Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Sihota (5522) was commissioned in the IAF as an Administrative Officer in June, 1958. During his career spanning a period of over two decades, he has held various appointments both in the field as well as on the staff with distincition. He has proved himself to be a highly capable and dedicated officer, who, with his zeal and single-minded devotion to duty, has excelled himself in every assignemtn he has held.

Since October, 1978 Wg Cdr Sihot has been on the posted strength of Headquartes South Western Air Command, IAF as Command Org and Works Officer. During this period, there was a big spurt in works services activities at all Stations in the Command. In his capacity as Command Works Officer, Wg Cdr Sihota, with his hard work, foresight and meticulous planning was responsible for the implantation of a well planned opertioanlly oriented works programme which provided stations in the Command the necessary infrastructure essential not only to conduct and sustain operations but to absorb new weapons systems at short notice.

The capabilities of Wg Cdr Sihota were highlighted in the course of induction of a

new weapon system in this Command. No expertise or trained manpower were available to advise on the specific requirements of works services. Notwithstanding this handicap, with imaginatice application and improvisation, all works services for accommodation, training and operation of two Squadrons wer completed well in time.

Apart from new inductions, Forward Bases had to be provide facilites like Base Operatrions Room, Operational Readiness Rooms, Aircrew Rest Rooms, Bomb Dumps and additional Bulk Petrol Installations to increase operational capability. Also runwas had to be strengthened and a new type of Blast Pen to accommodate the freshly inducted aircraft had to be constructed. Wg Cdr MS Sihota led a tem of Military Engineering Service personnel to different airfields to determine the size of Blast Pens to cater for the larger dimensions of the newly inducted aircraft. Trials were carried out on the ground and suggested design and drawings forwarded. This has been accepted and adapted as a standard design.

Most Stations in this Command are located in far flung desert areas. Immense difficulties were experienced in provision of basic essentials like adequate water and power supply, single and married accommodation, schooling and games and recreational facilities. Wg Cdr Sihota has been able to not only provided them the where-with-all to lead a reasonably comfortable life compatible with an established township.

The complete gamut of works services planning and implementation in the entire Command have been extremely thorough and flawless. With a rare combination of attributes of high professional competence, diligent application, imaginiative planning and excellent utilization of resources and man management. Wg Cdr MS Sihota has been instrumental in enhancing the operational potential of the Command. His success in providing domestic and allied facilites are proved by the high morale that prevails in all stations in the Command.

For his distinguished service of an exceptional order, the Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Sihota.

Wing Commander Krishnaswamy Parthasarthy (6175) Administrative was commissioned in May 1961 and early in his career specialized in duties of Air Traffic Control Officer. In this capacity he had served for over 16 years and had the distinction of heading Air Traffic Control facilities at three important and major operational bases. His tour of ATC duties also includes services during 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak conflicts. His long and direct association with the vital facilities for operational flying has been marked by a high degree of professionalism and competence and a sense of total involvement and responsibility.

The Officer, subsequently, served two tenures as the Staff Officer, firstly to the AOCin-C No. 1 Operational Group (now South Western Air Command) and later to the AOC-in-C Western Air Command. In both these appointments he had shown exemplary devotion in providing staff advice and assistance of the highest order to the Commander.

Backed by his vast experience with operational environments, he has set up for himself, and insisted on the part of those working with him, the highest standard of performance in staff work. By his analytical approach, he has been able to project a balanced and highly professional picture of every aspect processed by him for the Commander.

For continued professional competence and devotion to duty of a very high order, the Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Krishnaswamy Parthasarthy.

Wing Commander Joseph Dass Ebenezer (7374) AE (L) was commissioned in Technical Electrical Branch on 1 June, 1963. Since then he has had held various appointments in operational bases, training institutes and overhaul depots. Wg Cdr Ebenezer was specially selected to undergo training abroad for a new type of VVIP aircraft.

Wg Cdr Ebenezer as Officer in-charge Electrical and Instrument Repairing Section in one of the Base Repair Depots met all the targets set for his section. His devotion and dedication in smooth and efficient functioning of the section was commended by AOC-in-C Maintenance Command in Aug 79. In Dec 79, he was posted to HQ South Western Air Command. He is responsible to monitor and progress technical activities and logistic matters pertaining to storage and handling of armament stores, airfield support facilities, captive power for radar units and airborne cine photo and record equipment.

There are two Air to Ground Ranges besides one Air to Air Range controlled by this HQ. In order to ensure their maximum utilization by the visiting squadrons from other commands, it is essential that stocks of various explosives are available at one of the concerned bases. In addition, by virtue of the base being located along the international border, adequate quantity of explosives stores has to be stacked and maintained for use during hostilities. This is a professional work. Basically being an electrical officer, Wg Cdr Ebenezer does not have formal training or earlier experience on Armament duties. By his own efforts, he has equipped himself with adequate knowledge and had worked out a realistic storage plan to stock maximum possible training stores at the station. His accurate forecast and efforts for procurement resulted in sufficient build up of stores. It is creditable that not a single air armament training has suffered because of shortage of stores. This speaks well of his planning, coordination, control and liaison with concerned Commands.

In his present appointment, the officer is not formally responsible for the avionics of the aircraft. But because of his professional capability and knowledge, quite often he is being consulted and also associated with the task pertaining to aircraft maintenance. Type24 aircraft squadron, on induction is experiencing certain difficulties on the availability of Electrical Ground Power unit for flight preparation and starting of aircraft. Wg Cdr Ebenezer took up a study and projected a viable solution. Based on this study, action is on to procure appropriate type and number of Ground Power and Package Units from indigenous sources. This has resulted in savings in foreign exchange and enhanced operational capability of the weapon system.

Wg Cdr Ebenezer took up the responsibility of installing Marut landing lamp on Dakota aircraft. This modification was successfully completed.

The officer's sound professional knowledge and his quick uptake in understanding and giving solutions to the problems have helped in maintaining a high degree of availability and serviceability of ground support facilities on all flying and forward bases. His methodical approach, ingenuity and resourcefulness have won admiration from his superiors. The Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Joseph Dass Ebenezer for rendering distinguished service of high order.

Wing Commander Virendra Pradhan was commissioned in Dec 63. Since then, he has held various important assignments with distinction. While on the posted strength of a transport Squadron, he carried out operational flying for four years in Naga Hills, NEFA and in the action against hostilities in Mizoram in 1966. He completed his bomber conversion in 1967 and during 1971 operations, he successfully carried out a number of bombing interdiction sorties in the Eastern and Western sectors. In 1972 he was posted to form the Maritime Strike Force wherein he completed 1000 operational hours on Canberras and gained his "Master Green" rating. Thereafter, he successfully completed the Judge Advocates Course. He is the first and the only "Pilot" to achieve this distinction.

Wg Cdr Pradhan is a highly motivated and extremely hard-working officer, who can be entrusted with any intricate task and can be depended upon to produce results in an unbelievably short time. On being posted as Command Judge Advocate at HQ South Western Air Command in Sep 79, he took prompt action to ensure that all the disciplinary cases in the years 1979 and 80 were finalised during the same years.

Endowed with indomitable energy and with a sense of total commitment to his duties, he analysed the offence pattern in the Command and rendered timely legal advice to Commanders in the field which resulted in bringing down the offence rate considerably.

For displaying high qualities of leadership, organising ability and professional compe tence the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Virendra Pradhan.

Wing Commander Ashok Kumar Mehta (6631) Logistics was commissioned in Jun 62. Since then, he has held numerous important appointments with distinction. As Chief Logistic Officer of one of Equipment Depots he was commended by the AOC-in-C Maintenance Command (1974) and at Air Headquarters by the Chief of the Air Staff (1979).

Since April 1981, he is working as Command Logistic and Maintenance Officer of an operational command. The officer has displayed an exceptional blend of technical, opera tional and logistic capabilities and foresight for forward planning towards achievements of the objectives of this Command. Because of his meticulous planning and resourcefulness, more than 30 Operational/ Armament training exercises were conducted during the year 1982 alone without any failure of supplies and maint enance support.

The officer was directly responsible for bringing about a saving of approximately Rs. 20 lakhs by reduction of inventories, intra-unit transfers, clearance of Aircraft on Ground and contractual price reduction by negotiations. With sustained result-oriented efforts the officer brought about an all round improvement in Mechanical Transport serviceability of specialist and common user fleet to a figure of 97% and 93% respectively from 80% during 1979-80. The officer is directly responsible towards recovery of the 40 off-road vehicles lying unserviceable for over two years and more APPAs, UPEGAs and CFTs downgraded to Class V, thus bringing about a saving to the State of Lakhs of rupees. He was also primarily responsible for bringing down the MT accident rate of this Command from 0.54 per lakh kilometers to 0.16 per lakh kilometers for the year 1982-83.

For dedicated work qualities of professional ability, indomitable determination, dynamic drive and exceptional devotion to duty, superb material management, personal example and sustained hard work much beyond call of duty, the President is please to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Ashok Kumar Mehta.

Sqn Ldr Sitaram Subramanian was commissioned on 29 Dec 76 in the Administration branch of the IAF. He has been on the posted strength of Headquarters South Western Air Command, IAF since 01 Apr 92 and working as Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commandingin-Chief.

During his tenure as Station Adjutant of a premier fighter base, he overhauled and completely streamlined personnel administration management policies and activities of the Station. He was later asked to take over the duties of O i/c works which gave the works services of the base the much needed fillip. A thorough professional, he contributed significantly towards the Wing being adjudged the 'Best in Administration' in South Western Air Command, IAF for three consecutive years between 1987 and 1989. As a counter Intelligence Officer and later as Liaison Officer in a Liaison Unit (LU) his deep involvement and constant monitoring was instrumental in gearing up the general state of security and counter intelligence in all units under his jurisdiction.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Sitaram Subramanian.

Squadron Leader RL Kapur was commissioned in the Logistics Branch on 08 Jun 78. He has functioned as Senior Logistics Officer, Assistant Director Logistics Information System (ADLJS) and in staff appointment at Command and Air HQs. In 1989, the officer was specially selected to be posted as ADLJS (SUPROS), the largest computer based system at Air HQs, for computerisation of data of foreign contracts and the related software development. Sqn Ldr Kapur ensured prompt processing and updating of computer records containing data of 14 lakh documents. This enabled a saving of substantial amount of foreign exchange. Sqn Ldr Kapur displayed impeccable staff work during the appointments of Staff Officer (SO) to the Directorate of Personnel (Officers) and SO to Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ South Western Air Command.

For his professional acumen and flair for inter-personal communication, Sqn Ldr Kapur was appointed as Staff Officer to the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff in Mar 94. He has displayed remarkable capacity to withstand the intrinsic stress of this assignment. The officer has excellent capability for resource management and ability to handle complex problem situations.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader RL Kapur.

Wing Commander Devendra Kumar Bhatt (13867) Administration, currently posted at HQ Central Command, IAF since Apr 97, is one of the few officers in IAF, trained in UK on photo interpretation. He has participated in evaluation of advanced photo reconnaissance systems and displayed high level of professional knowledge. His special knowledge and skills are often sought by various user agencies. He has proposed various advances and modifications on airborne recce equipment which have helped in saving costs as well as improving efficiency. During 1996-97, at HQ SWAC, he was entrusted with the responsibility of Command Photo Officer in addition to his primary duties as SO-Coord in Air Branch. During three different air exercises held during the year officer was given independent responsibility towards identifying developing and printing air recce photographs. The tasks involved analysis and selection of right frames after a photo mission, developing and printing these in extremely limited time, in field conditions. The results were seen by dignitaries such as professionals from foreign Air Forces, Ministers/Senior Govt officials and senior members from the Services. His contribution was highly appreciated.

Through relentless efforts, he helped in bringing on-line, the Real-Time Image Transreceiver System which was non-operational at a base for a length of time. This system was tested and successfully put to use in intercommand exercises. Besides these high pressure tasks, at short notice, he undertook instructional assignments on photo recce at training institutions when faced with shortage of qualified staff.

For distinguished service towards enhancing operational reconnaissance capability in combat formations and dedication in performance of his primary tasks, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Wing Commander Devendra Kumar Bhatt.

Group Captain Arabind Mohanty (13414) Lgs was commissioned in the IAF in the Logistics Branch on 14 Jul 1973. He has had varied experience in logistics functioning, having two tenures as SLO of major Air Force flying bases. He also had tenure in the personnel branch tasked to look after Logistics, Education and Medical Officers. He is a graduate from the Defence Services Staff College. Presently, he is Chief Logistics and Maintenance Officer (CLMO) at a Command HQ. Prior to taking over the present assign ment, he successfully commanded 31 MCU, which looks after the bulk of Air Force imports and exports.

As CLMO of this operational Command, the first task beset was to make smooth arrangements for shifting of all the Air Force equipment to a new location as well as to establish the logistics infrastructure at this location from a scratch. This task was accomplished in a smooth and meticulous manner.

The Command HQ organised the biggest Air Show and defence Exhibition as a part of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the nation in Mumbai in 1998. Gp Capt A Mohanty was coordinator for the Air Show and the Exhibition and responsible for movement of stores and allied arrangements from distant Air Force bases in the country. The Mumbai Air Show was accepted as one of the grand shows in recent memory. Air Force Displays were completed in exemplary manner and all the logistics activities connected with these two events were accomplished in a time bound and professional manner under his guidance. His innovations in providing logistics cover ensured availability of the items at the doorsteps of the users and this was possible by close pro-active logistics activities carried out at the Command HQ. During the period Jan 99 to Dec 99, 69 cases of regularisation of losses, outstanding for great lengths of time were completed with his initiative.

Displaying leadership qualities of a high order, Gp Capt A Mohanty has led by setting a high standard of personal example for his subordinates to emulate. He has a sense of pride in the profession and camaraderie amongst personnel in and around him, resulting in battling against all odds to achieve professional competence of the highest order.

For his dedicated work, sound leadership and exceptional professional competence, the Hon'ble President is pleased to Award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Arabind Mohanty.

Wing Commander Gopal Dass Sharma (14047) Adm/FC has nearly 25 years of commissioned service. During this period, he has worked on all types of air defence radars in a variety of units. As a young officer, he earned an 'AYE' category as a Fighter Controller and today he enjoys an enviable reputation as a professional amongst the pilot/controller community. Before assuming his present assignment as AD-I at HQ South Western Air Command (SWAC) IAF, he has been an inspector with the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection at Air HQ for five years, and has also commanded a Signals Unit in the sensitive J&K sector.

Besides discharging day to day management responsibilities, his tasks have included planning and co-ordination of major exercises, reviewing of orders and instructions and formulating Standard Operating Procedures for smooth conduct of Air Defence operations. In acquitting himself of these responsibilities, he has been found to be very mature, knowledgeable and industrious. He has taken his responsibilities seriously and applied his vast experience well in management of forces in the field. Some noteworthy aspects of his outlook are that despite years of experience and considerable expertise in matters related to Air Defence, he is always receptive to new ideas. Related to this quality is also his habit of expressing his professional opinion forthrightly and unambiguously. Consequently, not only does the section enjoy the benefit of his sound professional advice but also new ideas can be generated.

During the past 18 months, SWAC has handled many operational tasks and conducted a number of exercises. Each of them has been handled most competently by Wg Cdr GD Sharma. This is also reflected in his day to day work.

For a distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Gopal Dass Sharma.

Group Captain Rajeev Kumar (13116) Accounts was commissioned in the Accounts Branch of the Indian Air Force on 17 Jun 1972. Presently he is Command Accounts Officer (C Accts O) at Headquarter South Western Air Command (HQ SWAC) since 01 May 2001. Through his relentless efforts Gp Capt Rajeev has ensured saving of 7.9% in locally controlled heads of HQ SWAC, IAF. By sheer perseverance, he achieved stringent Annual Audit Target fixed by Air HQ. Through his committed approach, he not only achieved the annual Audit Certificate (AAC) targets, but also surpassed it by more than 18%. He was also instrumental in implementing the newly introduced budgetary monitoring system at all units under SWAC in true letter and spirit.

Gp Capt Rajeev left no stone unturned to obtain sanction for grants from the Indian Air Force Central Welfare Fund for the welfare and hygiene of the personnel deployed in the field/op areas during 'Op Parakram' under extreme climatic conditions. This dynamic officer through his own initiative undertook periodic staff visits and by proactive approach streamlined/corrected accounting procedures in respect of all Non-Public Funds to obviate irregularities.

An excellent Accounts officer with impeccable integrity, he has always exhibited a positive attitude in extending a helping hand to all stations for any assistance, be it for accounting services or for improvement in quality of life. While maintaining vibrant relations with all personnel, he extended expeditious and spontaneous support whenever required by them.

As President Mess Committee of HQ SWAC Officers' Mess, Gp Capt Rajeev was instrumental in developing the infrastructure in spite of the peculiarity and constraints due to hired buildings at SWAC. He has efficiently organised all formal functions viz SWAC Commanders' Conference and AF Day celebrations by meticulous planning and keeping up the highest traditions of the IAF.

For his professional competence and distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Rajeev Kumar.

Group Captain Ashok Singhal (14615) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned on 15 Jul 1976 in the Engineering Branch of the IAF. During 27 years of distinguished service, he has held several key appointments which include Senior Engineering Officer (SEO) in a MiG-29 Sqn, Senior Engineer (Calibration and Standards) and Senior Production Engineer in Base Repair Depot (BRD), Commanding Officer (SEO) in a MiG29 Sqn, Senior Engineer (Calibration and Standards) and Senior Production Engineer in Base Repair Depot (BRD), Commanding Officer of Service Support Centre and Chief Engineering Officer at Air Force Station, Pune. He is a post graduate in Computer Systems from Cranfield Institute of Technology, UK and also graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Presently, he is held on the posted strength of HQ SWAC, IAF.

As Senior Engineering Officer of a MiG-29 Sqn, he dedicated himself for high serviceability and operational status of the Sqn. Throughout his tenure, the Sqn displayed best maintenance practices and high standard of working ethos. Subsequently, he worked tirelessly in setting up of overhaul facilities for MiG-29 aircraft and its avionics rotables at a Base Repair Depot. Timely availability of overhaul facilities helped in undertaking overhaul of MiG-29 aircraft in India which made IAF self reliant and saved huge foreign exchange.

As Senior Engineer (calibration and standards), he single-handedly set up Echelon-H standard and calibration facilities for electronics parameters. He also visualised the unique concept of mobile calibration facilities for which he designed and developed vehicle mounted Echelon-Ill calibration facilities for Radar and Tropo Units.

His contribution towards raising a new unit for third line repair facilities of Su-30K aircraft at Air Force Station, Pune is exemplary. This directly helped in sustenance of high serviceability of Su-30K aircraft for a long time and saved large amount of foreign exchange.

During 'Op Parakaram' he ensured timely readiness and deployment of Sqns and Radar Units. Smooth induction of Su-30Mk-I aircraft at Air Force Station, Pune was possible due to his foresight, systematic planning and dedicated efforts. He put in concerted efforts in organising assembly and servicing of Su30Mk-I aircraft, setting up of T Level Labs, training of technicians and computerisation of data. He also improved upon the Serviceability State of Jaguar aircraft and liquidated a large number of pending concessions by getting the modification kits.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Ashok Singhal.

Wing Commander Tarun Kumar Singha (17857) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 14 Jun 1985. The Officer during his distinguished service has flown various fighters as well as helicopters held in the inventory of the IAF. He was posted to one of the Helicopter unit in the role of providing logistical support to the far-flung areas in the Eastern Sector, which involved high level of professional competence. The Officer has also done tenure in a Communication Flight in the Eastern Sector, which undertakes the VVIP/VIP Commitments and thus requires highly efficient transport pilots. He is presently posted as the Public Relations Officer, Gandhinagar since 17 Feb 2003. In his prior appointment as Public Relation Officer Shillong, he was awarded a commendation by the CAS on 26 Jan 2002. Again in the present appointment, he was awarded a commendation by the AOC-in-C on 26 Jan 2004, for distinguished service.

Wg Cdr Singha had a mandate to raise a new Public Relations Unit to propagate and highlight the Defence activities in the region. Working with selfless missionary zeal, with ingenuity and resourcefulness, he not only accomplished the mandate in a relatively short period, but has also established relations creditability par excellence with the public and the media in the region. As a result of his untiring and deft initiatives, all the three services has immensely benefited from the positive and widespread media attention. These efforts of his have been duly appreciated by different formations.

Wg Cdr Singha has proven to be an excellent Public Relation Officer for the Armed Forces. Towards spreading awareness of the services and motivating the youth to join the Armed Forces, his initiatives go far beyond the normal brief or call of duty and deserve a special mention. He has conceptualized, scripted and produces a documentary each in English, Gujarati and Marathi on SWAC on the even of the Air Force Day 2004, which was telecast by Doordarshan on their National and Regional Networks. While he achieved this at no cost to the IAF, the returns in terms of positive publicity achieved towards harnessing human resources for the IAF remain incalculable.

For distinguished service of a high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishist Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Tarun Kumar Singha.

Air Commodore Pankaj Mehrotra (13316) AE (M) was commissioned on 01 Jan 73 in the Engineering Branch of the IAF. During 33 years of distinguished service, he has held several key assignments, including Senior Technical Officer of three Fighter/Bomber Squadrons, Chief of Aircraft at Base Repair Depot (BRD), Chief Engineering Officer (CEO) of an AF Station, Command Engineering Officer Headquarters South Western Air Command (HQ SWAC) IAF, Director Engg D (T) at Air HQ, Chief Training Officer at AF Station, Jalahalli and Command Engineering Officer HQ SAC. Presently, he is posted as Command Engineering Officer at HQ SWAC, IAF. Trained abroad on Mirage 2000 aircraft (ac), he commanded Technical Type Conversion Unit (Mirage 2000), which was raised by him in Oct 88. As Chief of Aircraft at one of the prestigious BRD, from Aug 95 to Dec 96, the officer successfully planned and executed the task of indigenous overhaul of the first AN-32 ac in IAF and also formulated life extension checks for AN-32 ac. He brought in significant improvement in maintenance standards at the BRD by providing distinctive thrust on selfreliance and effective management. As CEO of an important AF Station during Dec 96-Oct 98, he was instrumental in optimizing the serviceability of transport ac fleets consistently at highest levels. During May 01- Jun 04, as Director Engg D (T) at Air HQ, the Air Officer seamlessly accomplished the task of managing the complete Russian Transport ac fleet of IL-76, AN-32 and the newly acquired Air-toAir Refueller IL-78 ac with professional ability and acumen while negotiating contracts with foreign vendors. During this period, IL-76 and IL-78 ac took part in foreign expeditions in Alaska, enhancing the country's image abroad and contributing towards operational efficiency. During Jun 04 - Dec 04, as Chief of Training at training institute, he was instrumental in successful implementation of JITT (Just In Time Training) concept at airmen training institutes at Bangalore.

As Command Engineering Officer at HQ SWAC, he exhibited creativity and ingenuity of extremely high order in sustaining the serviceability and mission availability of all types of state of art fighter ac and UAVs as well as transport ac/helicopters/micro lights operated by units under SWAC. His personal involvement coupled with his vast exposure has immensely assisted SWAC operational units in enhancing maintenance discipline. His experience has facilitated in timely setting up of Second Line Servicing facilities for Su-30 MKI, MiG-27 (UPG) and MiG-21 (BISON) ac in SWAC.

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