Wing Commander Anil Kumar Murgai (16212) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a pilot in the flying branch on 13 December 80. He is an A-2 QFI, who also stood first in No. 16 IR1E course. He is an alumni of the Defence Services Staff College. The officer was posted to AF Stn Bidar on 09 May 96 as the Suryakiran aerobatic team deputy leader. Being an ex-Thunderbolts' pilot his guidance to the inexperienced pilots of the team was invaluable. It was due to his hard work, initiative and devotion to duty, that the team could build up to 7 ac status within a short time.

He was reposted to Bidar in March 97 as the team leader. With characteristic initiative and drive he harnessed the limited resources under him. It is to his credit that changes in the pilots of the 'Suryakiran' did not affect the performance of the team. In the golden jubilee year of India's Independence, the team was tasked to perform at short intervals at variety of venues all over the country. This entailed extensive practice, meticulous planning and execution. Each of these displays was greatly appreciated. A highlight was the historic formation acrobatic display over the Red Fort on 15 August 97.

Displaying total commitment and a very high degree of professionalism, Wing Commander Anil Kumar Murgai has believed in leading by personal example and leadership. Despite the very high risk involved and operating from different airfields, the team has had no incident/accident attributable to human error.

For exceptional professionalism and devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Anil Kumar Murgai.

Wing Commander Amit Tiwari (16806) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of IAF on 04 Jan 1982. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and also an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College. The officer was posted to Air Force Station, Bidar on 29 April, 1997 as the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) Deputy Leader. Even without any experience in the erstwhile 'Thunderbolts', he quickly completed his syllabus and started performing public displays. He took over the mantle of Suryakiran Aerobatic Team Leader from 17 May 1999. He has led the team members with a keen sense of initiative to develop new manoeuvre for display. Towards this end, synchronous manoeuuvres were just the beginning. This was first display to the general public in Jun 2000 during the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy. He had successfully led the Team in 53 displays till date. With characteristic drive and administrative skill, he harnessed the limited resources under him to successfully put up a public display every time the team was tasked to perform. This was most evident during the team's display at Aero India 2001, International Fleet Review and their visit to Sri Lanka, where the Team operated overseas for the first time, bringing laurels and honour to the nation and Indian Air Force. Recently the team carried out the display at Hyderabad and kept a crowd of four lakhs enthralled with their immaculate and professional display.

Displaying total commitment and a very high degree of professionalism, Wg Cdr Tiwari believes in leading by personal example and displaying unique determination, steadiness, physical and mental endurance. Despite the very high risk involved in operating from different airfields, Wg Cdr Tiwari has led the tem gallantly without any accidents till date.

For distinguished service and exemplary professionalism, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Amit Tiwari.

Wing Commander Sandeep Bansal (20438) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 16 Dec 89. He is a fully operational Mirage2000 Pilot who flew missions during Kargil operations and commanded a Mirage-2000 detachment in western sector during Op Parakram. He is a cat A Qualified Flying Instructor who stood first during Instrument Rating and Instruction Examiner course. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, where he was adjudged as the Most Spirited Officer and was awarded Thimmayya Medal for standing first in the Overall Order of Merit. For his dedication to service, he was commended by the CAS in 2002.

Because of his professional competence of a very high order, Wg Cdr S Bansal was appointed as a CO and Team Leader of Suryakiran Formation Aerobatic Team on 06 Jun 05. Since then, he has performed creditably and led the Suryakiran team with distinction and ensured very high display standards winning laurels for IAF and making Indians proud of the IAF. Leading the nine aircraft team for more than 85 displays in two years, he has always displayed with maturity, confidence, precision and flying skills of the highest order.

With his foresight, immaculate planning and close supervision, the team was able to successfully accomplish highest ever display tasking during the IAF's Platinum Jubilee year of 2006-07. Additionally, he has also completed significant tasks of compiling Briefing Guide for the team, revision of the Suryakiran training syllabus and procured better training aids. All these measures have resulted in more effective and safer training capabilities.

For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Sandeep Bansal.