Wing Commander Sauri Kant Parhi (16111) Adm/FC has been serving in the Fighter controlling stream since 15 Jun 1980. He has been the Commanding Officer of a Transportable Radar Unit since 21 Sep 98. While commanding this highly mobile AD Radar unit, he has shown a very high degree of professionalism and leadership to marshal his limited men and material to enhance efficiency and operational status.

From May 99 to Sep 99 his unit was activated in Saurashtra and Kutch Sector for Op Rakshak and Op Punja, during which he ensured incident free long distance mobilities and uninterrupted operation from standalone sites. Numerous support equipment, vehicles etc were smoothly inducted and optimally utilised during this phase.

During his tenure the number of combat interceptions undertaken and the number of fighter controllers trained in the Unit has been increasing steadily This has perhaps made this mobile AD unit into the most active hub centre of training for outstation fighter controllers. With his high decree of professional interaction with fighter controllers and with the fighter pilots of locally based ASF squadrons, he has contributed a great deal in the evolution of various interception tactics at this base.

Leading by example, Wg Cdr SK Parhi has been able to motivate his Unit personnel, instill confidence and enthusiasm and thus formed a potent team of professionals who have continuously strived and kept a very high standard of serviceability of equipment and very high standards of operational work in the newly formed AD unit. This Unit being adjudged as the Best GCI in the command for 1999-2000 bears testimony to this fact.

For devotion to duty, professionalism, caliber and personal example of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Sauri Kant Parhi.