Wing Commander Kalpathy Easwaran (3725) was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has been serving as Senior Equipment Staff Officer of Headquarters Eastern Air Command, since August, 1968.

During the floods in October, 1968, he kept up the stocks of aviation fuel at all units judiciously by resorting to various modes of transportation when the rail traffic was disrupted.

During the Indo-Pak operations in December, 1971, he organized the supply of aviation fuel in such a way that adequate stock were available at al the bases of operations. He also maintained excellent liaison with the Army authorities for availability of rations at all the places of deployment of the personnel.

Wing Commander Kalpathy Easwaran displayed leadership, professional competence and devotion to duty, and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Prem Shankar Sharma (6659) was commissioned in the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1962. He has held responsible instructional and staff appointments with distinction. As a Flight Commander in a Ground Training School, he introduced instructional aids which vastly improved the training standards of airmen. He also made a significant contribution towards the effective training of Cadets in an Elementary Flying Training School. In 1966, he was appointed Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command. With his immense capacity for hard work, high degree of professional ability and accurate planning, he rendered singular assistance to his Commander in setting up the Command Headquarters at a new location. He also served with distinction as Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command.

In March, 1971, Squadron Leader Sharma was appointed Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Com mand. By his sustained hard work and thorough study, he kept himself fully conversant with all problems faced by various establishments under the Command and vigorously persued action on each point raised by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief. His exemplary staff work, clarity of thought and expression were of immense help to all concerned.

During the Indo-Pak Conflict of December, 1971, Squadron Leader Sharma displayed exceptional initiative, great organizing ability and single minded devotion to duty. He worked for long hours and successfully coordinated all staff work among Operational, Maintenance and Administrative Cells. He was instrumental in ensuring that orders and instructions of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief reached all levels in the shortest possible time and were executed properly. He confidently dealt with all routine work within the frame-work of broad directives of the Air Officer Commandingin-Chief in devoting his full attention to the Air Operations in the Eastern Sector.

For high professional ability, capacity for hard work and devotion to duty, Squadron Leader Prem Shankar Sharma is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Naresh Chand Jain was commissioned to the Air Force in January 1963. Though basically a Technical Officer he volunteered for flying and on completion of training was posted to an important transport Squadron which was responsible for Maritime Operation. Later as Command Engineering Officer at Headquarters Eastern Air Command, Wg Cdr Jain acquainted himself with the engineering aspects of all aircraft operated in the Command. This prolonged hours of study, continuous reference more recent technical papers issued by the manufactures, Air Headquarters and Base Repair Depots and long hours spent in the hangars and servicing bays of flying Wings. He was soon in position to appreciate and anticipate technical problems. His greatest contribution was in the maintenance safety, where painstaking enquiry of incidents and accidents established the causes and the introduction of preventive service procedures. He displayed great initiative in modification for the Caribou propeller system, which was approved by competent authority, enabling increased utilization of this aircraft. He played role in drawing up retraining programmes of the personnel, which were aimed at enhancing professional skills and knowledge.

For having rendered distinguished service very high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Naresh Chand Jain.

Wing Commander Jaspal Singh Kalra (7999) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in Jul 64. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has held various Staff and Field Appointments with distinction. In his present appointment at Head quarters Eastern Air Command, he has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Soon after taking over his responsibilities, he studied the problems afflicting the aircraft fleets entrusted to him, analyzed each aspect thoroughly and set about removing constraints and improving the maintenance activities. By his systematic and persistent efforts, serviceability of aircraft and helicopter under his charge has consistently improved over the months and now stands well above the serviceability targets fixed for Badal, Pratap, Chetaks and Cheetah aircraft.

Wg Cdr Kalra's efforts on the improvement of maintenance culture by enforcing correct technical practices have been very rewarding. He has been largely responsible for formulating the task of 'Action Groups' and 'Hazard Evaluation Teams', and a number of Command Maintenance Instructions. He had ensured through frequent visits to the field units that the servicing personnel did understand various technical instructions issued by Air Headquarters and Command Headquarters and strictly comply these instructions.

Wg Cdr Kalra has taken keen interest in the promotion of better quality control of aviation fuel. He organized courses with the assistance of Indian Oil Corporation, helped units in improving quality control laboratory and thereby brought about significant improvement of Quality Control set up, even in the remote Advanced Landing Grounds.

To accomplish the above tasks, he has displayed commendable enthusiasm, perseverance, anticipation, analytical power, staff work, organizing capability and professional competence of a very high order. For his dedication, hard work and significant contribution in improving aircraft serviceability, training and technical practices, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Jaspal Singh Kalra.

Group Captain Sinha has proved himself as a pivot of all flying related technical activities under his command. This has aptly been proved by the all round improvement in every sphere of technical activity related to flying. Where flying task of the squadron is enhanced with the resources remaining same, the officer has had a daunting task ahead. By virtue of his exceptionally high managerial capabilities, he improved the work ethos and brought forward a synergetic approach to the problems at hand. As a result, the serviceability of fighter fleet in general and that of MiG-27 fleet in particular, improved systematically. Efficiency of his management was quite visible in the way first and second line servicing facilities of 52 Squadron was in the given time frame transferred to another location. His continual liaisoning with Air HQ, HAL and BRDs has resulted in cutting down "on the ground" time of aircraft. With his personal knowledge on Russian aircraft, he identified many testers lying at 25 ED, got them allotted to various squadrons, which resulted in considerable reduction in concessions on aircraft servicing activities.

For his dedication to service and distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Group Captain Mohan Prasad Sinha.

Group Captain Chennupati Ramachandra Prasad (14998) Flying (Navigator) was commissioned in the Flying Navigator's Branch of the 1AF off 10 Jun 1977. He has been CO of AF Stn, Begumpet since 29 Jan 01. In 26 years of distinguished service, he held several prestigious appointments, including Commanding Officer Navigators Training School (NTS), Directing Staff (DS) at Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and Station Commander AF Station, Begumpet. Presently, he is held on the posted strength of HQ EAC, 1AF.

Gp Capt Prasad has displayed exemplary leadership qualities during his tenure as the Station Commander of AF Stn, Begumpet. During surprise inspection carried out by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI) team in Apr 2002, the Station was assessed 'High Average' in operations, training, maintenance, administration and air warrior qualities. DAS1 team commended the effort put in by the Station personnel under the leadership of Gp Capt Prasad.

The team building capability of Gp Capt Prasad resulted in all round improvements in operations, maintenance and administration of AF Stn, Begumpet. During the Commanders' Conference held at Headquarter Training Command in Aug 2002, the Station received three trophies (Flight safety and Maintenance Safety Trophy to Navigation Training School and two trophies for AFWWA and Hindi implementation).

Gp Capt Prasad has consistently endeavoured to improve the quality of life of the personnel placed under his command. His efforts were particularly focused on Flight Cadets, Airmen, NCs(E) and civilians. During his tenure, a number of works services and amenities were created for the benefit of airmen and flight cadets. This emphasis on the quality of life has ensured the highest level of motivation of air warriors under his command. The personal example set by Gp Capt Prasad has elicited the best out of all personnel. This was evident in the static display that formed part of the 1AF awareness campaign in the Twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Despite the short notice of just one-month, the static display conducted at AF Station, Begumpet was a grand success, where more than 1.5 lakh people visited the show. The ability of Gp Capt Prasad to marshal all available resources and meticulously implement the plan of action contributed in large measure to the success of this event. He displayed exemplary tact in coordinating with various agencies of Government of Andhra Pradesh and Airport Authority of India.

For his distinguished service of high order and exemplary leadership qualities, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Chennupati Ramachandra Prasad.

Air Commodore Sajal Kumar Bhaumik (13463) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the IAF on 02 Jul 1973. He has held the appointments of CO of a Mobile Radar Systems Installation Unit (MRS1U), C Sys O at HQ SWAC and HQ MC, Station Commander of a Signals Unit and C Eng O at HQ EAC.

While posted as STO of a Signals Unit, he was responsible in maintaining the first TRS2215 Radar at high degree of operational readiness with high professional calibre. For this achievement, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1989. Further, as CO MRSIU, he was instrumental in installation and operationalising of five new TRS-2215 Air Defence Radars and one PSM-33 Mk-I Radar in record time as well as in providing extensive on site repair support during initialization.

As C Sys O HQ MC, his unique contribution has been in effective launching of the MATCAL project, indigenization of aircraft test equipment and introducing the innovative new policy on "Maintenance Management of Test Equipment in IAF". As CO of Signals Unit, he completed the challenging task of digitalization of all the analogue tropo communication equipment of the Hub Centre and its seven peripherals well ahead of schedule. With variety of old fleet like MiG-21 (T-77/66/69), MiG-23 UB, MiG-27, Mi-8 operating in EAC, as C Eng O, his task was to ensure high serviceability and flight/maintenance safety standards in all Units. With no background experience he had to spend long hours to learn the aircraft thoroughly. Finally in short time he was fully in control of his job and was able to guide the Units to achieve the goals set by the Command. His total involvement in ensuring adequate spares support brought in high serviceability in MiG21 (T-77) fleet. This effected in nil aircraft accident and considerable reduction in incidents due to HE (S), lesser dependence on repair agencies and EAC earning three prestigious awards viz. Best Transport Squadron, Best Helicopter Squadron and Second Best Fighter Squadron in 2004-05.

In addition to monitoring and guiding in achieving greater availability of aircraft for flying, he was instrumental in increasing the knowledge base of technical personnel and creating various maintenance infrastructure in Stations. These were possible because of untiring efforts, coordination, interaction at all levels and conduct of workshops and seminars involving Air HQ/HAL/BRDs/ IOC etc. The officer consistently displayed tremendous zeal, exceptional motivation and unlimited capacity in sustaining spirited efforts to accomplish every task assigned to him and his team.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Sajal Kumar Bhaumik.

Air Commodore Ramesh Goyal (14567) F (P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 13 Jun; 76. He is a Fighter Combat Leader and Pilot Attack Instructor with over 3000 h of accident free flying. In 1988, he was commended by CAS for enhancing the operational status of a fighter squadron and displaying extra ordinary skill/professional knowledge. Besides serving as a Directing staff in TACDE, he has held key appointments of Flt Cdr in a MiG-29 Squadron, CO MOFTU, Command Air Defence Officer in HQ Western Air Command and Director Operations (Air Defence) at Air HQ.

The Air Officer is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Army War College at Mhow. During Op Prakaram, he was Chief Operations Officer of the premier fighter base. As Director, Air Defence at Air HQ in 2003-04, his contribution towards efficient management and enhancement of Op potential of entire Air Defence fleet was note worthy. He was made responsible for conduct of Indo-US international level exercise Cope India-04 and enhancement of Indo-French Cooperation. Towards this, he led the Indian delegation to France for Air Staff meeting with the French Air Force and was a member of Executive Steering group meeting at Hawai in 2003-04.

After taking over as Ops-lA of HQ Eastern Air Command (EAC) in Apr 05, he revised the EAC Op Instructions. He was the chief coordinator from HQ EAC for work up and conduct phase of Indo-US joint exercise Cope India-05, followed by the joint exercise between IAF and RSAF (Sindex-06) in Jan 06. Both exercises were conducted very effi ciently. In Feb 06, the officer was made responsible for planning and conduct of air displays at Guwahati, Shillong and Aizwal, as part of IAF awareness campaign in the North East region. All the displays were conducted in a professional and efficient manner.

On being promoted to Air Cmde, he was appointed as Air-I HQ EAC in Mar 06. He has used his operational experience and knowledge to enhance the flying effort in Combat Sqns and improve the Op potential of fighter sqns and AD units. A command level operational exercise Poorvi Abhyas was successfully conducted for the first time after a gap of seven years. The Air-I section under the Air Officer was responsible for planning and conduct of this exercise.

For distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Ramesh Goyal.

Group Captain Mahesh Kumar Malik (15743) Adm/FC was commissioned in the Administrative Branch on 15 Jun 79. He has held diverse appointments that include command of AD Radar Sqn and Air Defence College, two tenures as DS at TACDE, DASI inspector at Air Headquarters and Chief Administrative Officer AF Stn Halwara. A fighter controller of high calibre, the officer achieved the highest category for professional competence, Category A, as a young Flt Lt. With him as the CO, a frontline Sqn was declared the best EW/GCI unit in SWAC in 1986. An expert in computer skills, he developed a software for Flight Safety codenamed 'MIKAS' in 1998 which was distributed to and put in use at Air HQ and all Command HQ for analysis of data on Flying Accidents/Incidents in IAF. As CO of Air Defence College, he revamped the training methodology and computerized it to the extent that even the tests were taken on line. As Chief Administrative Officer at Halwara, he initiated and executed a large number of work services for improvement in quality of life and environmental development. For his dedicated service throughout his service career he has been commended both by CAS and AOC-in-C. He has undergone both Air Staff Course and Long Defence Management Course.

Gp Capt Malik is posted to HQ Eastern Air Command (EAC) as Chief Personnel Staff Officer wef 27 Jun 05. From day one he has infused a new sense of enthusiasm and work culture and channelised energy into solving problems of personnel through innovative and a pro-active approach. With his vast experience and personal involvement, he was successful in ensuring that the security of all bases in insurgency affected areas of North East state is maintained at the highest state of alertness. He closely monitored and exercised a strict control over the expenditure on temporary moves in the EAC. It was largely due to his efforts that the expenditure on temporary moves was brought down from over 40 lakh per month to nearly 31 lakh per month, thereby resulting in a savings of Rs 43 lakh during the year 2006-07. He organized centralised training for civilian cooks posted to all units in EAC at IHMCTAN, Shillong under his direct supervision. The post training feedback from field indicated a marked improvement in the catering standards at all stations. For his distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Mahesh Kumar Malik.