achieved 100% production target during 1985-86 for the first time in respect of aeroengines and reductors. This substantially improved serviceability and availability of Mi-8 helicopters in Operating Units.

Again during 1986 when the depot was called upon to undertakes still higher task for overhaul of TV2 aeroengines during 1986-87. Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar achieved 100% production targets.

During the years 1987-88, the requirement of engines once again shot up sharply due to operation on southern frontier of the country. Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar planned repairs of 31 TV2-117A aero engines during well and there by repaired all these engines over and above completing the overhaul tasks of 48 aero engines.

For his devotion to duty, professional acumen of a very high order, innovative capabilities, total involvement in his profession and distinguished service of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar.

For his initiative, courage, hard work and complete dedication to service, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Cp1 Venumadhavan Talappil.

Squadron Leader Pratap Singh Samuel has been working Assistant Director (Maintenance) and Systems Engineer at Air HQ Computer Centre since Nov 84. His tenure at Computer Centre is marked with distinguished service in a varied spectrum of activities and exceptional devotion to duty in Carrying out tasks.

Sqn Ldr Samuel has been the key figure in hardware maintenance and resolution of a number of problems in the operating system. His complete and total involvement in all the core activities of the Computer Center has left a distinct mark of professionalism and elegance.

Besides ensuring a high degree of Computer System availability by his planned maintenance strategy with a average uptime of his computer Centre to 98.5% he made significant contribution in developing soft ware for the Plans Branch of Air HQrs and other systems in the Computer Centre.

For his dedication, zeal and significant contribution, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Pratap Singh Samuel.

Squadron Leader Gurwinder Jeet Singh Cheema was commissioned on 13th December 1975. He has vast experience on Mi-4 and Mi-8 Helicopters, having taken part in counter insurgency operations in Nagaland and Mizoram.

He was among the first batch of pilots trained on Mi-17 and deployed in operations over Siachen Glacier. By his meticulous planning and intelligent application, he has successfully executed various tasks.

In Operation Meghdoot, the carried out more than 620 operational sorties and has been instrumental in dropping all the artillery guns. These guns were very effectively used and proved decisive.

For Operation Vajra Shakti, he flew many operational sorties successfully against heavy shelling and adverse weather conditions.

For rendering distinguished service, the Presi dent is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Gurwinder Jeet Singh Cheema.

Master Warrant Officer Phool Chand Sharma has been in the Air crew Examination Board since Jul 79. He had stood "Best All Round" in the Radio Fitter course on remustering to the aircrew trade of Flight Signaller. He obtained transport category 'B' much before he completed in the requisite flying hours. Once again, he was awarded transport category 'A' on Packet, Super constellation, Dakota and HS-748 aircraft in the first attempt and as soon as he had the minimum required flying experience. For his outstanding performance, he was commended by the CAS in 1978.

The Aircrew Examining Board was still operating Dakota aircraft in 1984 when MWO Sharma was sent to Sulur to identify, locate, select and retrieve as many serviceable spares as possible from the life expired Dakotas stored there. He did a masterful job and as a result, the unit had no spares problem till it was finally sent to storage in 1986.

For his substantial and outstanding contribution as Flight Signaller on a variety of aircraft, his exceptional performance as an Air Force Examiner for nine years and his sustained professional excellence in flying and allied activities, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to MWO Phool Chand Sharma.

227702 Master Warrant Officer Maheswar Baral, AF/Fit has been working in the AN-12 overhaul line of a Base Repair Deport since Jan 79.

Professional competence and capacity of this MWO in undertaking new and difficult tasks in unforeseen situations was tested many times during his period of stay at the BRD. During 1986, when 3 Sutluj aircraft had sustained structural damage, the Repair Depot was called upon to undertake these repairs as a special case, since repair facilities for this aircraft where not yet established anywhere in the country. MWO Baral took up this task cheerfully and utilizing his experience of AN-12 aircraft evolved a repair scheme.

Again in 1987, one Sutluj aircraft was badly damaged due to belly landing at one of the forward airfields in the Eastern Sector. Due to the sensitive location of the base, the foreign specialists could not be associated with preparation of the repair scheme for repair and evacuation of the aircraft, MWO Baral led a handful of workers and displayed professional skill and dedication to duty of the highest order in over coming the problems of lack of equipment and basic amenities to complete the repair and retrieve the aircraft in a short time.

For his professional competence, ingenuity in planning, exemplary leadership in execution of the tasks entrusted to him and dedication to duty of a very higher order, the President pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to MWO Maheswar Baral.

660911 Sergeant Bhaskara Setty, Halady, Flight Engineer of a helicopter unit, AF has flown over six hundred sorties in 'OPERATION PAWAN' to date. Most of these missions involved operation over inhospitable terrain and under the most trying operational conditions.

On 22 Jun 88, Sgt Bhaskara was detailed as Flight Engineer of the helicopter which undertook a special but highly dangerous task in the jungle areas south of Atampil, where active ground operations where in progress.

During the execution of this task, the helicopter was hit by ground fire, in which Sgt Bhaskara also sustained minor injuries. This did not in any way deter him. He quickly monitored various aircraft system and rightly assessed the extent of damage and thereafter, assisted the Captain in quick and safe recovery of the helicopter at the closest helipad, thereby saving the valuable lives of crew and the troops on board.

During his long tenure in the Op Pawan area, Sgt Bhaskara had to operate from Bases minimal or non-existent ground support facilities. His selfless devotion to duty, professionalism and total disregard to personal comfort and safety have been real source of inspiration to his colleagues as well as ground technicians.

For his distinguished and selfless service rendered by him, under the most trying operational conditions, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sgt Bhaskara Setty Halady.