Squadron Leader Rajagopala Sunder Raman was enrolled in Air Force in 1951 and was subsequently commissioned in 1969. In the earlier stages of his service, he was actively involved in the installation and overhauling of Radar System like early warning radar and Star Sapphire. He did creditable work in achieving optimum serviceability of these radar system against limitation of spares, availability and inadequate testing and calibration facilities.

During his tenure at ADGES Training Institute from September 1974 to September 1977 in addition to his duties as an instructor, he installed the full range of Troposcatter Communication equipment for training purpose, without any previous experience available on the subject. It was a challenging task, which he carried out to the entire satisfaction of his superiors.

Since September 1977, Squadron Leader Sunder Raman is in command of an installation unit of a very important communication hub centre, where he is directly responsible for installation, testing and then handing over the highly sophisticated Tropo Communication links to the users. By setting personal example of hard work and technical competence, he has shaped his personnel into a fine team of skilled technicians. During operation and maintenance of special equipment there were a number of operational and maintenance problems which had to be sorted out to meet the laid down specifications. Squadron Leader Sunder Raman, with his professional knowledge and technical competence, visited almost all the sites optimized the equipment performance and demonstrated the maintenance procedures to the site personnel. This was achieved by tenacity of purpose dedicated effort and sheer hard work extending deep into the night every day.

For his qualities of leadership, a very high degree of initiative, determination and professional technical competence the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Rajagopala Sunder Raman.