Squadron Leader Hallowin Kailasam is serving as a Flight Commander in the Air Force Flying Instructors School. He has 4,200 hours of flying to his credit, of which more than 2,600 hours are on instructional flying. The introduction of a new type of training aircraft at the Flying Instructors' School called for the formulation of an entirely new training programme. This included conversion of the staff of the School, compilation of new syllabi, pilots' notes and revision of the Instructors' handbook. He carried out intensive day and night flying on the new aircraft, collected valuable data, and compiled comprehensive notes which are pf considerable help in the conduct of training on this type at aircraft.

Squadron Leader Yash Pal Sharma has been carrying out instructional flying for the last five years. He has a total of 4680 hours of accident free flying, of which 727 hours are on instructional duties. During his tenure at Flying Instructors' School, he has shown commendable enthusiasm in training trainees to be qualified flying Instructors, when the unit faced an acute shortage of instructors, he volunteered to take more pupils and worked ceaselessly towards successful completion of courses. Thus he set an inspiring example, not only his colleagues but also to the pupils.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Yash Pal Sharma displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Rajeshwar Kumar Bhalla has been serving with the Flying Instructors' School, since, January, 1971. After graduating as a 'Flying Instructor' in 1964, he has been carrying out instructional flying in various capacities and out of his accident­free total of 4636 hours, 2533 hours have been instructional flying. He has taken a keen interest in all the activities of the unit. He officiated as a Flight Commander and utilized his training experience effectively and with diligence, systematic approach and planning completed the courses well in time. He has carried out extensive flying and devised new techniques of flying training.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Rajeshwar Kumar Bhalla displayed professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Rabindar Nath Kharbanda has been serving with Flying Instructors' School since January, 1971. He has been on instructional flying since January, 1967 and out of a total of 4975 accident-free flying hours to his credit; he has 1740 hours of instructional flying. Most of his instructional flying has been in the basic stage on the HT-2 aircraft. This stage of instructional flying is professionally one of the most difficult and challenging in the career of the instructor. In May 1968, while on an instructional sortie, the propeller of the HT-2 aircraft flew off. With great presence of mind and professional skill he force landed the aircraft on the airfield causing no damage to the aircraft.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Rabindar Nath Kharbanda displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Air Force. Authority: Notification No. 85-Pres/74 dated 26th January, 1974 published in Part 1, Section 1, Gazette of India dated 6th July, 1974.

On 13th October, 1980, Squadron Leader Anup Kumar Shyam was authorized to fly an instructional sortie with Flight Lieutenant DS Karnik in a Kiran aircraft. The sortie was to consist of Air Instruction exercises, general handling aerobatics and PFL. After getting airborne at 0700 hours the sortie proceeded uneventfully until the roller take off following a Practice Force Landing (PFL). After the roller take off, the aircraft turned onto downwind for an engine assisted approach and a full stop landing. With this in mind, the undercarriage had been left down. After rolling out on downwind, the pupil officer who had the control commenced vital actions. Just then a small thud was heard and this was followed by engine rumbling noise. The speed was seen to be decreasing. The pupil instinctively opened throttle to maintain speed but found no response to throttle movement. Realising the gravity of situation Squadron Leader Shyam immediately took over the controls. By this time they had flown just past the cross runway. Taking stock of serious situation, Squadron Leader Shyam immediately turned right to assess the possibility of forced landing on runway 30 failing which he decided that they would have to eject. At this time he realized that the engine had not flamed out and that a little partial power was still available. He skillfully maneuvered the aircraft on to approach and executed a safe landing on the cross runway.

Squadron Leader Anup Kumar Shyam has thus displayed high professional competence, leadership and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Prabhamohan Mohandas Baliga was commissioned as a Transport Pilot on 04 Jun 82. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor holding A-2 instructional category and has been on the Flying Staff of Flying Instructors School at Tambaram since 05 Jan 95.

On 01 Nov 95, while carrying out an instructional sortie on Kiran aircraft, at a height of 14000 feet, he experienced engine vibrations followed by a flame out. He took over control immediately, turned towards base and attempted relights. After three unsuccessful attempts, he decided to force land the aircraft. At this stage, his height was barely sufficient to land on the runway in use. Thereafter, he took a prompt decision to land on secondary runway after ascertaining the winds. This decision ensured safe recovery of the aircraft resulting in a perfect dead stick landing at Tambaram airfield. Throughout the emergency, the pilot remained calm and composed and monitored all parameters vital for the investigation of the cause of the incident. Recovery of the aircraft ensured investigation of mechanical failure that occurred which would not have been possible if the aircraft had been abandoned.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Squadron Leader Prabhamohan Mohandas Baliga.

Squadron Leader Madhavakrish Khashav (5119) General Duties (Pilot) has been a senior instructor at the Flying Instructors' School since November 1966. He has flown a total of 3500 hours inclusive of 2000 hours of accident free instructional flying. He also holds an A-2 instructor category. Through his preserving effort and inspiration, many unpromising pilot have qualified as Q.F.Is and are doing well in their instructional duties. In addition to training commitments, Squadron Leader Khashav has also successfully organized various flight safety programmes with remarkable results.

Squadron Leader Khashav has rendered valuable service of considerable significance to the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Rajesh Purohit (19170) F (P) is on the posted strength of a Air Force Station since 01 Jul 96. While on attachment of FIS, AF on 21 Apr 99 he was authorised to fly a sortie on HPT32 aircraft with Sqn Leader Milind Kumar (20479) F (P) as Co-Pilot. After take off, while climbing through 450 m, he heard a loud bang and experienced loss of power. Correctly analysing that the engine had failed and realising that he was below the minimum bail out height, he picked up a field for forced landing and turned immediately towards it. The approach to the field had obstructions in the form of tall trees and a boundary wall. Squadron Leader R Purohit maneuvered the aircraft towards the only gap available between the trees and boundary wall and successfully force landed the aircraft. During the landing roll he maneuvered clear of obstructions and managed to stop with only with left tyre deflated.

Squadron Leader R Purohit handled the emergency in a cool and professional manner displaying clarity of thought. His precise and correct actions in the face of a grave emergency resulted in the aircraft being landed safely. This would help the investigating agencies to ascertain the exact cause of engine failure. Squadron Leader R Purohit saved the aircraft from what could have been a serious accident.

For his professionalism and distinguished service, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader R Purohit.