Wing Commander Kulbhashan Raj Bali has functioned as the Chief Technical Officer of a Signal Unit from 24 Oct 83 to 03 Apr 88.

This unit was first to be equipped with a new type of Radar and it went in for its first major overhaul in Aug 87. As the overhaul started in Aug 87 it was evident that the unit would have to shoulder the major portion of the overhaul task.

The potain Crane used to lift various components of the antenna drive system was not available for the overhaul. Wg Cdr RK Bali, and his technical officers of the unit designed and fabricated a lifting device that served the purpose extremely well. The heaviest component that the device lifted was weighing 2.3 tonnes. This igneous invention eliminates that total dependence of such units on the expensive imported cranes.

Wg Cdr Bali has been instrumental in saving foreign exchange and weeks in the availability of such an important radar.

For his professional competence, rare degree of innovative skill and a very high level of human endurance and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Bali.

Wing Commander Unnikrishnan Nair is on the posted strength of Air Headquarters Communication Sqn with effect from 08 October 84 and is performing the duties of Senior Engineering officer.

Because of his past experience and profound knowledge, Wg Cdr Nair was specially selected and posted to the premier VIP Squadron to fulfill one of the most challenging and arduous tasks which entails maintenance and upkeep of three variants of transport aircraft viz. Boeing-737, Chitra and Pratap Helicopter. He showed exemplary zeal, enthusiasm, man-management technique and an uncanny sense of analytical frame of mind to identify problem prone areas in advance and resolve them meticulously and systematically from grass root levels.

While maintaining a very high degree of aircraft serviceability, he took a special interest to incorporate certain modifications in Boeing-737, Chitra and Pratap helicopter. To quote a few instances, he designed and developed a dry galley for both Boeing-737 and Chitra aircraft, a compact baggage hold for Pratap helicopter and an improved call system for Chitra aircraft. These modifications were appreciated immensely by the VVIP/ VIPs.

For his utmost sincerity, dedication, devotion, determination, sense of purpose and courage of conviction, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Unnikrishnan Nair.

Wing Commander Ratnakar Anant Paranjape has been on the posted strength of an operational Wing since 28 Jul 86. He has rendered invaluable advice in the running of the administration which has resulted in this Wing bagging the South Western Air Command trophy for being the Best in Administration for the last two consecutive years.

HQ South Western Air Command has labeled the wing as a model one for the proper initiation, monitoring and execution of the work Service. The officer was called to give a presentation on work services in HQ SWAC, IAF. The Officer has excelled in ensuring high standards of services in Catering, Sports, Non-Public Funds and work services. He has been instrumental in motivating the civilians of this station and thus enabling them to work with devotion.

The officer has applied himself to all aspects of administration with great devotion. On the whole, the quality of life has improved within the camp because of the officer's commitment and devotion to both minor as well as major details.

For his unstinted hard work, devotion to duty and dedication to service, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ratnakar Anant Paranjape.

Wg Cdr Gopalakrishanan's contribution in designing cockpit control and display system within the continues of the cockpit was one of the remarkable achievements of his career.

For his outstanding ability, devotion to duty, initiative, innovation, extreme loyalty of service and professional competence of a very high, order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Nampat Raghav Menon Gopalakrishanan.

Wing Commander Subramaniam Swaminathan is on the posted strength of Air Force Central Accounts Office since Mar 86 and is working as Officer in charge Electronic Data processing wing since Sep 86.

His professional acumen and bold initiative were irrefutably evinced when he accomplished, with stupendous speed and accuracy, the seemingly insurmountable task of implementing the IV Pay Commission Recommendations both for Officers and Airmen, through computer.

His magnum opus was the computerization of Personnel Occurrence Reports and Acquittance Rolls of the Airmen and NCs (E) which has led not only to speedier and complete actioning of these two inputs but also to the rational utilization of the existing manpower, With this, the Herculean task of computerizing 1.3 Lakh Pay Records of Airmen and NCs (E), became a reality and that too, much ahead of schedule.

His exemplary leadership and objective management have knit his team of young professionals into a winning combination. The availability of trained computer personnel from within, is the result of his foresight and futuristic plans.

For his extra ordinary and multifaceted contributions to the computerization of Pay Accounting and Provident Fund records in the Indian Air Force, and services of exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Subramaniam Swaminathan.

Squadron Leader Deepak Gajare was commissioned in the IAF on 22 Jan 72 and is on the posted strength of an Operational Squadron since 10 May 87. He has since been working as a Navigation leader of the Canberra Flight.

He has 4,090 hours of total flying to his credit of which an impressive 2,450 hours are operational. During the period 1987-88, he has flown a record number of successful Canberra Photo reconnaissance missions in highly sensitive and hazardous operational areas. His planning of operational missions has been meticulous. This brought tremendous credit to the IAF, thus enhancing its image with the sister services.

As a keen and enthusiastic flier he has always volunteered himself and led hazardous missions. His sterling leadership, thorough professionalism, undaunted courage and ever smiling attitude to under take the most difficult operational task coupled with precision flying so vital for photo missions single out Sqn Ldr Deepak Gajare as an example worthy of emulation by his superiors and subordinates alike.

For his very high professional standards, fearless flying and a record number of successful operational photo reconnaissance missions, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Deepak Gajare.

Squadron Leader Vaduvur Srinivasarghavan was commissioned in the Air Force on 04 Jan 71. He has held various important appointments during his service career.

Seeing his past excellent performance, Sqn Ldr Sunder was specially selected as a part of Project Team which was assigned the task of carrying out an important modification to enhance the operational capability of a frontline combat aircraft. Sqn Ldr Sunder being the only specialist for the Mechanical and Structural side played an important role in developing and implementing the modification scheme on the aircraft. His sound professional knowledge, intelligent and dedicated hard work led to the successful completion of the modification which significantly enhanced the operational capability of the Air Force and led to saving of foreign exchange of crores of rupees.

In accomplishing the above tasks Sqn Ldr Sunder has displayed commendable enthusiasm, perseverance, anticipation, analytical power, organizing capability and professional competence of a very high order. For his dedication hard work and significant contribution in carrying out modification on the aircraft, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Vaduvur Srinivasaraghavan Sunder.

Sqn Ldr Om Prakash has been on the posted strength of Aviation Research Center from 26 Jun 84 and has been carrying out the duties of para Despatch Officer. He is responsible for para Training of personal of paramilitary forces.

He is a very highly experienced Parachute Jumping Instructor with more than 1000 jumps, with total safety, to his credit. He is a qualified sky diving Instructor as well as diving. He has also put together a team of troops for demonstration sky diving jumps.

He was responsible for opening Thoise Valley for paratrooping in Nov 87. He is the first paratrooper in the history of Indian Armed Forces to have jumped in the Thoise Valley that too with an old an conventional parachute. The task was accomplished with complete safety in the worst possible environment in sub-zero temperatures. Besides this, he has been responsible for planning and execution of High Altitude para jumps in the Leh Valley on two occasions.

For his professional skill, devotion to duty and achievement in the field of Para trooping and free all training, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Leader Om Prakash.

Squadron Leader Chellappan John Albert Sylam is posted as senior Technical Officer of a fighter squadron since 01 Jan 86. Sqn Ldr CJA Sylam had his initial training in France on the Airframe System of Mirage 2000 aircraft. He completed the training in France with distinction securing A One rating.

In 1987, the Squadron was fire tested during the RED ALERT. The high operational preparedness of the Squadron was made possible due to the scientific management of the team of engineers and technicians by Sqn Ldr Sylam. He himself led the detachment. During the later half of 1987 and the first half of 1988 the Squadron has been concentrating on its new role. As the Senior Technical Officer of the sqn he contributed immensely to the successful integration of Equipment System.

Flight safety is a key result area in every flying Squadron. By introducing innovative techniques like Aircraft Quality Control Centre, Maintenance Safety Cell and Training cells he has contributed well towards the high flight safety record of the Squadron.

For his high professional ability, exceptional leadership qualities, managerial skills and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Chellappan John Albert Sylam.

Squadron Leader Rangasamudram Kylasam Sekar has been on the posted strength of Area Maintenance Support facility Centre Electronics Standards and Calibration Laboratory since 06 August 1983.

During the mid 1987 period, when the political situation in southern region required availability of full transport aircraft fleet, the IAF was faced with a serious problem of unserviceabiilty of an electronics switching unit BK- 4 used in cockpit warning system of Sutluj aircraft. As a result large number of aircraft were non operational. The factory level repair facilities for this unit were not set up in India till then all unserviceable items were being sent to the manufacturers for repairs.

Sqn Ldr Sekar using his exceptional knowledge of modern electronics developed the detailed repair techniques and fabricated Simulator for functional testing. Thereafter, he started repairing the BK-4 units and within one month repaired all units thereby significantly improving the fleet serviceability.

Sqn Ldr Sekar, after successfully completing the repairs of critically needed BK-4 units, was tasked to set up repair facilities for number of other electronic systems of Sutluj and Gajraj aircraft.

For his outstanding contribution to service, initiative and displayed of exceptional technical skills, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Rangasamudram Kylasam Sekar.

Squadron Leader Brijesh Kumar has been on the posted strength of No. 3 Base Repair Depot. Air Force since 10 Jun 85.

Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar had been entrusted with the tasks of overhaul of TV2 aero engine and VR-8A reductors. He took up this challenging of TV2 aero engine and VR-8A reductors. He took up this challenging task willingly. As a result of his meticulous approach and dedicated effort, the depot achieved 100% production target during 1985-86 for the first time in respect of aeroengines and reductors. This substantially improved serviceability and availability of Mi-8 helicopters in Operating Units.

Again during 1986 when the depot was called upon to undertakes still higher task for overhaul of TV2 aeroengines during 1986-87. Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar achieved 100% production targets.

During the years 1987-88, the requirement of engines once again shot up sharply due to operation on southern frontier of the country. Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar planned repairs of 31 TV2-117A aero engines during well and there by repaired all these engines over and above completing the overhaul tasks of 48 aero engines.

For his devotion to duty, professional acumen of a very high order, innovative capabilities, total involvement in his profession and distinguished service of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Brijesh Kumar.

For his initiative, courage, hard work and complete dedication to service, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Cp1 Venumadhavan Talappil.

Squadron Leader Pratap Singh Samuel has been working Assistant Director (Maintenance) and Systems Engineer at Air HQ Computer Centre since Nov 84. His tenure at Computer Centre is marked with distinguished service in a varied spectrum of activities and exceptional devotion to duty in Carrying out tasks.

Sqn Ldr Samuel has been the key figure in hardware maintenance and resolution of a number of problems in the operating system. His complete and total involvement in all the core activities of the Computer Center has left a distinct mark of professionalism and elegance.

Besides ensuring a high degree of Computer System availability by his planned maintenance strategy with a average uptime of his computer Centre to 98.5% he made significant contribution in developing soft ware for the Plans Branch of Air HQrs and other systems in the Computer Centre.

For his dedication, zeal and significant contribution, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Pratap Singh Samuel.

Squadron Leader Gurwinder Jeet Singh Cheema was commissioned on 13th December 1975. He has vast experience on Mi-4 and Mi-8 Helicopters, having taken part in counter insurgency operations in Nagaland and Mizoram.

He was among the first batch of pilots trained on Mi-17 and deployed in operations over Siachen Glacier. By his meticulous planning and intelligent application, he has successfully executed various tasks.

In Operation Meghdoot, the carried out more than 620 operational sorties and has been instrumental in dropping all the artillery guns. These guns were very effectively used and proved decisive.

For Operation Vajra Shakti, he flew many operational sorties successfully against heavy shelling and adverse weather conditions.

For rendering distinguished service, the Presi dent is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Gurwinder Jeet Singh Cheema.

Master Warrant Officer Phool Chand Sharma has been in the Air crew Examination Board since Jul 79. He had stood "Best All Round" in the Radio Fitter course on remustering to the aircrew trade of Flight Signaller. He obtained transport category 'B' much before he completed in the requisite flying hours. Once again, he was awarded transport category 'A' on Packet, Super constellation, Dakota and HS-748 aircraft in the first attempt and as soon as he had the minimum required flying experience. For his outstanding performance, he was commended by the CAS in 1978.

The Aircrew Examining Board was still operating Dakota aircraft in 1984 when MWO Sharma was sent to Sulur to identify, locate, select and retrieve as many serviceable spares as possible from the life expired Dakotas stored there. He did a masterful job and as a result, the unit had no spares problem till it was finally sent to storage in 1986.

For his substantial and outstanding contribution as Flight Signaller on a variety of aircraft, his exceptional performance as an Air Force Examiner for nine years and his sustained professional excellence in flying and allied activities, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to MWO Phool Chand Sharma.

227702 Master Warrant Officer Maheswar Baral, AF/Fit has been working in the AN-12 overhaul line of a Base Repair Deport since Jan 79.

Professional competence and capacity of this MWO in undertaking new and difficult tasks in unforeseen situations was tested many times during his period of stay at the BRD. During 1986, when 3 Sutluj aircraft had sustained structural damage, the Repair Depot was called upon to undertake these repairs as a special case, since repair facilities for this aircraft where not yet established anywhere in the country. MWO Baral took up this task cheerfully and utilizing his experience of AN-12 aircraft evolved a repair scheme.

Again in 1987, one Sutluj aircraft was badly damaged due to belly landing at one of the forward airfields in the Eastern Sector. Due to the sensitive location of the base, the foreign specialists could not be associated with preparation of the repair scheme for repair and evacuation of the aircraft, MWO Baral led a handful of workers and displayed professional skill and dedication to duty of the highest order in over coming the problems of lack of equipment and basic amenities to complete the repair and retrieve the aircraft in a short time.

For his professional competence, ingenuity in planning, exemplary leadership in execution of the tasks entrusted to him and dedication to duty of a very higher order, the President pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to MWO Maheswar Baral.

660911 Sergeant Bhaskara Setty, Halady, Flight Engineer of a helicopter unit, AF has flown over six hundred sorties in 'OPERATION PAWAN' to date. Most of these missions involved operation over inhospitable terrain and under the most trying operational conditions.

On 22 Jun 88, Sgt Bhaskara was detailed as Flight Engineer of the helicopter which undertook a special but highly dangerous task in the jungle areas south of Atampil, where active ground operations where in progress.

During the execution of this task, the helicopter was hit by ground fire, in which Sgt Bhaskara also sustained minor injuries. This did not in any way deter him. He quickly monitored various aircraft system and rightly assessed the extent of damage and thereafter, assisted the Captain in quick and safe recovery of the helicopter at the closest helipad, thereby saving the valuable lives of crew and the troops on board.

During his long tenure in the Op Pawan area, Sgt Bhaskara had to operate from Bases minimal or non-existent ground support facilities. His selfless devotion to duty, professionalism and total disregard to personal comfort and safety have been real source of inspiration to his colleagues as well as ground technicians.

For his distinguished and selfless service rendered by him, under the most trying operational conditions, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sgt Bhaskara Setty Halady.

Group Captain Prakash Chandra Thakur was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in March, 1958. During his service of over 31 years, he has held several key appointments at operational wings as well as Air Headquarters. Gp Capt Thakur had also held the post of Officer Commanding, Air Force Liaison Team at Paro in Bhutan during 1969-71 where he exhibited outstanding organizing ability. Presently, he is the Joint Director Organisation (Ceremonials) at Air Headquarters.

As Joint Director (Ceremonials), he has displayed high degree of involvement, foresight and detailed planning due to which every ceremonial commitment undertaken by the IAF was executed with precision and dignity enhancing the image of the Air Force. He successfully accomplished the priority job of bringing about improvements in uniform of Air Force personnel.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Prakash Chandra Thakur.

Air Commodore Sudhakar Balkrishna Pendharkar was commissioned on 01 Jun 60.

During his distinguished service of 29 years, he was put on instructional duties for six years besides serving as Accounts Officer.

Whilst at Air Force Central Accounts Office as Officer Incharge EDP system Design Team, he helped in achieving a high order of satisfaction amongst officers and airmen. As Command Accounts Officer at Eastern Air Command, he introduced and operated Centralised Investment Scheme for all NPFs under EAC, which produced rich dividends. The staff visit procedure laid down by Air Cmde Pendharkar for accounts staff visits has made it possible to effectively review the Public and Non-public fund accounts in a very short time.

For his outstanding services of the most exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Air Commodore Sudhakar Balkrishna Pendharkar.

Group Captain Sahab Prasad Varma was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1962.

He specialized in internal medicine and was awarded the degree of MD (Gen Med) in 1973 from Pune University. A versatile officer who further specialized in Cardiology and was awarded doctoral degree in DM (Cardiology) in 1983.

Presently, he is posted at Air Force Central Medical Establishment, New Delhi as Senior advisor (Medicine and Cardiology). The medical categorization policy has been revised and updated with his recommendation in 1988, thus providing benefits to several aircrew to retain their flying category. His departmental project on IHD (Asymptomatic) cases has resulted in retrieval of more than 45% of highly skilled Aircrew back to full flying category thus saving crores of rupees to the national exchequer. Due to his constant zeal, AFCME has attained the status of Aviation Cardiac Research and Referral Centre and centralized agency for cardiac ailments amongst aircrew for proper follow up.

For the distinguished service of most exceptional nature, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Sahab Prasad Varma.

Group Captain Chittaranjan Sharma was commissioned in the IAF in May 1961.

During 28 years of distinguished service, Gp Capt Sharma has held various prestigious appointments in India and abroad and has always acquainted himself creditably and with distinction.

As CO of an ED, he has infused greater degree of sensitivity in the management of materials and spares. He has successfully undertaken survey of about 50,000 reapair ables held in storage over a long period and carried out complete reorganization of ED inventory by introducing concept of 'moving' and 'nonmoving' spares in the layout of store houses.

For his outstanding contribution and distinguished service, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Chittaranjan Sharma.

Group Captain Surinder Mohan Nagpal is held on the posted strength of a vital Base Repair Depot since 02 Mar 87. On 15 Apr 88, he was given the charge of the Engine Overhauling Branch of the Depot. During this period, he has been directly responsible for the production of TV2-117A and AI-20 series aeroengines at the Depot.

In Aug 89 due to involvement of Mi-8 fleet in operation 'Pawan', there was further increase in the demand for TV2-117A engines to keep the fleet operational. A stage came when Gp Capt SM Nagpal himself took direct control of the TV2-117A overhaul line as there was mass exodus of experienced technicians.

The Engineering Branch was also entrusted with the responsibility to establish the overhaul facilities for AI-20D series engines (of Sutluj Aircraft). He was able to undertake this additional task also despite innumerable constraints.

For his organizational and managerial capabilities, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Surinder Mohan Nagpal.

Group Captain Dilsher Singh Gill was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 29 Jun 65.

Gp Capt Gill is a production test pilot. He has served both as a Flight Commander and Commanding Officer of a Helicopter unit where his performance was often quoted as worthy of emulation. He has spent over 4½ years at an operational base in the Eastern Sector which he commanded for 2½ years. The main task of the station includes insurgency control operations, extensive air maintenance and special operations. By display of exceptional leadership, he was able to weld his team with extremely high morale. Through sheer tenacity and perseverance, he was able to have all AF encroached land vacated during his tenure as the Station Commander.

For his sustained dedication to the service and performance of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Dilsher Singh Gill.

Group Captain Nallavandu Bhaskar Amaresh, Medical Senior Adviser in Surgery and Paediatric Surgery, joined the Air Force on 29 Mar 63. He was a member of Auxiliary Air Force and earned his wings in 1960 on qualifying as a pilot. He continued to fly as a pilot in the Air Force actively till Dec 1977.

During the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, he was the surgeon at AF Hospital, Kanpur and organized and managed 420 battle casualties most professionally and efficiently. During his present tenure in Command Hospital, AF Bangalore as Senior Advisor in Surgery and Paeditatric Surgery, he has been responsible for a number of innovative improvements in the Department of Surgery.

The task of surgical management of over 450 battle casualties of 'OP PAWAN' received at Command Hospital AF was entrusted to him. He organized his surgical team to receive and manage casualties round the clock without respite.

For the outstanding services rendered, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Nallavandu Bhaskar Amaresh.

Wing Commander Daljit Singh has been on the posted strength of a vital radar unit as the Senior Director/Chief Operations Officer since 08 Oct 84.

During his tenure in this unit, the officer played a key role in various Air Headquarters and Command level exercise. In Ex Ranvijay and Eagle 86, his imaginative and creative thinking carried to fore when Type-77 aircraft gained ascendancy over other MiG aircraft through innovative interception tactics. In Ex Live Wire, he achieved the difficult task of integrating five 'Base Air Defence Centres' and two 'Control and Reporting Centres' at an Air Defence Directing Centre thus ensuring smooth flow of Air Defence data between various agencies. During Ex-Brass Tacks IV, the officer set up 'Mobile Air Space Control Cell' which functioned effectively and smoothly.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and professional abilities, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Daljit Singh.

Wing Commander Sivaramakrishna Narayanan VM is posted to Air Force Intelligence School wef 17 Apr 86 as a Senior Instructor in the faculty of Photo Interpretation.

He has introduced Tactical Reconnaissance continuity training and prepared syllabi for vertical specialization in the fields of Tactical and Strategic reconnaissance. His initiative to introduce MiG-25 reconnaissance photography, Tactical Reconnaissance films and IRLS (Infra Red Line Scanner) imageries within the scope of training to PIs (Photo Interpreter), only high lights his forward thinking.

Without any formal training, he has developed computer software in highly 'User Friendly' Language which has resulted in computerization of Target Information Library, Map Library, Question Banks, Technical Reference Library and students' dossiers in the school.

In recognition of his outstanding performance, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Sivaramakrishna Narayanan VM.

Wing Commander Om Kumar was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in May 1968.

He has flown over 7000 hrs on four different types of aircraft. He was awarded Cat 'A', the highest professional category, when he was only a Flying Officer with four years of service. In view of his professionalism and high standards in flying, he was selected for the Advance Navigation Course which he qualified with distinction.

In Sep 77, as an Air Force Examiner, he made tremendous contribution towards maintaining high standards of navigation in the transport fleet. He was then selected to undergo conversion on IL-76 aircraft in USSR before his induction into IAF. A distinguished A-2 Qualified Navigator Instructor, he has vast instructional experience on IL-76, AN-12 and HS-748 aircraft. In recognition, he was once again appointed an Air Force Examiner and Navigation Leader at Aircrew Examining Board in Jan 87.

For his exceptional professional achievments and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Om Kumar.

Wing Commander Swaminathan Gopalakrishna has been on the posted strength of a vital operational wing of the Air Force since March 1985.

Wg Cdr Gopalakrishna has been trained abroad on both the variants of Mirage-2000 engines. Immediately after his posting to the present Air Force Station, he was specifically entrusted with the responsibility of setting up and commissioning of the ETB and the ERS. Unmindful of any personal consi derations of hardship, Wg Cdr Gopalakrishna led a small team of equally dedicated tradesmen and accomp lished the task within a very short time.

During this period, he was able to achieve major repair work on 134 engines and 167 engines were run up on the test bed without any incident or damage to equipment.

For his devotion to duty, exceptional professional knowledge and sustained hard work, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Swaminathan Gopalakrishna.

Wing Commander Ramwaswamy Chandra Kumaran has been on the posted strength of an important Base Repair Depot since 30 Dec 86 before which he received training on 3rd and 4th line servicing of R-29 Aero Engine in USSR.

He guided a special team of technicians to prepare comprehensive Work Packages and Work Records for overhaul of the bare engine. There were 1031 types of special tools to be supplied by USSR. He identified about 350 most essential tools, got them manufactured within the resources of BRD itself facilitating launching of the overhauls of all types and series of R-29 engines during 1988-89. Under his stewardship of the Project, the depot was successful in producing aero-engines during 1988-89 to sustain operational preparedness of the MiG fleet.

For his professional competence of exceptionally high order and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Ramwaswamy Chandra Kumaran.

Wing Commander Ram Krishan Ganjoo was commissioned in the Medical Branch of the Indian Air Force in March 1973 and has been posted at Air Force Station, New Delhi as Staff Surgeon to the Chief of Air Staff since January 1987.

After completing his post-graduation, the officer has served as a Medical Specialist at various hospitals including Command Hospital Bangalore where he was associated with Postgraduate teaching programmes. He was pivotal in the Armed Forces Medical Research Project to study the lipid profile in asymptomatic aircrew and ground duty personnel of the Air Force. The officer has ensured the efficient functioning of a fully equipped Cardiac Van only one of its kind in IAF for immediate medical assistance and subsequent transfer of cardiac patients to the Army Hospital.

In recognition of his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ram Krishan Ganjoo.

Squadron Leader Rajesh Mohan Sethi has been on the posted strength of an operational Wing of the Air Force since Mar 85.

Sqn Ldr Sethi was trained in France on the RDM System. On his return from abroad, he was entrusted with the task of setting up the elaborate and sophisticated second line/ extended second line facilities for servicing, snag rectification and maintenance of the RDM and its 'Line Replacement Units' (RLUs).

During his trials, he made a number of most accurate and valid observations. He also suggested possible solutions to the long outstanding problem of mutual interference between RDMs.

For displaying a high degree of professionalism, technical innovations and exemplary devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Rajesh Mohan Sethi.

Squadron Leader Anil Kumar Kaistha is on the posted strength of a vital Fighter base sine 22 Aug 1988.

Sqn Ldr Kaistha was given responsibility of setting up the servicing facilities for providing maintenance upto 3rd line for a sophisticated electronic system which had just been inducted in the Indian Air Force. The officer was also charged with the responsibility of making the new system operational and train pilots and technical personnel of the operating Squadrons.

With his vast professional knowledge and exceptional skill, he has been able to train a team of personnel who can independently diagnose and rectify every possible snag in the equipment in a very efficient manner.

For his professionalism, hard work and exemplary devotion, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Anil Kumar Kaistha.

Squadron Leader Bhajan Lal Thakral is posted to Air Headquarters, Vayu Bhavan as Assistant Director in the Directorate of Engineering 'D' since 28 Oct 87. He was selected as Senior Technical Officer for the Air Force Contingent in the 8th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica.

Sqn Ldr Thakral worked with zeal and untiring energy to maintain and keep the helicopters flying round the clock in Antarctica. On 25 Dec 88, he personally worked for 18 hours on the ice shelf to rectify engine snag of the helicopter which had forcelanded there. This helicopter subsequently flew almost 100 hours thereby greatly contributing to the success of the expedition.

For his services of outstanding merit and dedication, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Bhajan Lal Thakral.

Squadron Leader Rajinder Kumar Sharma was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Jul 77. He has been functioning as the Senior Technical Officer of a front line Squadron of the Air Force since Apr 87.

He has a sharp eye for identifying problem areas in aircraft servicing and maintenance, operating procedures and optimizing use of aircraft support equipment. Sqn Ldr RK Sharma has established a quality control cell and achieved a very high level of quality oriented maintenance in the squadron. He has maintained aircraft availability and serviceability at a very high level.

For his exceptional knowledge and dedication, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Rajinder Kumar Sharma.

Squadron Leader Rohit Khera was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 28 Dec 77.

As Station Adjutant of one of the Operational Wings, he was instrumental in streamlining the maintenance and updating procedures for personnel records at the station. He also showed great maturity in handling delicate disciplinary matters for all categories of personnel. As Deputy Camp Commandant at Air HQ in 1985, he introduced several cost reduction innovations and ensured timely and adequate supply of office contingencies and maintained excellent liaison with civil authorities to ensure smooth functioning of the entire Air Headquarters.

The officer was subsequently posted to an operational Command and is presently serving at Air Headquarters. In his staff appointments at Command and Air Headquarters, Sqn Ldr Khera has lived up to the early promises shown by him.

For his distinguished service, devotion to duty and organizing ability, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Rohit Khera.

Flight Lieutenant Mukund Lal Bagga is on the posted strength of 26 Air Operation Flight since 07th September 1987. Immediately after his joining the flight, it was ordered to move for Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka). He planned and completed move of technical and maintenance equipment/stores and prepared all the aircraft. The working conditions at Operational location was very difficult and hazardous for maintenance activities.

Besides meeting the regular and routine task of maintenance an additional task of training the newly posted Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Aviation technicians was also entrusted to him. He planned and executed the task of training in an exemplary way and built a highly skilled team of aviation technicians.

On 27th July, 1989, Chetak helicopter Z 390 was hit by militant fire and forced to land away from base. It was declared unfit to fly and a decision was taken to dismantle and transport it to base. Flight Lieutenant Mukund Lal Bagga with his wide experience, improvised the underload sling and accomplished the task of lifting the Chetak helicopter underslung under Mi-8 helicopter without any further damage in a most professional and exemplary manner. A well motivated and dedicated officer, he has a lot of professional pride. His untiring efforts toward a high standard of maintenance has immensely contributed to the operational task undertaken by the flight - a massive 6160 sorties and 3850 hours.

For displaying dedication and devotion to duty of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Flt Lt Mukund Lal Bagga.

Flight Lieutenant Nallankannu Pillai Sethu Subramaniam has been on the posted strength of a fighter squadron with effect from 17 Feb 86. He also underwent a course abroad in USSR on the S-22 aircraft.

In his tenure in the Squadron, he had been relentless in his pursuit to meet all operational requirements and tasks. Subsequently, when he took over the duties of Senior Technical Officer, he chose to carry out his task with single-minded dedication. It is entirely due to his effort that the Squadron had been able to achieve 100% serviceability on several occasions. Later, he was able to maintain an average serviceability of staggering 75% per month due to his efforts, the Squadron has flown 8500 sorties of accident-free flying.

For his exceptional professionalism and dedication to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Flt Lt Nallankannu Pillai Sethu Subramaniam.

Junior Warrant Officer Chandran Kelancheri is on the posted strength of a Base Repair Depot since Oct 86. He came back after training in the USSR on overhaul and armament aggregates of MiG aircraft.

His most laudable achievement was repair of missile launchers for MiG aircraft. Thus, saving dispatches of launchers to the USSR for repair at an exorbitant cost in foreign exchange.

Another achievement of JWO Chandran has been a significant contribution in the development of modification scheme for adaptation of bombs, missiles on wing station of MiG-23 BN and design an aerodynamic fairing of cluster bomb for carriage from MiG-23 BN. In pursuit for his zeal to work, JWO Chandran fabricated five important testers which were not imported from the USSR. His proposal to interchange gun between fuselage and the wing station with minor modification has been widely appreciated and accepted by the Air Headquarters.

For his exceptional professional achievement and dedication to duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Junior Warrant Officer Chandran Kelancheri.

Sergeant Bhan Singh Gill is on the posted strength of one of the Helicopter Units since 16 Jun 87. He was selected as a member of the Air Force Contingent for the 8th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. For flying operations at Antarctica, the Pratap helicopters were fitted with Decca Doppler 91 nav system and Primus 500 weather radar. Sgt Gill worked untiringly for long hours and accomplished this complex task of modification well in time. He again carried out transfer of this modification from one helicopter to another at Antarctica working on the ship deck undeterred by the sub zero temperatures and strong winds. To accomplish the task, the Air Force team was flying round the clock to make full use of scarce good weather at Antarctica.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and professionalism of the highest order displayed at Antarctica, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Sergeant Bhan Singh Gill.

Gp Capt Kadavil Ravivaraman Radhakrishnan was commissioned in the IAF on 27 May 61 in the Administrative Branch. During his service career this officer has acquitted the given responsibility in an exemplary manner. Professionally he is highly competent and committed to the service.

During his tenure as Chief Administrative Officer of Jamnagar, Tambaram and Pune, he displayed tremendous skill and capability to match the requirements of operational, maintenance and administrative tasks of three of the most important stations of the Air Force. By sheer example and devotion to duty, he was able to iron out their respective administrative problems and all these stations were rated high during his tenure by the Air Staff and Maintenance Inspections Teams. This speaks volumes of the dedicated leadership and high degree of skill displayed by this individual.

Gp Capt Radhakrishnan was posted to Air Force Record Office on 19 Oct 87. This officer has been assigned the task as O/C Drafting to deal with placements and postings. The entire placement and posting data has been computerised because of his hard work and understanding the needs of this modern management philosophy. His professional competence of the highest order has lent credence and dignity to the job requirements and brought laurels to the service.

For his dedication to service and devotion of an exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt KR Radhakrishnan.

Gp Capt R Raghuram has been on the posted strength of the College of Defence Management as a Directing Staff from Jul 81 to Apr 84 and again from 01 Jul 85 to date. Throughout his long tenure of eight years, Gp Capt Raghuram has made a very substantial contribution in enhancing the quality of training at the College and thereby adding to its academic repute.

During his first tenure, Gp Capt Raghuram, as Head of Department of Financial Management, brought to bear his vast and varied experiences in the field and translated these into useful and meaningful class room discussions. It was entirely due to his untiring hard work and ability to put across a difficult subject like Financial Management, that the discipline came to be regarded as one of the best conducted at the College. Gp Capt Raghuram authored a handbook on "Financial Management in Defence Services", which became an instant success.

On his re-posting to the College in Jul 85, Gp Capt Raghuram volunteered for a change of discipline and switched over as Head of Department, Organisation Systems and Perspective Planning in the Faculty of Organisation Behaviour. He revised and updated the College handbook on "Organisat ional Effectiveness", which is today considered as a guide by his colleagues and the Faculty.

For his untiring work, total commitment and dedication beyond the call of duty, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt R Raghuram.

Gp Capt Amrit Lal has been working as Command Engineering Officer 'A' since August, 1988. He is responsible to look after the entire MiG Fleet under Western Air Command. During his tenure, he managed reequipment of two squadrons. He kept a close watch on the re-equipment of these squadrons and intervened to prevent bottlenecks and hold ups by thorough planning and intelligent anticipation. He also monitored the training programme for officers and technicians and ensured that adequate trained manpower was available in time to the squadrons to maintain new aircraft. The MiG fleet was plagued with problems in the year 1988-89 and 1989-90. Gp Capt Amrit Lal monitored these problems with great care and patience, he worked late hours to get the correct picture and apprise the authorities of the action to be taken.

He contacted the technical officers at the Wings and the Squadrons during the period every day and kept their morale high by encouraging them to come to grips with the problems faced by them. The MiG fleet is already on the way to recovery. Gp Capt Amrit Lal has contributed significantly towards its rejuvenation.

For his hard work, professional approach, selfless and indomitable effort under adverse circumstances, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Amrit Lal.

Gp Capt Prem Datt Badoni was on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Signal Units since 01 Aug 87.

Gp Capt Badoni as Commanding Officer of the premier high technology electronic unit, displayed innovative management skills in guiding and motivating personnel of his unit. Under his command, his unit successfully repaired a record number of 325 Sub-assemblies of complex electronic equipment during 1988-89 as against the allotted task of 240. In 1989-90, his unit surpassed all previous records by repairing 374 subassemblies with no extra manpower. Like previous years, in 1989-90 also, his unit saved Rs. 54 lakh in FEE by way of repair of super components. This was possible because of great devotion to duty and untiring efforts put up by Gp Capt Badoni and his unit in marshalling optimum technical, logistics and administrative resources.

In Jul 88, trained manpower was urgently required for activating EW equipment at one of our modern fighter bases. Gp Capt Badoni willingly accepted the challenge of conducting training in current state of the art EW equipment for the first time in India at his unit. With his personal involvement and hard work, despite the shortage of trained manpower, he enhanced the operational capabilities of the Air Force.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and achievements, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt PD Badoni.

Gp Capt Swaran Singh Banga has been commanding an Air Force Station since 28 Nov 88. During his tenure as Station Commander, the officer showed high leadership qualities resulting in significant enhancement in the operational potential of this base.

Being a Forward Base Support Unit, it has been planned to have limited manpower and material resources commensurate with its envisaged tasks. However, due to overall shortages in the Air Force, the station suffered further cuts in its manpower placing its already meagre resources under considerable strain.

This base is one of the most important forward air fields of WAC. Due to the prevailing Indo-Pak tension over the last 7-8 months, the base has had to be activated operationally a number of times. Detachments of various types of aircraft have operated from this base on a number of occasions. Despite the serious constraints, Gp Capt Banga had harnessed the resources placed under his command admirably well and provided support of a very high order, thereby contributing to the operational preparedness of the IAF. His management and re-organisation of resources to strengthen, the defences of his base against internal security threats have been most effective and praiseworthy.

For the outstanding leadership qualities displayed by him, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt SS Banga.

Gp Capt Mritunjai Singh was on the posted strength of one of the Base Repair Depots Air Force on 14 Jul 86.

As Chief of Production, Gp Capt Singh with his dynamism, foresight and planning ability of a high order, succeeded in infusing the spirit of 'Excellence' as a watch word in the production culture at this Depot. Gp Capt Singh contributed immensely for its preeminent position as the BRD in Maintenance Command topping in production over successive years.

Gp Capt Singh took up repair of antenna post of a Pechora Squadron considered as damaged beyond repair in a road accident. Another outstanding feat was the repair carried out by the depot to modern ST-68U Radar and its power plant.

Besides normal production, enhancement of operational efficiency was the basic theme of the officer in his sustained efforts to render assistance to field units. This effort of the officer created a total confidence in the field units on the product support provided by this depot for sustained operations.

For his most significant achievement in the Depot, exemplary professionalism, hard work and dedication, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt M Singh.

Gp Capt Devinder Singh Saggu was in command of one of the Guided Weapons Training Institutes.

As the Commandant of the training institute, Gp Capt Saggu remarkably measured up to the requirements of Air Headquarters. Due to emergent operational deployment of (GW) Squadrons, Air HQ tapered down the duration of course from 24 weeks to 16 weeks. Undeterred by heavy odds and constraints, Gp Capt Saggu successfully completed the course within the time frame laid down.

Under the dynamic leadership of Gp Capt Saggu, GW Squadrons were raised and despatched which called for exceptional professional competence, organisational skill and coordinating efforts in testing of missile guidance radars and their associated equipment and acquisition/surveillance radars.

One of the most spectacular achievements to the credit of Gp Capt Saggu is the innovative modification devised in the old phased-out power plants of SAM-II system which made these fit for use with the latest system. By devising this modification, besides making effective utilisation of the phased out power plants, Gp Capt Saggu was instrumental in saving for the country more than Rupees Seven Crores in foreign exchange.

For his technical innovative organising ability and inspiring leadership, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Saggu.

Gp Capt Subhash Chandra Rastogi was commissioned in the IAF on 25 Dec 64. In Mar 88, he took over command of an opera tional and highly sensitive Air Defence unit equipped with a sophisticated modern radar. His total involvement in the operational functioning of the unit was responsible for his unit being declared the best Signal Unit in Western Air Command for two consecutive years.

Gp Capt Rastogi has willingly accepted all additional tasks assigned to his unit irrespective of their nature and performed them in a commendable manner. During his tenure, the co-operation between Fighter Pilots and Fighter Controllers reached new high due to his personal efforts to enhance the output of the Air Defence System. Gp Capt Rastogi carried out a review of the maintenance practices in the unit and has improved the reliability of the radar to a great extent.

For his result-oriented initiative and sustained efforts to upgrade the operational efficiency of his unit, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt SC Rastogi.

Gp Capt Henery Osborne Robey has been posted as the Station Commander, Air Force Station, Suryalanka with effect from 19 Sep 88.

On the night of 09/10 May 90, a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 200kmph hit Air Force Station Suryalanka causing total disruption to communications, power, water supply and damage to Air Force property. In the absence of any civil or Air Force Met establishment at Suryalanka, Gp Capt Robey kept a close watch on the movement of cyclonic storm from TV and Radio transmissions preceding the actual date of occurrence. He geared up the Station to meet the challenge and took advance actions to ensure minimum damage to Air Force property and human life. His actions paid handsome dividends in that there was no loss of life or injury and damage to the property was negligible which could not have been avoided considering the fury of the cyclonic storm. Despite the Station being totally water logged, he reactivated the essential services in the shortest possible time. With his excellent rapport with the P&T and APSEB authorities, he was able to speedily restore electricity and essential telecommunication facilities at the Station.

For his leadership in skillfully managing this disastrous situation and for his dedication of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt HO Robey.

Wg Cdr Shabda Prakash Tewari has been working as Officer Commanding of one of the Repair and Maintenance Units since 29 Sep 88. His efforts to keep the old radars in usable condition have positively enhanced air defence capability of South Western Air Command.

Wg Cdr Tewari successfully undertook several projects which enhanced the operational efficiency of the Indian Air Force. Trial modification of radar warning receiver has been successfully completed. This modification has been called 'Force Multiplier' by the CAS. The modification has been accepted by Air HQ for incorporation. Wg Cdr Tewari has also developed two modifications on MiG-23 to provide digital indication of height and time to the pilots.

During 1989, component level repair facilities for printed circuit boards (PCBs) of HF sets used by MOF have been set up at one of the RMUs. Integration of Russian made communication systems with mobile tropo system has been made possible after incorporating some modifications at the RMU. This has enhanced communication capabilities in SWAC.

For his outstanding contribution to improve operational efficiency of the Indian Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr SP Tewari.

Wg Cdr Subhanka Sekhar Lahiri has been on the posted strength of an Air Force Flying unit.

In all activities the job performance of the officer has been of an exceptionally high order. This officer has exhibited extraordinary innovativeness for the benefit of the service. The sight head in a (MiG Variant) considerably reduced the cockpit visibility. Wg Cdr Lahiri took upon himself the task of preparing an aircraft with reflectors removed and again with sight head removed for flight trials. The aircraft was flight tested and the Squadron pilots confirmed that cockpit visibility during landing had significantly improved.

Two (MiG) aircraft had met with accident some time back and sustained different degree of damage. They were to be withdrawn, crated and sent to HAL for repair. Displaying considerable boldness, the execution of the task was taken up by Wg Cdr Lahiri. One aircraft was built up assembling the front fuselage of one aircraft and wing, rear fuselage, oleo legs and other rotable of the other aircraft. The engine was also replaced and judicious cannibalisation from other unserviceable aircraft was also resorted to. The aircraft was successfully launched into the air on 29 Apr. 89. This task of creating a new aircraft was completed in a record time.

For his all round capability, innovative skill and high level of leadership qualities, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr SS Lahiri.

Wg Cdr SC Malhan was on the posted strength of High Commission in England as Deputy Air Adviser. He was singularly responsible for procuring, recording and editing various video cassettes on flying training, use of air power, air shows, latest equipment and training material and despatching them to various Air Force units/ establishments. Training value of such material has been greatly appreciated and acknowledged by these institutions.

He had very good interaction with various agencies like MOD (UK), defence industries and the very large attaché community in London. He established excellent working relationship with Foreign Liaison Staff of MOD (UK). This had been of tremendous help not only in the smooth flow of information on various facets of the RAF but had also facilitated coordination of various courses/ visits of IAF officers in the UK.

During his tenure at the mission, he displayed exceptional sense of responsibility, initiative and resourcefulness in improving standards of administration.

For his dedication, devotion to duty and distinguished service of an exceptionally high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr SC Malhan.