Late Air Vice Marshal Kanwar Jaswant Singh was commissioned in the Indian Army in 1937 and was seconded to the I.A.F. in 1940, where he served with distinction for over 22 years. He saw active service in the North Western Frontier Province and later led a squadron into operations in Burma during World War II.

After holding several senior command and staff appointments, he tool over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command in March, 1962. With the limited resources available to him he re-organised the various units under his command to meet the heavy task of logistic air support required in the Assam and NEFA areas. With the recent Chinese aggression, the operational commitments in NEFA assumed vast proportions but there was no commensurate increase in the transport aircraft available to him. Air Vice Marshal Kanwar Jaswant Singh faced the situation with determination and further re-organised his command to undertake logistic support operations in the NEFA and Assam areas. He not only planned and directed the operations but proceeded to set an inspiring example by personally leading many difficult airlift missions. These operational missions were beyond the call of his normal duties but he carried them out to infuse confidence in his officers and men with complete disregard for his personal safety. All through the operations he was a familiar sight at the forward airfields in that region, planning, directing and supervising the air operations. The enthusiasm and determination with which the Air Force carried out the tasks allotted to them in Assam and NEFA were, to a large extent, due to the sustained work done by the officer.

By his exceptional leadership, organizing ability and devotion to duty, Air Vice Marshal Kanwar Jaswant Singh has rendered most distinguished service to the Indian Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal (then Air Commodore) Minoo Merwan Engineer, MVC, DFC, was posted as AOC to No. 1 Group, which was responsible for operations in NEFA. During the Chinese aggression in Autumn last year, the operational commitments in the area assumed considerable proportions without any increase in the resources available to No. 1 Group. Air Vice Marshal Engineer, a veteran operational commander, faced the heavy task with his usual calm and determination, and personally planned most of the logistic support operations with considerable success.

The helicopter operations in NEFA were also controlled by Air Vice Marshal Engineer in order to achieve maximum utilization of the few helicopters then at his disposal. To infuse full confidence among his pilots in landing at difficult helipads at heights like Tsanghdar (16000 ft), he flew in the first helicopter to land there and organized the evacuation of casualties from that difficult helipad. On another occasion, he remained at our outpost at Walong till the last moment and flew out only when the landing ground was being shelled by the enemy. These operational missions were beyond the call of his normal duties but in carrying them out , he set a fine example at all times for his officers and men to emulate.

The task allotted to the Air Force in NEFA during the Chinese aggression, were carried out with determination and confidence and this was, in large measure, due to the leadership and unflagging zeal displayed by Air Vice Marshal Engineer. By his devotion to duty and sound organizing ability, he has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Yeshwant Vinayak Malse was commissioned in the Air Force in 1940. He has held important appointments in Air Headquarters as well as in the Command of various Air Force units. He attended the Staff College Course at Quetta in 1947; Senior Air Support Course at Land/ Air Warfare School, Old Sarum (U.K.) in 1951 and the National Defence College Course in 1962-63. He also served as Senior Directing Staff at National Defence College. He was appointed Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command on 1st October, 1964. During his tenure, the Command undertook a number of important operations and consolidated operational bases to face threat from China and Pakistan. The Command also undertook airlift tasks to support the Army located in the border areas. The extensive air support given after the insurrection in the Mizo Hills was handled by him with promptness and precision. Under his able guidance, the Command assisted the Assam Government in airlift and other tasks. He personally supervised these operations and, at times, participated in them himself.

Air Marshal Janak Kapur, VSM was commissioned as a pilot on 19 Dec 58. The Air Officer's potential as a fighter pilot was recognised within a short period of his commissioning and he was chosen to undergo Pilot Attack Instructor and Instrument Rating Instructor's Courses in quick succession. He was selected to undergo the Air Staff Course at Royal Air Force Staff College, UK. He also served as Air Attaché in the Indian Embassy at Cairo, Egypt. For his distinguished service, he was awarded VSM in 1976.

During his long service career the Air Officer has served in many prestigious and prominent command and staff appointments. He has commanded a frontline fighter squadron with distinction. He was appointed Chief Operations Officer of the then newly established Jaguar Base and later took over as Air Officer Commanding of the same base. He has held the sensitive appointments of Director of Flight Safety and later Air I of HQ South Western Air Command.

The Air Officer was appointed Senior Air and Administrative Staff Officer of HQ Maintenance Command for more than three years. Thereafter, he took over as Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command in Oct 93 and very gainfully applied his vast experience to improve operational environment and the state of preparedness of the forces in Command.

A graduate of the prestigious National Defence College, Air Mshl Janak Kapur was appointed Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command (EAC) on 01 Feb 95. EAC is a unique Command with dual role on fighter as well as Air Transport aircraft. Within a very short time, the Air Officer was able to appreciate the priorities of the Govt. and dovetail them with the Command Plans.

Air Marshal Janak Kapur, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Prithvi Singh Brar AVSM & Bar VM was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December, 1960. Since then he has held various flying and command appointments. His entire service has been marked with outstanding professionalism in every field of activity that he has been involved with. Throughout his distinguished career, he has always strived to set new standards in professional skill, dedication to duty and personal commitment. For his professional skill and leadership he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1981 and Ati Vishist Seva Medal in 1983. In 1989 he received Bar to AVSM for his dynamic leadership and sustained hard-work in commanding a base in the south western sector.

During his tenure as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command there has been remarkable all round improvements, not only in the operational capabilities of the various units under EAC, but also in the quality of life enjoyed by all personnel. One of the main tasks of the EAC is to undertake time bound training of budding fighter pilots prior to their induction into the front-line operational squadrons. In spite of manpower and other resource crunch, the pilot training has always been completed on time. Air Marshal Brar's innovative ideas and improved training programmes are the driving force behind this commendable achievement. His personal involvement in each and every aspect of command functions have resulted in many a innovations that have been implemented by other Commands in the IAF,

Air Marshal Prithvi Singh Brar AVSM & Bar VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Harendrajit Singh Garkal VSM was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the IAF on 15 December 1968. He is an alumnus of the College of Defence Management. During his distinguished service of over 35 years, he has held varied key appointments such as, Air Staff Inspector, Officer Commanding GCA Radar Squadron, Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Personnel Staff Officer, Air Officer Commanding Equipment Depot and Senior Officer-in-charge Administration. Presently he is Air Officer-in-charge Administration since 22 March 2004.

Air Marshal Garkal has brought laurels to the organisation through his exceptional calibre, sincerity, honesty and unimpeachable integrity. He has left an indelible stamp of professionalism in all his previous appointments. For his professional and distinguished service of high order, he was commended by AOC-in-C in the year 1977 and was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1997. As Officer Commanding GCA Squadron, Air Marshal Garkal pioneered the integration of GCA and Air Defence radar for optimum operational Results. As Chief Administrative officer of a major base, he brought about perceptible improvement in all spheres of administrative activities. As Air Officer Commanding Equipment Depot, his far-sighted and proactive approach saw creation of some strategic, permanent assets, besides establishing an innovative inventory management system.

As Senior Officer-in-charge Administration at HQ Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Garkal successfully used his vast experience to bring about qualitative and quantitative changes in the maintenance and upgradation of infrastructure. He took initiative to set up Command Museum and Archives. He ensured efficient management of Public funds and evolved an ethos of cost consciousness leading to desired improvements in all facets of administrative activities.

As Air Officer-in-charge Administration Air Marshal Garkal has initiated steps to ensure quality planning, effective monitoring and execution of operational and security related works. His professional and result oriented guidance to the AFCAO culminated into landmarks e.g. e-POR for officers and airmen, software for data inputs by units, etc. Under his able guidance, sports and adventure activities have got a fresh impetus. His tenure has brought in significant and genuine long-term welfare measures. A drive to improve education standards in Air Force Schools, office computerisation and greater attention to improving the infrastructure at remote locations deserve a special mention. His wholesome involvement and guidance are distinctly visible in every facet of administration, whether in support of operations, welfare, sports, discipline, security or financial management.

Air Marshal Garkal has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Fali Homi Major, AVSM, SC, VM (11442) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a pilot in the Indian Air Force on 31 December 1967. During 40 years of distinguished service, he has held various prestigious field/ staff appointments and has over 8100 hrs of accident-free flying to his credit. He is a graduate of the National Defence College and Army War College.

The Air Marshal had raised and commanded the first Mi-17 Squadron of the IAF and commenced operations in the world's highest battlefield, the Siachen glacier. He commanded yet another Mi-17 Squadron and led this Squadron into battle during the IPKF operations in Srilanka. For his leadership and courage he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

The Air Marshal was instrumental in carrying out a daring rescue operation In which 11 people were rescued from a stranded cable car in the middle of a valley at the Timber Trail resort at Parwanoo, HP. For this act of Gallantry he was awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra' by the President of India. As Air Officer Commanding Leh in the aftermath of the Kargil conflict, he displayed great leadership in accomplishing all the tasks assigned to him. For his distinguished service of a very high order, he was awarded the 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' by the President of India on 26 January 2002.

The catastrophe caused by the Tsunami caused enormous damage to property and loss of precious lives in peninsular India, the Andamans and other South East Asian countries on 26 December 2004. As the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) he directed and controlled the relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations of the Indian Armed Forces in India and abroad. His relentless and unflinching dedication towards the mammoth relief operations ensured smooth conduct and completion in record time. He also brought about other improvements in the working environment of HQ Integrated Defence Staff. He carried out a major revamping in the Operations Branch and was instrumental in operationalisation of the “Interim National Command Post" (INCP) to facilitate coordination and decision making at the highest levels of Political and Military leadership of the country in the event of any National Crisis.

Air Marshal Fali Homi Major, AVSM, SC, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Pranab Kumar Barbora VM (12375) F (P) was commissioned on 13 Jun 70 as a fighter pilot. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader with over 3500 h of accident free flying. His impeccable professional credentials include tenure as Directing Staff in Tactics And Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), two tenures with Directorate of Air Staff Inspection and command of a Fighter Sqn. In 1990, he shaped the first ever Air Combat Simulator to hone the combat skill levels of fighter pilots. For contribution to the Combat potential of the IAF, he was awarded VM in 1990. He has also been commended twice by the CAS.

The Air officer contributed immensely towards air operations in Central Air Command where he served as the Air-I. For excellent professional knowledge and single minded devotion to duty he was deputed to Russia as the Air Attaché in 1998. He took on the mammoth task of ensuring the MiG-21 Bis upgrade and the SU-30 Mk-I programme which moved ahead smoothly. He ensured regular supplies of hard to get spares from the Russian industry by maintaining an excellent rapport with the Russians. He commanded a premier air base in the East which undertook flying training of future generation fighter pilots.

As AVM he served in HQ IDS in its formative days to put into place modalities of Perspective Planning and Force Structure of the three services. He was once again brought back to the Inspection Branch for a third tenure as ACAS (Inspection) where he brought about the changes to improve the inspection procedures and overall health monitoring system of the IAF as a fighting force. He was promoted as Air Mshl and appointed as SASO of Eastern Air Command (EAC) in Sep 05. With his considerable experience, knowledge and operational acumen, he overhauled the execution of Command policies in respect of operational training to substantially upgrade the combat capability and potential of the entire fleet of EAC. Under his close supervision the Command successfully conducted two international air exercises, namely COPE INDIA-05 and SINDEX-06 which were well appreciated in India and abroad.

He was promoted and appointed as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command on 02 Apr 07. He, with his inspirational leadership qualities, instilled zeal and confidence among st the field commanders. Bringing his per sonal rapport, he ensured that the PVSM 2008 || AVSM 1962 inter-service relationship continued to scale to new heights in the true spirit of jointmanship. Due to courageous decision taken by him, causality evacuation by night was undertaken for the first time from high altitude and inhospitable terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.

Air Marshal Pranab Kumar Barbora VM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Commodore Anand Ramdas Pandit was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1941. He saw active service during World War II and was awarded Distinguished Flying Cross. He attended Defence Services Staff College in 1951-52, Indoctrination Course at Air Force School of Aviation Medicine in 1958 and the National Defence College Course in 1962-63. He has held various staff and command appointments While commanding an IAF Squadron, he has flown various types of aircraft and has varied flying experience. Subsequently, he was appointed Chief Instructor at the Jet Training Wing, and in this capacity, he successfully trained a large number of jet pilots. From 1963 to 1966, as the Senior Air Staff Officer of the Eastern Air Command, he was instrumental in swiftly achieving the targets of air maintenance task for the Command. The high standard of instructional level at the School of Land Air Warfare is largely the result of the improvements effected in the syllabus by this officer in 1967.

Air Commodore Krishan Mohan Ram was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) of the Indian Air Force in April, 1945. During his long service, he held a variety of important flying and staff appointment. Since August 1971 he is holding the appointment of Air-I at Headquarters, Eastern Air Command. In this assignment, he was responsible for drawing up the operational plans for the fighter squadrons to meet the Pakistan Air Force threat in Bangla Desh. Simultaneously, he organised intensive training of aircrew in simulated operational conditions to suit the Air Command operational plans. Both these tasks were achieved in a very short period because of his perseverance and hard work.

During operations, Air Commodore Krishan Mohan Ram supervised the running of the operations room and assisted in the conduct of the minute to minute operation. He worked tirelessly, for very long hours, displaying excellent administrative skill and professional competence in taking decisions and ordering air strikes in support of the Army and against enemy targets. Amongst his other outstanding achievements during this period were the briefing of the fighter aircrew for pinpoint strike on selected targets as well as the briefing of the bomber aircrew who were assigned tasks in support of the Army. The success of these missions, was to a great extent due to the effective briefing given by Air Commodore Krishan Mohan Ram to the aircrew. Throughout the operation, Air Commodore Krishan Mohan Ram worked without any regard to his personal comforts. His contribution to the success of the operations in the Eastern Sector was significant. He has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Kumarapalayam Ramasubramaniam Natarajan was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in February, 1952. He was posted as Senior Technical Staff Officer of Headquarters Eastern Air Command in January, 1970. From February, 1971 he has been functioning as Command Engineering Officer responsible for maintenance of all aircraft and airborne equipments including the provisioning responsibilities associated with it. There was need for streamlining and systematizing the modus operand so that timely action was initiated to ensure that spares were produced in a scientific manner. There was also the need for rationalising the second­line servicing aspects to ensure optimum efficiency. He infused a sense of urgency and understanding of the problem to the various units concerned and his efforts resulted in a high degree of serviceability of aircraft during the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971.

Throughout, Wing Commander Kumarapalayam Ramasubramaniam Natarajan displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

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.