Group Captain Dalip Singh Sabherwal, VM was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 17th July, 1954. As a pilot he has maintained high professional standard throughout and has held different field assignments such as officer Commanding of a Heavy Transport Squadron and Station Commander of Flying Station. He has flown a total of 7,600 accident free hours, including 2500 hours in forward areas.

In recent years he has held the important appointment of Joint Director Operation (Transport and Maritime) in Air Headquarters. In this capacity he set to work with commendable energy, zeal and perseverance and worked out a practical conversion plan for helicopters. He also successfully planned induction of new transport aircraft has coordinated various aspects with different Directorates for certain major re-equipment scheme.

Group Captain Dalip Singh Sabherwal has thus rendered distinguished service

Group Captain Indrakanty Gopala Krishna, VSM, was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in May 1957 and holds a Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering. Since then, he has served as an Engineering Officer of different sub­sonic and supersonic Fighter Squadrons, Chief Engineering Officer of a number of Fighter Bases, Officer Commanding Project Groups, Chief Technical Officer of a Base Repair Depot, Deputy Air Attaché in Embassy of India, Paris and Deputy Director Air Staff Requirements.

As Deputy Director Air Staff Requirements he was very closely associated with the evaluation and induction of some of the modern Combat aircraft and latest armament and involved in the integration of some of the modern Air­to­Air missiles.

Group Captain Krishna took over command of a very important Base Repair Depot. Under his leadership and guidance, the depot has achieved the task of setting up the overhaul line for one of the MiG variants, in record time. This was only possible due to his involvement and motivating all officers and men placed under him. The first supersonic aircraft overhauled by his Repair Depot was test flown without any snag and will remain a milestone in the maintenance history of the Indian Air Force.

Group Captain Indrakanty Gopala Krishna has thus rendered distinguished service exceptional order.

Group Captain Prithvi Singh Brar, VM, was commissioned in 1960. His entire service has been marked with outstanding professionalism in every field of activity that he has been involved.

During the course of the career, Group Captain Brar was chosen for some highly sophisticated fighters such as Vampire, Hunter, Gnat and MiG­21. He has amassed nearly 2000 hours without any accident on these aircraft. During the course of his career, Group Captain Brar was chosen for some highly responsible and professional appointments like founder member of Tactics and Combat Development Establishment and flying inspector at Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. In discharging his duties as an instructor at Tactics & Combat Development and Training Establishment, he ensured and achieved very high standards of combat training.

In May 1979, immediately on his return from tenure abroad, he was put at the helm of an Operational MiG-21 Squadron. As a Squadron Commander, he applied himself very painstakingly to buildup combat potential of the Squadron. In June 1981, he was specially selected to command a squadron, which was allotted the task of Formation aerobatics and air displays throughout the country during the Golden Jubilee year of the IAF. He was entrusted with the task of selecting pilots, training them and leading the aerobatic team in its practices and for air displays.

Group Captain Brar, because of his devotion and total dedicated involvement achieved what is popularly known as the Thunderbolts. Their flying displays were a demonstration of precision formation flying whilst carrying out spectacular aerobatic manoeuvres.

Group Captain Prithvi Singh Brar has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Krishan Murari Rishi, VSM (3906) Accounts during his long service of over thirty two years has served with distinction both in the field and at various staff appointments. As a pioneer he helped raising five premier establishments, from the scratch and earned commendation of the AOC-in-C Training Command in 1972 and Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of high order in 1975.

After taking over as Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Central Accounts Office, within short period of one year, he systematized and streamlined procedures and working in that office through careful and immaculate planning, by introducing effective measures, laying down time bound drills, ensuring their meticulous monitoring and by making many result oriented innovations. This led to prompt and accurate maintenance and updation of Individual Running Ledger Accounts and Provident Fund Accounts of all personnel of the IAF, as a result of which serving individuals were supplied their payslips/salary statements/Photostats of IRLA, and annual statement of Provident Funds and the Noneffective personnel remittance of all their dues with utmost promptitude, which earned gratitude and appreciation all round, for highly personalised and efficient, service, contributing in a big way to high morale in the Air Force. He not only transformed this premier Accounting Organisation of Air Force Central Accounts Office as AOC but within four months of taking over as Director of Accounts, Air Headquarters brought the entire accounting services of IAF to a very high order of efficiency and made those an effective tool of the Air Force administration thereby enhancing the image of IAF in the service of the nation,

This was possible due to his high degree of intelligence, excellent in­depth knowledge of his profession and working conditions in the field, vast experience, good foresight, quick decision taking ability, clear and keen perception methodic planning and organising, ability and down to earth approach coupled with hard work and devotion to duty.

Air Commodore Krishan Murari Rishi, VSM has always responded to the call of duty cheerfully and willingly. He has displayed a very high sense of duty, tremendous drive, skill, professional competence and had thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari, VM (4954) was commissioned in the Air Force in 1955. He has held several important assignments both in the field and staff. For his high sense of dedication and devotion to duty during Indo-Pak war in 1971, he was awarded Vayu Seva Medal by the President. He was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff for his significant contribution toward the operational readiness of all units under South Western Air Command when this officer was its Command Engineering Officer.

Since 01 Apr 80 Group Captain TK Seshachari has been commanding one of major Base Repair Depot. Under his exemplary and dynamic leadership, the Base Repair Depot has not only achieved various authorized and special urgent operational tasks but also made rapid strides forward for taking up new and sophisticated tasks of aero engine overhaul, aviation rotables and ground equipment design manufacture and overhaul. He laid special emphasis on indigenisation and self reliance and exploited all the resources and expertise of the depot to develop and fabricate many new ranges of spares which not only overcame production stops but also saved considerable foreign exchange.

He systematized all the repair lines in a very efficient manner to ensure a steady and reliable output of aero engines and other equipment in a time bound programme. The depot has achieved a proud record of turning out 200 Viper and Type-31 engine during his steward.

By his exemplary leadership, achievement and exceptional devotion and dedication to the service, Group Captain Thittanimuttam Krishnaswamy Seshachari, VM has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Jasjit Singh VrC, VM (5100) Flying (Pilot) commissioned on 01 Apr 56 has had a distinguished record of service. He stood first in every course of instruction attended. He has command a MiG Squadron with distinction and was Chief Operation Officer of a major Air Force Station. Group Captain Jasjit Singh served in the Directorate of Flight Safety for 1½ years as a Deputy Director responsible for prevention of accidents and later as the Director of Flight Safety for one year. During these assignments, the officer undertook a number of in-depth studies to identify weak areas so that effective preventive programme could be adopted. Amongst the more notable work done was planning the AVSM 1984 establishment of Institute of Flight Safety (third such institution in the world), the case for preflight meals for aircrew, transit facilities for aircrew etc. His work highlighted the impending impact of depletion of trained and experienced technical manpower and since the problem was identified in time, remedial measures could be introduced. Under his personal guidance and direction the programme of computerization of flight safety information was initiated and put on sound footing. A new approach to accident reporting system was also introduced based on the studies and analysis done by the officer. For the first time, the flight safety programme was enlarged in scope to include active coordination with other organizations/departments in the country. Some of the main features of such activities were research projects for bird surveys on airfields, Bird Control and Environment Committee under the overall coordination of SA to RM etc.

Group Captain Jasjit Singh took over the duties of Director Operations (Aircraft Induction) on its formation at Air Headquarters wef Nov 82. This challenging assignment involved operational planning for efficient and expeditious exploitation of all new aircraft on induction into service. The task in hand includes a variety of aircraft: the next generation sophisticated high­technology air superiority fighter (Mirage-2000), a modern attack helicopter (Mi-25); a new medium transport aircraft (AN-32); and a modern high performance tactical strike fighter (MiG-27). Bulk of the work done by the office in this branch, of necessity, remains on the highly classified list. But it can stated with a great degree of confidence and assurance that his service to the Air Force, especially in the field of operational perspective planning, realistic approach to operational needs of the IAF and viable means to achieve a high level of combat worthiness have gone a long way in enhancing the operational preparedness of the IAF.

Group Captain Jasjit Singh has over a sustained period of time, worked hard with dedication and commitment to the service, regardless of personnel inconvenience and has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Krishna Lakshmanan was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the Indian Air Force in November, 1958. He has held a number of important assignments with distinction and displayed devotion to duty, Innovative approach and professional excellence throughout his service career.

As a young officer, he was responsible for the installation and commissioning of a large transmitter station at a Command Headquarters. In 1969, while serving as Senior Signals Officer in an Air Base, in the rank of Squadron Leader, he was commended by the Chief of Air Staff for installing signals facilities including radio navigational aid in an out of the way air field and efficiently maintaining them under difficult conditions.

Subsequently from October, 1973 in the Radar and Communications Project Office of Ministry of Defence, the wide impact of his personal contribution is to be measured by successful development and induction of a number of electronic systems in the high technology Troposcatter and Microwave Communication network of the Indian Air Force. His innovative approach has resulted in the indigenous development and successful introduction of Teletype concentrators, automatic time punching systems and simplified Teletype Broadcasting Units.

As Senior Project Engineer (Communications) in Radar and Communication Project Office since July 1981 in the rank of Group Captain, he has achieved creditable success by applying himself to the challenging task with exemplary energy and enthusiasm, exceptional level of professional acumen and infinite capacity to put in hard work for beyond the call of normal duties.

Group Captain Krishna Lakshmanan has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Bharat Kumar (5787) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch in December, 1959. Since then he has had a long tenure of 20 years on active flying duties. During this period he flew a variety of operational aircraft and held diverse supervisory and command appointments. He successfully completed the Fighter Combat Leader Course in 1975. Later, he commanded a Type 77 Squadron with distinction.

In August 81, Group Captain Bharat Kumar was posted as Base Commander at one of FBSUs (the Forward Base Support Unit). This Base serves as Armament Practice Camp and affords support services to visiting detachments akin to those provided at a fullfledged Wing. Group Captain Bharat Kumar marshaled and utilized the comparatively maegre resources at his command so that all detachments were able to complete their assigned tasks. During 1981-82 the Base was active on 240 days. Throughout, there was not even one occasion when flying operations were held up due to lack of admin, maintenance or operational support. Besides this, the operational preparedness of the Base to undertake operations during hostilities was also maintained at a high pitch.

In the field of administration, the performance of Group Captain Bharat Kumar has been commendable. The FBSU in a desert terrain where weather is hostile and living conditions are tough. He brought about remarkable improvements in provision of amenities for the personnel of Station and ensured that morale of personnel was very high at all times. In financial management, the performance of the Base has been noteworthy and the number of outstanding audit objections have been brought to nearly zero. Under his able leadership, non­public funds have shown a healthy growth.

The responsibility of providing admin support as well for overseeing the conduct of various trials at Pokhran Range has been entrusted to the Officer Commanding of the FBSU. A large number of service and civilian dignitaries including foreigners visit Pokhran Range to witness the trials. Group Captain Bharat Kumar marshaled his meager resources and ensured an exemplary support and proper conduct of these trials. His meticulous planning and foresight was especially evident during SARI-V trials conducted in November, 1982 and trials to assess the efficacy of Runway Rehabilitation Scheme in January, 1983.

Group Captain Bharat Kumar has brought about tangible and remarkably effective all round improvement in day­to­day working conditions and in overall operational preparedness of the Base. By his laudable initiative, outstanding devotion to service, resourcefulness, motivation and qualities of leadership, Group Captain Bharat Kumar has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Sudhakar Paranjape (5829) AE (M) was commissioned in the Air Force in 1959. He has held various field as well as staff appointments and has proved his professional competence in each of them. He was specially selected to specialize in 1st and 2nd line servicing of MiG (BIS) aircraft for that he was sent to USSR for training.

Since 26 Jun 86, Group Captain Paranjape has been holding the important appointment of Chief Engineering Officer of a major operational base in Eastern Sector. During his tenure there, he has established a reputation throughout the Command and also in the rest of the Air Force as a totally dedicated technical officer who has done outstanding work in raising the quality of maintenance on the aircraft operating from his base. His technical leadership and efforts in improving knowledge and understanding of Type 66/77 and Chetak aircraft by the technical personnel has enabled the Wing to maintain a consistent level of very high serviceability with intensive flying and excellent flight safety record. His aim has always been to improve on existing standards and procedures and he has created an environment in which every incident and every snag is studied and analysed in depth to ensure that rectification action is effective. In the process he has made several recommendations to the manufacturers and organized seminars/discussions in which both aircrew and technicians participate. These have helped to evolve several new procedures and modifications that have improved the serviceability and safety of the fleet. At all times Group Captain Paranjape has worked devotedly for long hours with a deep sense of commitment, cheerfully sacrificing much of his spare time in the cause of better maintenance.

By his dedication to the Service, outstanding technical leadership and excellent performance in improving the serviceability and safety of aircraft in the Air Force, Group Captain Sudhakar Paranjape has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Prakash Chandra Bugga (4155) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Air Force in 1951 in the erstwhile technical armament branch. A graduate of the Institute of Armament Technology, Gp Capt PC Bugga has held many important appointments during his service career including that of Chief Engineering Officer of two major operational Wings and staff officer at Headquarters Maintenance Command and Air Headquarters. Since June 1981, Gp Capt PC Bugga has been Commanding Officer of a major Equipment Depot. Through his personal initiative, proof testing facilities for two types of ammunition have been set up, thus, providing for the first time, scope for extending the life of these ammunition. Thereby savings of Rs. 12 lakhs in foreign exchange have been effected during 1982 and further savings of Rs. 60 lakhs are expected in the next two years. He has been instrumental in designing and producing a tail parachute packing rig, which has been of great value to the Air Force. A special project undertaken by him to set up for the first time the infrastructure required for periodical proof testing of certain types of rockets used by the Air Force is well on the way towards successful completion. Another project which the depot has started under his direction is the repair and reconditioning of small arms without any additional resources. In all these achievements, Gp Capt PC Bugga has demonstrated exceptional qualities of leadership, perseverance and ability to motivate his men, ensuring success of the projects. He has always insisted upon and achieved highest levels of quality of production and technical expertise on the part of all his men. For this purpose he has set up an efficient technical training cell which imparts requisite training to the men.

Group Captain Prakash Chandra Bugga has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Kalpathy Anantkrishna Hariharan (5185) was commissioned in the Flying (Pilot) branch of the Indian Air Force in 1955. Since commissioning he has held a variety of important command and staff AVSM 1984 appointments. He was in fighter Squadron from 1957 to 1971. He commanded a fighter squadron equipped with supersonic aircraft from 1975 to 1977. He was Chief Instructor at the College of Air Warfare from 1977 to 1980. Besides being a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor, he is also a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

Group Captain Hariharan took over the command of one of the major Signals Unit in October, 1980. This unit is equipped with high power three dimensional radar which is a very sophisticated system inducted recently by the Air Force. Initially the equipment has many operational and logistic problems inhibiting effective utilization of the system. Group Captain Hariharan applied his mind systematically to all the problems and by his initiative, drive and result­oriented leadership, not only brought the unit to full operational status within a very short period but, despite lack of adequate material and system support has also been able to maintain the sophisticated air defence equipment at considerably high level of operational efficiency.

Group Captain Hariharan, by persuasive approach and total dedication to the service interests, has obtained a number of welfare items and concessions from the State Government for the benefit of his men. He also organized substantial gifts and grants from the State Government for other Air Force Station in Gujarat area. By his exemplary conduct with the civil authorities, he has enhanced the image of the Air Force in general.

Under the able leadership of Group Captain Hariharan, the men placed under him have been motivated to excel themselves in their profession and work as an effective team in all fields of activities. By his exceptional devotion to duty, superb handling of men and material, boundless drive to achieve results and exemplary service mindedness, Group Captain Kalpathy Anantkrishna Hariharan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Kuldip Krishan Bakshi (3685) Administrative was commissioned in the Air Force in 1949. Basically a law graduate, he successfully qualified in the Intelligence and Photo Interpretation course and Air Force Judge Advocate course, during his service career. The important staff appointments held by him are Dy JAG, Chief Administrative Officer of a major transport Wing, Senior Officer Administration of a major operational command and Director of Personnel (Airman). In all these appointments he has left a mark of his personal efficiency and devotion to service.

He was selected for the post of Deputy Judge Advocate General, because of his legal qualifications backed by practical experience gained during service. He was instrumental in stream lining various legal procedures and was associated with the unified committee. As Chief Administrative Officer of a major flying station in the Western sector, with his qualities of drive and imagination he was very successful in improving the living & working condition at the station as a whole. AVSM 1983-84

As Director of Personnel (Airmen) and as Senior Officer Administration of a major operational command, he has discharged his duties in a most able and competent manner and has achieved remarkable success in all fields of his activities. In his man management approach, he has displayed inspiring leadership by his sympathetic but firm handling. He applied his vast experience and knowledge of works services and thereby improved the satisfaction level of domestic accommodation as also the operational and technical works services which led to overall improvement in operational capabilities of station under his jurisdiction. Presently, he is employed as SOA of one of our major operational command.

Air Vice Marshal Kuldip Krishan Bakshi has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan (4751) Accounts was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He is an MBA from Delhi University and was the Head of the Department of Financial Management at IDM from 1973 to 1976. Throughout his service, he has distinguished himself in all the staff and instructional appointments he has so far held at Stations, Command Headquarters, Air Headquarters and Ministry of Defence. Air Vice Marshal Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has been the Director of Accounts at Air Headquarters from Feb 81 to Oct 82, after which he was appointed Director Financial Planning. In both these jobs he has shown vision, sagacity and dynamism in evolving and pushing through farsighted proposals to further enhance the effectiveness of Accounts Branch. Immediately on taking over as Director Financial Planning he streamlined the planning and budgetary process of the Air Force through tremendous personal effort and unflagging enthusiasm. As a result of his interest and effort, the Directorate has been able to take firm charge of all budgetary planning and coordination, a task which was hitherto dispersed amongst many directorates. He is presently engaged in casting the next 5 year plan (1986-90).

He has shown initiative in preparing a comprehensive document which will justify AF requirements as well as link up various aspects of future requirements such as equipment, manpower and works services.

An officer of very high professional competence and integrity, intellectual vigour, unflagging enthusiasm and determination, AVSM 1984 Air Vice Marshal Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Kuldeep Singh (3922) AE (M) was commissioned in the Air Force in the year 1950. Since then, he has held a number of important field as well as staff appointments at Command and Air Headquarters. Besides these, he is a graduate of Advance Air Armament Staff Course, Senior Defence Management Course and National Defence College.

As Commanding Officer of Central Servicing and Development Organisation Air Vice Marshal Kuldeep Singh excelled in rationalizing servicing and maintenance schedules for various types of aircraft in use. Later as Director Armament and Safety Equipment at Air Headquarters, he was responsible for formulation of policies in respect of bomb dump, ranges and storage accommodation for explosives armament stores and Safety Equipment which went a long way in enhancing the overall operational capability of the Air force.

Air Vice Marshal Kuldeep Singh served as the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Headquarters Eastern Air Command for two years. During this period, he was responsible for the smooth and efficient functioning of the technical and logistic services in the Command. Duo to his professional competence and drive, his meticulous management of personnel and resources, the technical and logistic services in the Command were in fact most efficient. He took special pains to achieve higher maintenance safety standards in the Command, and he spent long hours in the hangars and servicing bays at flying Wings, acquainting himself with problems, finding solutions and introducing servicing procedures. In mattes of maintenance policy he ensured that the directive/orders were clearly transmitted to the field, and conversely made sound recommendations to Air Headquarters on technical matters/problems faced by the field.

Throughout his service Air Vice Marshal Kuldeep Singh has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Keshava Dev Kanagat VM (4433) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in Indian Air Force in January, 1953. During his career he carried out 7400 hours of accident free flying, commanded a multiengined transport Squadron and held variety of staff appointments at Command and Air Headquarters. During the Indo Pak War 1971, Air Commodore Kanagat led his squadron with great courage and distinction and flew many hazardous missions for which he was awarded 'Vayu Seva Medal'.

He took over the Command of No. 10 Wing in January, 1983, when the two Dakota Squadrons based there were slated to be wound down in April 1984 and the station was to prepare itself for simultaneous induction of AN-32 aircraft. It is against this background that he set himself to achieve the two major tasks viz. firstly to sustain the serviceability and tempo of flying on the ageing Dakota fleet and secondly to prepare the station for induction of AN-32, involving setting up of new training facilities, maintenance support and reorientation of operational procedures.

By his personal example and leadership he succeeded in inspiring the aircrew of the station in reposing their continuous confidence in the ageing fleet and exceeding their maintenance task by 22 tons. He associated himself keenly with maintenance activities on the station, guiding and inspiring the maintenance personnel and to make 100% Dakota aircraft on base airworthy on four occasions during the year.

Under the overall directions of Air Commodore Kanagat, the excellent performance shown by the vintage fleet, influenced the Air Force to reconsider the date of its phasing out and extend its life by another year. While the flying activity of the station was being revitalized, he continuously reviewed and revamped the administration of the Wing which was kept in pace with the overall Air Force requirements.

Air Commodore Kanagat has displayed outstanding qualities of leadership by achieving a high level of operational efficiency and readiness of an operational base. The Station under his stewardship was awarded the trophy for best administered station in Eastern Air Command.

Air Commodore Keshava Dev Kanagat VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Har Krishan Oberoi VM (4583) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 14th October, 1953. Throughout his career spanning 30 years, he held a large number of important and prestigious appointments. He has over 7700 hours of accident free flying to his credit.

As a junior pilot, he carried out aerial survey and strategic reconnaissance along our northern borders, stretching from Aksai Chin to Arunachal Pradesh, for over 6 years. His work greatly facilitated mapping of the hitherto unsurveyed territory, most required for operational planning besides the need of oil and mineral survey. As Flight Commander in Air HQ Communication Squadron, he was responsible for successful induction of TU-124 aircraft for VVIP operations in the IAF. Later during his two years tenure as Squadron Commander of this prestigious Squadron, his Squadron was awarded the Flight Safety Trophy successively for both the years. During the 1971 operations, for the telling results achieved by him, as Chief AVSM 1984-85 Operations Officer of an operational wing, he was awarded 'Vayu Seva Medal'.

Air Commodore Oberoi, as Commandant, Transport Training Wing, was responsible for the formulation and successful implementation of the new training syllabus for transport pilot. His unit undertook flood-relief operations on many occasions and earned the appreciation of the concerned State Government as well as of the Govt of Sri Lanka. As Director of Personnel (Officers) at Air Headquarters, he was closely associated with the development and induction of the new appraisal system and extension of the retirement ages, in the ranks of Wing Commander to Air Marshal.

Since November, 1962, he is working as Director Plans at Air Headquarters and has been responsible for sponsoring and processing a number of proposals. His major achievements have been upward revision of manpower ceiling, establishment of four wings and four FBSUs and creation of Southern Air Command. Another major achievement of Air Commodore Oberoi is the Government's approval of second cadre review, which aims at improving the career prospects of Air Force personnel.

Air Commodore Har Krishan Oberoi VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Rajendra Kumar Dhawan VM (4736) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 17 Jul 54. He has flown over 4000 hours, mainly on jet fighters. He was awarded the 'Vayu Seva Medal' in 1976. He has commanded an operational Squadron and an operational Wing during his service career and has also held important staff and training appointments both in India and abroad. During his tenure as Air Attaché, Islamabad, he established good working relations by his tact and resourcefulness.

He commanded a major operational wing for two years, at which were located three fighter squadrons and several other units. During his command newly inducted fighter aircraft were fully and safely exploited. This was largely due to his hard work, organizational and leadership qualities. He developed the vital infrastructure, ensured adequate support from sections of the wing and maintained a safe flying environment. His wing won the WAC Trophies for the year 1982-83 for being the best in Maintenance and Administration.

Air Commodore Rajendra Kumar Dhawan VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Bir Inder Singh VM (5040) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force in January 1956. He has over 4400 hours to his credit. He actively participated in both wars with Pakistan. He was the Director of NCC Directorate of Karnataka and Goa for a year w.e.f, Apr 83. Within this short period, he has been able to achieve the following outstanding results:

He personally supervised the camp training for the competitions which were to be held for the Prime Minister's Championship Banner and ensured that selection of cadets was based purely on merit. He personally selected and trained Air Wing cadets for the competition at all India lelvel. A girl cadet from his Directorate won the Gold Medal and a boy cadet the Silver Medal during the Prime Minister's Rally Championship Banner in Jan 84.

From his Directorate maximum number of cadets were selected for participants in the Republic Day as well as Guard of Honour contingents. The standard of drill achieved by Karnataka & Goa contingent was exceptionally good. During the All India Level camps held at Gurgaon and Ghaziabad for boys and girls respectively, cadets from Karnataka & Goa Directorate stood first in all the competitions which counted towards the Prime Minister's Championship Banner. In November 1983, due to his initiative, 750 NCC cadets participated in traffic duties during the CHOGM (Commonwealth Head of Government Meet) at Goa. Further, 17 cadets were trained as guides who helped the wives of the Heads of States during their stay at Goa. He volunteered to undertake all Hand Gliding training for the basic as well as advanced stage in his Directorate. A comprehensive case for introduction of Hand Gliding in NCC organization prepared by him is with the Government. Besides he also introduced wind surfing in his Directorate.

He was able to achieve exceptionally good rapport with the Karnataka State Government. The Chief Minister was so impressed by him that he went out of his way to sanction incentives for the NCC cadets which have proved to be a tremendous motivating factor. Further the State Government, at his persuasion, in actively considering the reservation of seats for NCC cadets in Home Guards, Forest, Police, Education and Fire Services Department in addition to allotting a certain quota for admission to the Post Graduate and MBA Courses.

As a result of his visits to various universities the Vice Chancellor of Mysore University has agreed to introduce the NCC as an integral part of the curricular in some of the selected colleges on trial basis from the next academic session onwards.

Air Commodore Bir Inder Singh VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Manakkal Narayanan Amri-thalingam VM (5413) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the IAF on 20 May 57. As a Flight Signaller, he served in operational areas between Jan 59 to Sept 63 and was awarded Vayu Seva Medal for his performance during the Chinese operations. He qualified with distinction, the postgraduate course in avionics at Cranfield Institute of Technology. The officer was also trained in France on Semi Automatic Data Handling System.

On return, the officer was posted at Air HQs, where he served as specialist avionics member on the evaluation teams for the Jaguar, Harrier and Nimrod aircraft, and made significant contributions to the evaluation tasks. The officer was also associated with introduction of Automatic Data Handling systems. He was instrumental in formulating the operational requirements in the Indian context and translation of these requirements into detailed hardware and software requirements for indigenous development of the same. He has continuously associated with the project at Air HQs and subsequently at Ministry of Defence.

Officer's contribution to the design and development of the display systems and evaluation of methods for testing of software, developed for operational air force defence application, is laudable.

As Chief Technical Officer of an operational radar station he contributed significantly in solving the large number of technical teething problems and operation of the first indigenous manufactured THD radar in the Air Force. Since 1981, the officer is serving as a Senior Project Engineer at Radar and Communication Project Officer. During his tenure the workload increased considerably due to simultaneous installation of the static radar at more than one location and the introduction of Mobile PSM33 radar into the Air Force, which he managed creditably.

Group Captain Manakkal Narayanan Amrithalingam VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Sashi Kumar Samuel Ramdas was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch of the IAF in April, 1955. During his service career, he served on numerous assignments in India and abroad with ineffable dedication. Air Commodore Ramdas is one of those few officers of Technical Branch who are qualified pilots and have earned their 'Wings'. He has flown over 1100 hours on various types of aircraft and always kept himself in current flying practice.

He has vast technical experience on variety of combat aircraft of Western and Soviet origin. Due to his high professional knowledge, he was specially accredited to induct contemporary aircraft weapon system viz. Hunter, Marut and Jaguar and was appointed to the selective post of Chief Technical Officer of Operational bases for a period exceeding eight years. He applied his profound knowledge immensely, in aviation, both as an aeronautical engineer and as an aviator in the successfully competition of vitally important flight trials at A&ATU on Marut, Kiran, Gnat and Hunter aircraft for which he was awarded Vayu Seva Medal in Jan 70. For his involvement, ingenuity, technical acumen and initiative to meet the war requirements, during Indo-Pak conflict, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1971.

As Deputy Air Advisor in High Commission of India in London, he sorted out a number of maintenance problems by working in close cooperation with the manufacturers and RAF. In 1979, Air Cmde Ramdas was specially selected for induction of Jaguars in the IAF and sent for course to UK. Subsequently, as Chief Engineering Officer of the first Jaguar Base, he well utilized his par excellence professional experience and managerial competence to organize maintenance facilities in a time bound programme. Later as commander of a Base Repair Depot, he achieved the highest output of Kiran overhaul in 1981-82, for which the Depot was awarded the Best BRD Trophy, by HQ Maintenance Command.

Since August, 1982, Air Commodore Ramdas has been the Director of Engineering. His field experience and managerial skill have contributed a lot of smooth induction of the latest fighter aircraft and planning he overhaul facilities for them in India.

Air Commodore Sashi Kumar Samuel Ramdas VM VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Kewal Krishan Chadha (4512) Logistics was commissioned in the Air Force on 27 Jun 53. During his service, he attended Advanced Works Study Course, besides a number of courses on computers of Advanced Technology. He held many important appointments in India and abroad, which include Director of Purchase in the United Kingdom and Director of Stores at Air Headquarters.

The new clothing policy for the airmen came into effect on 01 Jan 83, which brought in its wake, various problems regarding implementation of the policy. The task assigned was to ensure availability at all items to all entitled airmen. Notwithstanding the complexity of the problem and exacting nature of task, Air Commodore Chadha set about to achieve the target with vigour, zeal and determination. During the implementation of the new policy, he displayed remarkable ability in analyzing difficult problems and evolving solutions, besides presentation of facts and convincing arguments. Today, the clothing items of airmen's kit are available at all the units/Depots and are being issued in a regulated manner. The issues are being regularly monitored and the response with regard to the implementation of the policy is very encouraging. His dedication to work, untiring energy and zeal has contributed significantly to the stabilization of the policy.

Air Commodore Kewal Krishan Chadha has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Krishan Murthy Konduri (5033) Accounts was commissioned on 15 Oct 55. During his 29 years of service, he has consistently maintained an exemplary standard of performance in various appointments held by him. He was awarded commendation by the AOC-in-C Maintenance Command in Aug 66 and again by the CAS in Jan 74. AVSM 1985-86

As S Accts O of a major Wing during 197980, he devised a comprehensive Management Information System, which was appreciated by AOC-in-C and later introduced in all the units under the Command. As Deputy Director of Accounts at Air Headquarters, he got many establishments revised and accounting procedure improved.

Gp Capt KK Murthy took over as Director of Air Force Group Insurance Society in the rank of Gp Capt on 29 Mar 82. During the tenure, he has very energetically carried through a number of proposals, considerably increasing the benefits to members, without any raise in their contributions. He has done it by innovative measures which got the Society a higher return on its investments. He got the banks to reduce the term of low yield deposits and was able to persuade the Ministry of Finance to extend the new higher rate of interest to earlier deposits in Public Sector Undertakings.

A remarkable achievement of Group Captain Krishan Murthy Konduri was in obtaining the Government sanction to exempt the death benefits, payable to Army, Navy and Air Force Group Insurance Schemes, from the Estate Duty. Undeterred by successive negative responses, single handedly he pursued the case with the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Defence (Finance), Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Law, at various levels, till he was successful in obtaining the sanction on 31 Oct 83.

With a verve and zeal which accepts nothing as impossible, Gp Capt KK Murthy has done yeoman service not only to the Air Force as an Accountant Officer but also to all the three Defence Services as Director of Air Force Group Insurance Scheme. His high professional competence, unflagging enthusiasm, total dedication to service and unparalleled achievements have been a source of inspiration for all.

Group Captain Krishan Murthy Konduri has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Gyanendra Nath Kunzru (4167) Medical was commissioned on 01 November 1951 and has been serving with the Air Force ever since. After having served as Medical Officer in various Squadrons, he attended Advance Course in Pathology and qualified for the MD degree in Pathology. He was elected a Fellow of Aero Medical Society of India and is currently a Professor and Post Graduate Examiner of the Bangalore University.

In 1960, Air Cmde Kunzru was selected for deputation to the UK for Specialised Training in Aviation Accident Pathology. Subsequently, he was instrumental in setting up the Department of Accident Pathology at Institute of Aviation Medicine. With the setting up of this Department, it has been possible to investigate all air accidents, both civil and military on scientific basis. He has carried out several research projects which have a direct bearing on aircrew performance and flight safety.

During his tenure as Officer Commanding, Air Force Hospital, Johrat, Air Cmde Kunzru displayed exemplary qualities of leadership, planning and organization. He introduced many innovations and organized Patient Care, which acclaimed high praise from all the peripheral units dependent on the Hospital.

In 1981 Air Cmde Kunzru was specially selected to hold the coveted appointment of the President of Air Force Central Medical Establishment in New Delhi. In this appointment, he not only brought about medical changes, to enhance the functional efficiency, but also devised new system of maintenance and up­dating of medical documents at Central Medical Establishment. He has been instrumental in setting up the latest investigative facilities for evaluation of aircrew with borderline cardio vascular disability. He has formulated many research projects, which will of great help in evaluation of aircrew and has contributed significantly to the delineation of the protocol for evaluation of the cosmonaut.

Air Cmde Kunzru has been an all round sportsman. He has represented Air Force Teams in Cricket, Tennis, Squash and Golf. He has also served in the Services Team for National Championship in Cricket and Tennis.

Air Commodore Gyanendra Nath Kunzru has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Madhukar Keshav Joshi (4399) Flying (Navigator) was commissioned in the Air Force in January, 1953. He has over 3700 hrs, accident free to his credit. During his service he has held many important appointments like Chief Instructor (Air Defence), Station Commander, AF Station Begumpet and Air Officer Commanding Air Force Record Office.

He was posted as Air Officer Commanding Air Force Record Office on 05 Jan 83. He took over this office, at a time when a number of new weapon systems were being inducted which demanded an immediate need to evaluate the airmen manning levels of operational squadrons. He undertook the challenge and in a short span of six months improved the effective manning status in the Air Force.

In a pragmatic analysis of airmen manpower, he conducted a detailed study to assess the airmen manpower requirements till 1987 and made firm recommendations, with an aim to achieve 100% manning by 1988. the steps recommended by him are being pursued to bring up manning level, in the Air Force to 100%, in the shortest possible time frame. Besides, AFRO has streamlined the procedures of discharge of airmen and ensured timely finalization of the pension cases. Now the cases of regularization of grant of excess leave are also being regularized at AFRO itself. The Establishment and strength data, an essential information for updating statistical records of manning levels of airmen of the Indian Air Force, is readily available.

His methodical approach and detailed planning ensured that only about 800 personnel were moved on posting, while as many as 8500 promotions were authorized. Further, due to his personal involvement and visits to various formations, outstanding movements were reduced, drastically. Request postings, like 'compassionate ground posting' have now been restricted to two years only. Rationalisation of the categorization of units, for purpose of manning levels, has also been achieved, based on recommendation of this office. A number of positive measures like, first choice posting from hard areas, granted extended tenures, utilization of expertise in a fair and impartial way, are some of the measures which were implemented during his stewardship and are paying rich dividends.

Air Commodore Madhukar Keshav Joshi has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Ajit Mohan Shahane, Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force in January 1954. He has logged over 5500 hrs of accident free flying, out of which over 1500 hours were flown in the difficult hilly areas of Ladakh and the Eastern Himalayas. During his long service, he has held many important Staff and Command appointments which include Directing Stall at Defence Services Stall College, Commandant of College of Air Warfare and Air II of an operational Command.

He was amongst the few pioneers who surveyed and established the routes in the hilly terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, for operation of Packet aircraft. As a veteran pilot himself, he was able to motivate and inspire the aircrew of the ageing Packet fleet to undertake the maintenance operations in Ladakh, with zeal and enthusiasm. His mettle in flying can be best gauged from the example of calm and cool courage, displayed by him during a grave in-flight emergency, where he skillfully nursed a crippled Packet aircraft in Ladakh and landed it safely at Leh.

During the Goa operations, the Chinese aggression and the Indo-Pak conflict in 1965, AVSM 1985 he undertook transport support tasks and flew a number of maritime tactical missions. During 1971, as Deputy Director Operations (Transport & Maritime), he made valuable contributions in planning and coordinating strategic airlift for the Army. As Directing Staff at DSSC and Commandant of College of Air Warfare, he made significant contributions in projecting the correct philosophy and strategy in respect of Air Power. As Joint Director Intelligence, he was able to strengthen and modernise the Security and Counter Intelligence Organisation.

Air Cmde Shahane in his appointment as Air II of an operational Command, achieved optimal utilisation of available resources. He met all multifarious commitments of Air maintenance, flood relief and the Route Transport Role, despite tremendous handicaps in the shape of dwindling availability of transport fleet placed under his command.

Air Commodore Ajit Mohan Shahane has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Gursharan Singh, VM, VSM, (4263), Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Air Force on 26 Feb 52. Since then he has held important assignments in the field, Command Hqrs, and Air Hqrs. He was selected for training abroad when the first jet aircraft was inducted in the IAF. Later he was selected to undergo the prestigious Cranfield Course in the United Kingdom in Aeronautical Science, which he completed with flying colours. During the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1971, his sustained hard work under adverse conditions resulted in high rate of serviceability of the Squadron where he served. Later, as the Deputy Air Attaché in one of our missions abroad, his contribution in ensuring smooth induction of weapon systems and guidance in ensuring training for the personnel in the systems, was immense.

As the Director of Maintenance Plans and Inspection, an awareness was brought in the maintenance set up of the operating units, to improving the quality of maintenance support while at the same time, reducing the manhours though innovation. Similarly, as the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of an Operational Command, he demonstrated exceptional dynamism, his ability for conceptual planning and meticulous execution.

As Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Eng.), he has ensured smooth induction of the new heavy and medium transport aircraft. With his experience in the diverse field of maintenance management, he streamlined the maintenance discipline and guided the specialists to overcome teething troubles associated with the new weapon induction.

Air Vice Marshal Gursharan Singh, VM, VSM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Pathathil Venugopal (4431) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 17th January, 1953. He has held several important field and staff appointments at major Stations and Wings and at Air Headquarters. He has also commanded two independent fighter Squadrons and a major fighter base. As the Air Officer Commanding, he was made responsible for rendering relief operations during the MORVI dam disaster in Gujarat.

Later, as the Air Officer Commanding, Advance Headquarters Western Air Command, Simla, he was responsible for planning and coordinating the application of Air Power in two major exercises of the Indian Army for which he earned a good name for the Air Force. As a result of the experience gained, he also made a total revision of the Directive of Joint Operations.

In September 1982, he was posted to Air Headquarters as Director of Air Force Works. In this difficult assignment, he made significant contribution in creating realistic annual and five year plans, oriented towards operational efficiency and improvement in the living and working conditions of the Units. His personal endeavours led to the timely sanctioning of 'Vajra' and 'Shamsher' projects. In July 1984, at an extremely short notice of 20 days, as Officer on Special Duty, he was made solely responsible for creating infra­structure for the inauguration of HQ Southern Air Command, Trivandrum.

With his experience as DAFW, he was selected in July 1984 to serve as Director General, Air Force Naval Housing Board. It is due to his personal involvement that the NOIDA Phase I project has finally been completed.

Air Vice Marshal Pathathil Venugopal has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Didar Singh Sabhiki Flying (Navigator) was commissioned in the Air Force in January 1953 and was awarded the Sword of Honour for standing first in the course. An outstanding navigator who was trained in United Kingdom for Night Fighter Operation where he stood first. AVM Sabhiki is a keen fighter bomber navigator and actively had participated in a number of operational sorties during Chinese and IndoPak Operations of 1965. After the exceptional performance in Nav School as incharge of Advance Nav Course, he was selected for deputation to EGYPT where he worked as the leader of Nav team which included 16 pilots. The team's contribution was lauded so highly that Air Marshal Hoshni Mubarak (now President of Egypt) insisted for the continued retention of AVM Sabhiki on deputation.

After an extremely successful stint as DPS, on pro­motion he was posted as Director Air Force Works in August 1984. During his tenure Vajra aircraft was inducted in the Air Force. By constant monitoring and effective control it was possible to meet the works services of this vital project ahead of schedule before the aircraft arrived from France. Further, with the setting up of Southern Air Command in Trivandrum many important projects had to commence in the South and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is to the credit of the officer that by his efficient handling all these projects are moving on schedule. To solve the problems of transportation of construction material to far flung areas and extremely long lead time taken, he introduced on experimental basis pre­fabricated structures, one of which has already come up successfully at Car Nicobar.

AVM Sabhiki was the Captain of the Air Force Golf Club from 1982 to 1985. During his stewardship the Club made rapid progress and not only improved its financial holdings but also nursed players to national level.

Air Vice Marshal Didar Singh Sabhiki (4393) has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Girish Krishanlal Desai Lgs. was commissioned in Air Force on 7th March 1953. He has held important assignments in the field, at Command and Air HQ. Right from the beginning he exhibited professional acumen of high order and devoted himself to his duties with single minded zeal.

As the Command Logistics Management Officer of an Operational Command, he ensured that timely logistic support is provided for smooth induction of a series of new weapon systems which were being introduced in IAF. Subsequently, as the Air Officer incharge of Logistics Management of the Maintenance Command, he directed an indepth study into the surplus holdings of the Depots to identify items which could be utilized. This study resulted in considerable savings.

On his taking over as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Logistics), he devoted himself to the task of streamlining the procedures and policies connected with the inventory control of the Indian Air Force. With his penchant for the details and thoroughness, he guided the System Analysts in the maintenance of Information System to ensure that the data compiled are more meaningful for inventory management and brought about an awareness in the system managers to use computerized data as a powerful tool in the administration of the weapon system. Similarly, in the filed of audit objections, with his ability to get the essence of the problems, he guided the staff responsible to achieve target clearance of audit objections, some of which have been outstanding for a long time.

Air Vice Marshal Girish Krishanlal Desai has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Sreedharan Lakshminarayanan Meteorological joined the IAF Meteorological Branch as Flight Lieutenant in 1958 on secondment from India Meteorological Department. During 27 years tenure in IAF, AVSM 1986 he held a number of important appointments viz Chief Instructor (Met) at AFAC, C Met O at HQ EAC, Trg Comd, WAC and finally was appointed Director of Meteorology at Air Headquarters in May 1977 in the rank of Air Commodore. He was promoted as AVM in Sep 84 and retired from service on 31 Aug 85.

AVM Lakshminarayanan, throughout his career, had a passion of learning. He had special aptitude for Applied Mathematics and successfully devised and applied number of theorems to the theoretical study of cyclones. Culmination of this study led to the publication of his book “Theorems of Cyclones" by Indian Meteorological Society in 1984. The book was formally released on 11 Feb 1985 by Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organisation, Prof. Obasi, who profusely commended the work. Apart from the book, a large number of research papers written by him have been published in various Meteorological magazines.

As Director of Meteorology at Air HQ, he ensured that the IAF Met branch kept pace with the fast developing technology and embarked on an ambitious modernization programme of IAF Met Services during the period 197985. He also introduced Advance Course in Satellite Meteorology in IAF which helped in considerable improvement of weather forecasting ability of Metrological officers leading to better Flight Safety environment.

He represented IAF in the International Monsoon Experiment (Monex-79) and acted as Chairman, Aircraft Operation Committee of “Cyclone Symposium" held at Bhubneswar in Jan 84 which evoked considerable awareness towards disaster preparedness in the cyclone prone areas of our country. Recently he has been appointed Chairman of the Task Force for establishing Cyclone Probing Aircraft facility in the country.

Air Vice Marshal Sreedharan Lakshminarayanan has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Denzil Keelor, KC, VrC, Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 06 Nov 1954. Right from his formative stage in the Air Force he has shown tremendous potentialities both as a fighter pilot and administrator on the ground. He is a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader with 3500 hrs of accident free flying to his credit. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for gallantry in the Indo-Pak conflict of 1965. In 1978, he was awarded the Kirti Chakra for saving two MiG aircraft under conditions of dire emergency in the air. He has commanded a frontline fighter Squadron and was subsequently given the command of the Tactical Combat Development Establishment which he commanded for 4 ½ years and helped in developing many air combat tactics which are in current use. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College.

He was appointed Air Attaché in France and thereafter selected for the appointment of Air Officer Commanding of the Wing designated for the induction of Vajra Aircraft. The implementation of the Vajra project involved acquisition of land, developing of the infrastructure both technical and domestic. He motivated the personnel under his command to work with zeal, enthusiasm and single mindedness of purpose and completed in record time the major portion of the infrastructure for the same operation of the Vajra aircraft.

Air Commodore Denzil Keelor, KC, VrC thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Surjit Singh Malhotra VM Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 06 Nov 1954. During his long service he has gained vast operational experience in the transport support role. He has successfully commanded a Transport Squadron, NCC Squadron and a Flying Wing besides holding staff appointments in two operational commands and Air Headquarters. During his operational tenures Air Commodore Malhotra has flown over eight thousand six hundred accident free hours which speaks of his operational acumen. Out of the nine types of aircraft which he has flown he had held 'A' Master Green on four.

Despite his preoccupation with normal staff duties as Air II at Western Air Command, Air Cmde Malhotra planned with meticulous care the arrival/departure, parking and security of aircraft of all VIPs during the NAM &CHOGAM in 1983. subsequently, during Nov 84 as AOC AF Stn Palam he made precise and efficient arrangements for the reception and parking of VIP aircraft of all foreign dignitaries who came to attend the funeral of late PM, Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

As AOC Palam Air Cmde Malhotra by excellent Planning and optimum utilization of limited resources organized the rescue of about 500 persons, who were affected during the civil disturbances following the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi. He also gave shelter and necessary help out of his meager station resources.

Air Commodore Surjit Singh Malhotra, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Uttam Khushalani, Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in April, 1955. He has held important staff and field appointments including Deputy Director, Data processing and Chief Engineering Officer of an operational flying station under WAC. In 1968 he graduated in the Advanced Air Armament Course at the Institute of Armament Technology, Pune. He took over command of a Base Repair Depot in Oct 83.

This Depot is responsible for the overhaul on AN-12 aircraft and Mi-8 helicopter along with their aeroengines and accessories. Besides the normal task of repair and overhaul, this Depot was also given the additional responsibility of preparation of Mi-8 helicopters for Antarctica Expedition, modification of Akbar helicopters for VVIP standard, preparation of Mi-8 helicopter for operation 'Faith' at Bhopal and modification of Mi-8 for special heliborne operations. Under his able and highly professional guidance the Depot not only completed these special tasks in time but also sent working parties to operational units to bring up serviceability of the Mi-8 fleet by servicing long outstanding AOG helicopters.

Air Commodore Uttam Khushalani has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Ran Vir Kumar Accounts was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1956. After early years of service as an Accounts, Officer at various Stations and Wings, he successfully and with colours completed the Air Force Judge Advocate Course. Thereafter, he held with distinction the appointments of Command Judge Advocate at various Command Headquarters and Deputy and Joint Judge Advocate General (Air) at Air Headquarters. In this appointment he has displayed qualities of leadership, organising ability, devotion to duty and professional competence of an exceptional order. In a period of just two years, he has brought about conspicuous and monumental Improvements in all facets of legal administration and was instrumental in creation of formal department of the Judge Advocate General (Air). Without compromising on quality and fairness of justice, by his constant drive and vigorous efforts, he drastically reduced the delays in disciplinary cases in the Air Force. He undertook writing, printing and publication of a number of books/aid memoirs, which have proved to be extremely useful in the dispensation of justice. He is also engaged in the production of a film on disciplinary procedure in the Air Force.

Air Commodore Ran Vir Kumar has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Syed Mohammed Osama Medical in his early career had served as Medical Officer at Air Force Station, Hakempet. He obtained his grading in general medicine in Feb 63 and was classified as a specialist in general medicine in 1968. Ever since his grading in medicine he has been working as a medical specialist in smaller and larger hospitals of Army and Air Force. He commanded 4 Air Force Hospital from Jan 68 to Oct 69. He has also been the head of a Med Division of the Base Hospital at Lucknow and has also served as an editor of the Journal of Aviation Medicine (India) since 1982, published by the Aero­medical Society of India. He was posted to Central Medical Establishment as Senior Adviser in Medicine on 21 Jul 80 and has also been the President of this Establishment.

While serving at Air Force Hospital Bangalore, he has been recognised by the Bangalore University as a Post­graduate teacher in medicine, and has been teaching postgraduate students of aviation medicine, and general medicine, in the Bangalore University, Air Force Hospital and the Institute of Aviation Medicine. He has to his credit original research work and has published more than 20 papers in various medical journals. He is now engaged in a Research Project in collaboration with Professor M.K. Bhatia of All India Institute of Medical Sciences for upgrading aircrew who are originally labelled as doubtful cases of heart diseases. As President of the Medical Board of AFCME he has brought a highly mature sense of professional judgment to bear on the decision of medical categorisation of service aircrew and ground duty officers serving with the Armed Forces and with Civil Aviation.

Group Captain Syed Mohammed Osama has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Avinash Chander Goel Flying (Plot) is a fighter pilot, commissioned in May 1962, qualified on MiG aircraft and has over 2000 hours of accident free operational flying to his credit. He was specially trained abroad, is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has also studied Engineering discipline at the post graduate level at the Institute of Armament Technology at Pune. He is also an Associate Member of the Aeronautical Society of India. After promotion to the selective rank of Wing Commander, he has held consecutively two command appointments, the first being the command of an operational squadron followed by that of a station (Forward Base and Supply Unit, FBSU), equipped with MiG aircraft and surface­toair missiles. It was under his command that the station (FBSU) was adjudged the best in the whole of the Western Air Command and awarded covetous trophy for the same.

On completion of his second command tenure, he was posted as Staff Officer at the Military Wing of the Cabinet Secretariat, where he worked as the Secretary of the senior most committees such as those of Defence Minister, Chief of Staff and Principal Personnel Officers, seized of major operational, personal and administrative issues. His responsibility encompassed the complete spectrum of secretariat work for these committees, a difficult task that he executed commendably and with distinction. His personal contribution to the functioning of the Principal Personnel Officer Committee (PPOC) has been outstanding. He made extensive efforts to facilitate the smooth functioning of this committee. He worked behind the scenes, briefing, discussing with concerned staff at the three Service HQs, so that coordination upward was achieved at grass root level and consensus opinion arrived at unanimously at the meeting of the AVSM 1986-87 PPOC. Further, at his own he continuously studied and analysed the changes in terms and conditions of the central Government employees, assessed their applicability or otherwise to the Services, brought out the relevant aspects to the knowledge of PPOC.

Group Captain Avinash Chander Goel has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Parameswaraiyer Venkatachalam lyer, Logistics, was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 5 December, 1951.

He was specially selected as Assistant Air Attaché in the Indian Embassy, Moscow, an assignment he handled very competently. On his return from Moscow, he took over the Command of an Equipment Depot holding spares of all Russian aircraft which played an extremely vital role during the 1971 operations. Air Marshal lyer's distinguished services as a Commander of this Depot were recognised and he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal. Thereafter he commanded two more Equipment Depots. In both these units, he brought to bear the same qualities of leadership which enabled the Depots to improve their performance enormously.

He was appointed as Air Officer Logistics Management at HQ Maintenance Command in the rank of Air Commodore on 01 December, 1981. A notable achievement during this period was the formalisation of despatch of aero­engines by civil road transport, a method that has removed bottlenecks in the availability of aero­engines at the units.

On 1 February, 1984, he was elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. He introduced total involvement of Air Force Liaison establishments with the rotables management to reduce the number of Aircraft Operationally Grounded in the Indian Air Force.

He pursued it further after taking over as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, Maintenance Command in the rank of Air Marshal on 01 May, 1985. Due to his untiring efforts an exceptionally large number of AOGs were cleared in 1985-86.

Air Marshal Iyer's contribution in the field of sports and adventure activities has also been unique. He represented India in the first Asian Veterans Athletic Meet at Singapore in 1981 and won 5000 metre race thus boosting the image of IAF and the country. He was AVSM 1987 the originator and the guiding spirit behind the Air Force Anniversary Run from Agra to Delhi held in October 1985. He ran the entire distance leading 300 other participants. He was the Chairman Air Force Sports Control Board during the period 1984-85. His career has been saga of service to the Air Force and to the country. By total dedication, he has achieved a name for himself and the IAF.

Air Marshal Rajgopal Sriramulu Naidu Flying (Pilot), presently Senior Air Staff Officer, Headquarter Training Command, was commissioned on 16 June, 1951. Selected to do the prestigious Flying Instructors Course as a young officer, he attained a very high standard in ground as well as flying. He served as the Naval Air Attaché in Bangkok for a period three years.

On promotion to the rank of Air Commodore, he was Command of a prestigious Transport Wing. On appointment as Commandant, Air Force Academy in the rank of Air Vice Marshal, the Air Officer brought about improvements not only in the maintenance and training, but also in the quality of flying. During his tenure, the rate was one of the lowest and flight safety record amongst the best.

He was the first Air Officer to be selected to the prestigious appointment of Military Secretary to the President of India. His honesty, integrity and devotion to duty brought him very close not only to the President's aides and Secretariat but also the civil dignitaries in the Ministries. During this tenure, he was promoted to the rank of Air Marshal and yet retained by the President as Military Secretary for quite some time. This speaks highly of his credibility with the President.

Currently as Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Training Command, he has initiated significant changes towards meeting the deadline set for achieving of assigned tasks, without compromising quality. He has encouraged extensive use of modern audio­visual aids and computers, thus matching the training to the demands of high technology of present day Air Force.

The intellectual brilliance, integrity, dedication and high leadership qualities make Air Marshal RS Naidu as an asset to the Air Force. He has never compromised standards and produced consistently excellent record of performance in all his appointments. Air Marshal RS Naidu has, thus, rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Parduman Krishan Puri was commissioned in the Flying (Navigation) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January 1953.

Air Marshal Puri joined National Defence College as Senior Directing Staff (Air) in January 1984. He has acquired deep knowledge of India's strategic environment, and appreciation of the geo­political factors. His most significant contribution has been in the areas of Science and Technology, Long Range Defence Planning and in the study of Economics of Indian Defence. His conceptual ability and inquisitive mind have enormously helped in enhancing the body of knowledge in these areas and in elevating the level of studies to a very high standard.

Air Vice Marshal Pothamsetti Prasanna Madhava, Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics), was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October 1952. As a young Signals officer in a Transport Squadron in 1954, he improved the serviceability of the airborne electronics. On return from the U.K. where he was trained on Viscount aircraft, he was posted to Air Headquarter Communication Squadron and assigned the responsibility of setting up the complete servicing facilities for the airborne electronics of the Viscount fleet and five other types of aircraft operated by the squadron and for training of squadron personnel

The officer has held important appointments at the various Command Headquarters as Command Systems Officer, Command Signals Officer and Senior Maintenance Staff Officer.

Air Vice Marshal Pulaveri Srinivasa Rajagopalan Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force 5 April 1954.

He was specially chosen for various foreign courses and assignment such as training with Marconi in a radar equipment for Canberra Aircraft in U.K. Post Graduate Course in College of Aeronautics, Cranfield U.K., Acceptance Testing of High Power Amplifier of Air Defence Ground Environment System, Communications system in the USA, besides being detailed as contingent Commander, rear party of the UN assignment in Congo in 1962.

In 1978-79 as Senior Project Engineer, inCharge of System Technical Development in Radar and Communication Project Organisation conducted the Tethered Balloon experiment for metrological measurements, to identify a suitable location for installation of High Power Air Defence Radar.

In 1983, he took over the command of Air Force Station, Jalahali. He applied himself whole heartedly to bring about all round improvement in functional and administrative efficiency, as well as morale and welfare.

He took over as the Director of Signals at Air Headquarters in 1985. Immediately, he carried out a thorough review of the Policy and Plan of the systems and procedures in vogue with a view to asses their capability to assimilate the latest developments in the field of communication/electronics and ensure optimum utilisation in peace and war.

Some of his notable achievements include planning of a total integrated communication systems, dovetailed into the National Modernisation Plan of the Department of Telecommunications, evolving a secure Anti-jam Ground-toAir Communication system through updated spread spectrum techniques and solution to the long outstanding problem of development of an operationally viable system for Air to Air integration of fighter fleet without compromising equipment parameters.

He also carried out Data Communication capability assessment in ADGES­network AVSM 1987 and established the basic norms for evolving the system. He also conceived and developed Tactical Information Distribution System, incorporating Jam­resistant and secure Communication for large number of users in the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

AVM PS Rajagopalan has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Suresh Chand Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October 1953. In his career of 33 years, he has held, with distinction, various appointments both in the field and at higher formations.

He was appointed Air II of an Operational Command, initially in the rank of Group Captain and subsequently in the rank of Air Commodore. During this tenure, he ensured optimal utilisation of the scarce transport resources. In January, 1983, he took over Command of an important Air Base. Under his inspiring leadership, the flying units at the Base were able to achieve their flying tasks and the serviceability of aircraft was maintained at high level. On promotion to the rank of Air Vice Marshal he took over as Senior Officerin­Charge, Administration of Training Command. He was later appointed SASO in the same Command.

By his high degree of professional competence and deep knowledge of flying training, he was able to enhance the quality of training at various training institutions in the Command. In April 1986, he took over as Director Training at Air Headquarters. He has continued to display qualities of clear thinking and professional excellence in this assignment.

AVM S Chand has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Abraham Mathews, Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the erstwhile Technical/ Signals branch in September, 1953. He has a total of 2200 active flying hours to his credit.

During March 1983 to June, 1985, he held the post of Air Officer Commanding of a major Maintenance base. His performance record and AOC of this large station, was excellent and during this period both the Base Repair Depots achieved 100% production.

He took over as Deputy Senior Maintenance Staff Officers of HQ MC in the rank of Air Vice Marshal. He was responsible for supervising functional aspects of all the aircraft, aero­engine and Electronic Base Repair Depots.

As a member of the 'La Fontain' Committee on Flight Safety, he has been instrumental in identifying the existing weaknesses in the training and development of technical personnel of the IAF and making valuable recommendations to overcome them.

Air Vice Marshal Abraham Mathews has, thus, rendered distinguished service order of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Surendra Nath Chaturvedi, Accounts, has been the Director of Accounts at Air Headquarters since June, 1984. His responsibilities include the formulation and monitoring of accounting policies in the Air Force, as also the higher management of all central non­public funds.

He is exceptionally competent, dedicated and results oriented officer. Because of his keen interest, many procedural changes have been implemented to ensure simplified and efficient rendition of accounting services. Audit objections have been kept at a minimum level, and all cases of personal hardship upon/ after retirement resolved expeditiously.

Air Vice Marshal Sukh Dev Mohan Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in March, 1954. He is a qualified Flying Instructor and Pilot Attack Instructor, had done the Long Defence Management Course and is a graduate of the National Defence College.

Air Vice Marshal Mohan is presently posted as Air-1 at Headquarter of an Operational Command where he is responsible for all fighter, bomber and Air Observation Post, Operations within the Command. He is directly involved in organising and conducting all Air exercises such as Joint exercises, Air Defence exercises and Early Warning exercises etc. In all these tasks, he has displayed a rare degree of maturity, devotion and dedication which has indeed been the hall­mark of his entire service career.

Air Commodore Parkash Singh Devgan was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps in September 1953 and seconded to the Air Force from the same date. He qualified as a paratrooper in 1955 and Commanded two paramedical flights upto 1958.

He was appointed as Commanding Officer No. 9 Air Force Hospital and Senior Medical Officer of a forward Air base during 1974-77 and did pioneering work for the fitness of the aircrew. As Principal Medical Officer of Headquarter Maintenance Command from June 1977-79, he organised effective medical cover and brought down the morbidity rate to the lowest level. The general health and the family welfare activities got an impetus in the Command which was adjudged the best in the Air Force. He was the first Air Force Medical Officer selected to undergo National Defence College course in 1980.

Gp Capt Avnish Kumar Verma, Dental, was commissioned in October 1960. He holds a Master's Degree in Dental and Oral Surgery and a Fellowship from the International Academy of Oral Surgeons of Denmark.

The Officer has commanded various Air Force Dental Centres with distinction. He was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the Dental Digest Group in 1972 for developing specialized dental techniques. A specialist in Maxiilofacial Oral Surgery, he organised a Maxillofacial reconstructive facility at Air Force Hospital, Kanpur, during 1974-79. It was also due to his zeal and resourcefulness that the AVSM 1987-88 Hospital was able to set up a centre for Primary Ablative Surgery and Immediate Cosmetic and Functional Repair for orofacial cancer cases.

Gp Capt Raghavan Gopalaswami joined the IAF in 1959, and through successive tenures in the Defence Research Development Organisation over the period 1964-1976, he pioneered work which laid a strong foundation for the development of rocket propellant development in the country, for which he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).

The officer was deputed by the DRDO to the Advanced Management programme of the Harvard University which he completed successfully. On his return, he provided leadership in preparation of the DRDO 5-year plan and in developing advanced computer­interactive decision support systems which helped in drawing up, for the first time of a comprehensive Manpower Plan for the DRDO.

This work also resulted in the development of an effective mathematical model and computer programme to help the Air Force decide on an optimum force­mix and force structure for the year 1995 and beyond.

Gp Capt R Gopalaswamy has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Shiva Krishna Verma was commissioned in the Technical Branch of the Indian Air Force on 7 September 1953. He had held a number of, important appointments in the Air Force. He has been Chief Engineering Officer of a large Air Force Base; Commandant, Air Force Technical College; Director of Armament and Safety Equipment at Air Headquarters and Senior Maintenance Staff Officer Western Air Command.

The Officer has worked as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Engineering) for more than a year. He has performed these duties with total dedication and exercised good managerial capabilities to improve the maintenance of the Aircraft fleet. During the last one year, the aircraft fleet has shown a continuous and sustained rise in serviceability. This was only possible by the officer's alert directions on progression of demands and maintenance of equipment. He also kept control on new induction of aircraft and equipment and ensured their smooth operation inspite of the variety and multiplicity of aircraft inducted. The Officer exercised special initiative in planning and holding regular meetings with HAL and other production agencies to ensure that aircraft and maintenance spares were delivered to the Air Force in time. This resulted in definite improvement in the input of equipment from production agencies, thus placing the maintenance on a more sound footing.

Air Vice Marshal Shiva Krishna Verma has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Debabrata Choudhury was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 2 June 1955. During his long career in the Air Force, he has held a variety of appointments with distinction. These include appointment of Air Officer Commanding of a big Equipment Depot. Since 01 May 1986 he is holding the appointment of Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration of a major operational command.

As Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration Western Air Command for over a year, AVM * Rank erronusly mentioned in the Gazette as Air Marshal Choudhury has contributed significantly to the enhancement of quality of life of personnel at WAC by executing a number of work­services and welfare measures. His contribution to the operational preparedness has been equally significant. Through remarkable understanding of operational needs, coupled with high administrative acumen, Air Vice Marshal Choudhury has initiated a large number of measures to provide the necessary infrastructure for enhanced level of operational preparedness.

During recent alert and for a number of major exercises Air Vice Marshal Choudhury personally made sure that administrative support for all operational requirements was provided in time. It is because of his untiring efforts, detailed planning and quick reactions that the Command was able to absorb large scale induction of manpower at extremely short notice, as per operational dictates. The smooth and timely induction greatly enhanced the operational potential.

Air Vice Marshal Debabrata Choudhury has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.