Group Captain Shyam Lal Sharma was commissioned in the IAF on 05 July 1971. He performed creditably as Senior Engineer (Mechanical) at Air Force Station, Gwalior. He has held staff appointment at Headquarters, Central Air Command and also served as instructor at Mirage Maintenance Conversion Flight. He was trained in France on Mirage 2000 Aircraft.

Gp Capt Sharma, as Deputy Director Engineering at Air HQ from January 1993, was actively and directly involved in the study of proposals from French companies for overhaul of Mirage 2000 aircraft and aeroengine. He participated in discussions with technical and commercial representatives which involved hard bargaining and also prepared briefs for Price Negotiation Committee. Bringing his vast experience and first hand knowledge on Mirage aircraft to the fore, he detected a number of omissions, inaccuracies/discrepancies and redundant items in the proposals. This resulted in technically favourable and comprehensive contracts. With ingenuity and visits to units he identified 318 items for deletion from SNECMA proposals reducing the overall cost by approximately Rs. 8 crores.

Import of 16 complex facilities was essential to set up engine overhaul facilities at Kanpur. By his timely interaction with foreign vendors it was possible to complete the market survey, emphasis the special features to be incorporated during design stage and negotiate contracts in time. This avoided delay in setting up the facility and wasteful expenditure in sending the items to France for overhaul.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Shyamlal Sharma.

Wg Cdr Vinod Kumar Sharma was posted to Signals Intelligence Directorate Army HQ on 11 Apr 88. He is responsible for gathering the signal intelligence (SIGINT) in relation to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for acquiring its order of battle.

Wg Cdr Sharma achieved significant breakthrough and his analysis contributed to attain feasible solutions. Based on his analysis of PAD exercise, new equipment was procured. His projection of increasing air violations by Pakistan in J&K and Punjab sector proved correct and contributed in taking preventive steps.

He was primarily responsible for organising a vast data bank and is responsible for automation of Operational Analysis. His computerised Operational Analysis adopted in the inter-service organisation has opened up new possibilities of employing resources to task for optimum results.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Vinod Kumar Sharma.

Wg Cdr Raghuvir Singh Bragta was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 29 December 1968. He has 6002 hours of flying to his credit. Wg Cdr RS Bragta has held the appointment of Officer Commanding of a Radar Unit and Officer Commanding, Western Air Command (Unit).

Wg Cdr RS Bragta has made valuable contributions to the betterment of the unit administration in the last two years. With his zeal, foresight and sustained hard work he has brought about marked improvement in the working of various sections. The standard of amenities and facilities available to all the personnel of HQ WAC (U) has touched new high. Using his ingenuity and innovative approach, he has overcome the constraints of manpower and financial resources. With his leadership and motivational skills he has promoted new and efficient work ethos among the unit personnel. This has led to the completion of several works services speedily and with financial savings. He has also brought about significant changes to improve the security in Subroto Park.

Wg Cdr RS Bragta has also efficiently met all the operation related requirements as also the numerous administrative measures initiated to ensure the comfort and welfare of the personnel of HQ WAC (U). This has contributed positively towards achievement of desired tasks. Wg Cdr Bragta displayed exemplary professional competence, innovative organisational abilities and resourcefulness to improve the overall administration of the unit.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Raghuvir Singh Bragta.

Wg Cdr Deepak Sawhney was commissioned on 22 January 1972 in the Flying branch of the IAF. A Fighter Combat Leader, he is qualified on MiG-23 BN and Mirage 2000 aircraft. During 1986-89 he was the Flight Commander of a Mirage 2000 Squadron and was most effectively in carrying out all supervisory duties. In addition, he also flew 600 hrs on the Mirage ac during this tenure. He has 2400 hrs of accident free flying to his credit.

Wg Cdr D Sawhney was selected to command a Pechora missile sqn located at one of the premier operational bases in Western Air Command (WAC). Just prior to his taking over the squadron, the unit had been inspected and declared non-operational. Despite having no previous experience on the Pechora systems, Wg Cdr Sawhney was able to identify the weaknesses of his unit and initiate remedial measures. Due to his unstinted efforts, pragmatic approach to problems and dynamic leadership he brought about a sea change in the operational capability of the squadron. From non-operational squadron the unit transformed under his guidance into the Best Pechora Squadron in WAC.

During Wg Cdr Sawhney's tenure the squadron participated in three live firing camps at the missile firing range. The firing on all three occasions was a complete success.

Wg Cdr Sawhney has been on the staff of HQ Western Air Command since 01 Jul. 93. He has been instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of BAP-100 runway denial weapons as well as evolving a precise procedure for providing offensive air support by night on targets which are not illuminated.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Deepak Sawhney.

Wg Cdr Dharam Vir Arora was commissioned on 17 June 72, in the Accounts Branch of the IAF. He has served with distinction in a frontline fighter base, largest equipment Depot and Air Force Central Accounts Office. He also held many key appointments like Assistant Project Manager (Finance) with Aircraft Project Management Organisation, MOD, Staff Officer (SO) to Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Eastern Air Command and Training Command and is presently serving as Senior Accounts Officer (SAO), Air Force Station, New Delhi since 22 Mar 93.

As officer in-charge Provident Fund Cell at AFCAO, he was instrumental in successful transfer of Provident Fund Accounts from Joint Controller of Funds (Meerut) and thereafter their computerisation, thus, saving recurring expenses in up-keep and maintenance of these accounts. As Assistant Project Manager (Finance) with APMO (MOD), he saved over Rs. 20 crores worth of foreign exchange by way of liquidated damages from the foreign suppliers.

The role and functions of SAO AF Stn New Delhi, is to provide accounting services to over 7500 personnel and supervision of 17 Non-public Fund accounts. It entails handling the largest budgetary allocation in the IAF. Under the leadership of Wg Cdr DV Arora, there has been notable improvement in the quality of accounting services. Director of Admin Inspection of Air HQ, awarded the highest grading in the IAF, to the station accounts section during 1993-94. Directorate of Accounts, during the same period, assessed the section a 'Model Accounts Section' of the IAF. The key achievements of Accounts Section highlighted in their Tour Reports, include introduction of 'Daily Payment System', saving efforts of 16-20 paying officers per month following of 'Open Door Policy' for quick disposal of grievances and introduction of 'On the job Training' for the Accounts staff.

Along with his sustained efforts to enhance the standard of accounting services he has conceptualised a new scheme for completing 'Nomination' to Provident Fund accounts of airmen and Non Combatants (Enrolled) which has resulted sizeable savings in terms of money and man power.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Dharam Vir Arora.

Wg Cdr Vinod Agnihotri (13360) Medical was commissioned in the Medical branch of the Indian Air Force on 22 Mar 73 and has been posted to Air Force Station New Delhi as Staff Surgeon to the Chief of Air Staff since May 92. During his service the officer has held several important appointments at major Stations and Hospitals.

The officer completed his post-graduation in Medicine with distinction. Ever since, he has served as a Medical Specialist at various hospitals including Command Hospital Bangalore and at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME). At AFCME, he was actively associated in bringing up the department of Noniuvariye cardiology to international standards. He has also carried out projects on angiography in asymptomatic aircrew, 24 hours ECG monitoring in aircrew and lipid disorders in Air Force personnel.

Because of his exceptionally high standard of performance Wg Cdr Vinod Agnihotri was specially selected to be the Staff Surgeon to the CAS. During this period, he also attended to large number of cases of ischemic heart disease at the Station Sick Quarters. By his timely action he has been instrumental in ensuring prompt cardiac care thereby saving many valuable lives. In fact he is the most dedicated and sought after specialist, who carries out his professional duties with a missionary zeal. He has consistently maintained an ideal doctor-patient relationship.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Vinod Agnihotri.

Wing Commander Garimella Kundali Guru Prasad was commissioned on 28 February 1975 in the Medical branch of the IAF. Since then he has served as an ophthalmologist at Air Force Hospital Bangalore, Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) and Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME). In all his appointments he displayed a commendable flair for research and devotion to solve aircrew problems.

At the IAM, he applied himself to analyse, research and solve aviation related Opthalmological problems. His pioneering work in the area of aircrew vision resulted in permitting aircrew to wear contact lenses while flying thereby enhancing operational effectiveness. He designed and conducted field trials on improved corrective glasses for aircrew. Progressive and trifocal lenses introduced by him for the first time for the IAF aircrew were successful and popular. As Associate Professor of Ophthalmology under Bangalore University he trained many medical officers and aircrew. At AFCME he continued his research on improving aircrew vision and related in-flight problems of night vision and colour vision. He has presented several papers in national and international conferences and published many articles in Ophthalmology Journals. He was awarded the Fellowship of International College of Surgeons in 1991 and 'Best Paper Award' for his paper on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Ophthalmic diseases at Asia Pacific International Congress at Bangalore in 1993. At present, his studies are centered on evaluation of intra ocular lenses in aircrew and improving colour vision with special lenses.

A popular eye specialist, he has established and modernised many eye centres to provide facilities like contact lens clinics for families and glucoma detection for elderly retired people. As a welfare activity he has conducted eye camps at several Air Force Stations in and around Delhi and nearby rural areas enhancing the image of IAF and contributing to a national cause in prevention of blindness.

For distinguished service of high under the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Garimella Kundali Guru Prasad.

Wing Commander Narinder Kumar was commissioned in the Engineering branch of IAF on 05 January 1976. After serving as unit engineering officer in various capacities for eight years, he underwent Flight Test Engineer Course in 1984 and served as Flight Test Engineer for six years. During this period he specialised in Flight Testing, Aircraft Modification and Armament Integration. In 1991, he was posted to a Jaguar squadron where he specialised on Sea Eagle missiles besides serving as Squadron Engineering Officer. In 1993, he was posted to Air HQ as Deputy Director Armament and Safety Equipment to oversee Russian missile maintenance and repair projects. In November 93, he was transferred to Directorate of Projects where he is presently associated with development and experimental programmes.

In view of his background as a Flight Test Engineer and with special expertise on missile systems, he was given the responsibility to undertake aircraft adaptation trials of missiles over and above his primary duties. With ingenuity and dedication, he developed methods for dismantling missiles towards their life extension and performance checks. His initiative and contribution helped in repairing expensive missiles indigenously which otherwise would have required heavy expenses besides delays.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr Narinder Kumar.

Squadron Leader Pran Kishore Kaul was commissioned on 10 June 1977 in the Accounts branch of Indian Air Force. He has held the appointments of staff officer coordination and Senior Accounts Officer of a forward area fighter base.

Squadron Leader Kaul has been on the posted strength of Directorate of Public Relations since 22 May 1989, first as Public Relations Officer, Western Air Command, IAF and later as Public Relations Officer Air Force.

The XXII Inter Services Best Physique Championship-94 and several other functions organised by Air Force have received prominent exposure in the national press. Meaningful publicity drive launched by the officer has been applauded all over and has put the Indian Air Force on a sound footing with media.

In short span of time, he proved his professional capability and organising ability on many occasions. His timely action for denial of an erroneous report of Indian Air Force crash some time back helped avert what could have resulted in a very embarrassing situation.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Pran Kishore Kaul.

Squadron Leader Mathew George was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 10 June 1977. During his initial service as Account Officer at Air Force Stations Hashimara and Chandigarh he displayed a unique penchant for planning and organising and was instrumental in clearing long outstanding audit objections. His tireless efforts, systematic professional approach and quest for excellence enabled AF Station Chandigarh to tighten budgetary control and streamline procedures for planned expend iture. During his tenure at AF Station New Delhi, he established himself in a short span of time by his meticulous and methodical working, proper timely action and watchful scrutiny and maintenance of records.

In recognition of his outstanding abilities he was appointed as Staff Officer to Director of Personnel (Officers). He was later chosen to be Staff Officer to Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command and finally ADC to Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters. The officer has discharged his duties in the most outstanding manner using well honed managerial stills to support the functions of the Secretariat of the CAS.

The Officer has displayed remarkable maturity in prioritisation of tasks as well as coordination among various agencies so as to achieve the desired results quickly. In addition, the officer's excellent qualities of management and inter-personal relationship allowed him to build excellent rapport with both the junior staff as well as the senior officers he had to work and interact with, helping in the ultimate objective of task accomplishment.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Mathew George.

Squadron Leader Mujeeb Ullah Khan was commissioned as an engineering officer in the IAF on 26 June 1978 and has been on the strength of Indian Air Force Element, taking part in the United Nations Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM-II) in 1993.

Sqn Ldr MU Khan has held many distinguished appointments. He was Senior Mechanical Engineer of an operational Wing at Leh, Flight Test Engineer and Instructor at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment, Bangalore. He was specially selected as Senior Technical Officer for the overseas assignment with United Nations Operations in Somalia. With characteristic thoroughness, he applied himself to the task and ensured that all requirements for servicing and maintenance of helicopters were listed, procured and despatched in time. With immaculate planning and involvement he ensured that the Indian Air Force helicopters were made operational within record time, when Mogadishu airport was under heavy fire by the militia.

Whilst contingent rotated their helicopters every four months with frequent engine change, Sqn Ldr MU Khan personally attended to minutest details and ensured that Indian Air Force helicopters were always airworthy without such expensive maintenance. Notwithstanding the tiring, taxing, tough and hostile working conditions the officer has involved himself well beyond the call of duty and with his exemplary leadership has been able to motivate, inspire and extract willing support from his subordinates.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Mujeeb Ullah Khan.

Sqn Ldr Sunil Kumar Sharma was commissioned on 15 June 1980 and has commanded a Mobile Observation Flight (MOF). During this tenure he had simultaneously officiated as the CO of another MOF. A total of nine observation posts (OP), jointly from both these MOFs, have been continuously deployed in 'OP Meghdoot' area. The MOF observation posts are not only highest in the world located at altitude of 15000 ft to 18000 ft but are also vulnerable to enemy fire. The operators have to live in shelters which are snowbound round the year with strong icy winds and tempratures ranging between - 15°C to -45°C. It is to the credit of Sqn Ldr Sharma that despite these he, with his involvement, professionalism and selfless devotion to duty, ensured that all his MOF posts remained fully operational and effective throughout his tenure. The successful observation and timely reporting of Pakistani Lama helicopter intruding into our territory during August 1992, which was ultimately shot down by our Forces, was also during his tenure. Realising the great hardship of his airmen, he kept his airmen highly motivated and dedicated towards their tasks by leading from the front by frequently visiting the forward posts, supervising and reassessing the situation, guiding and training them at their OP location and looking after their welfare needs despite the climatic and operational constraints. He ensured that all communication and OP equipment was kept fully serviceable throughout and his manpower trained on the newly inducted high-tech equipments. With his professional competence and excellent managerial qualities, he had the rare distinction of achieving 'Above Average' performance during Air Staff Inspection.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Sunil Kumar Sharma.

Squadron Leader, Vinod Kumar Goel was commissioned as an Engineer in the

Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch on 09 August 1984. While posted as an Engineering Officer of a Chetak/Cheetah Squadron, he performed creditably. Sqn Ldr VK Goel took over as Officer-inCharge General Engineering Section of a Base Repair Depot (BRD) on 01 January 1990. Due to the disruption of supplies of spares from CIS countries there has been an acute shortage of aircraft & aeroengine spares required for the overhaul task of the BRD. The officer indigenised many of these spares and thus immensely contributed towards meeting the annual production task of the depot. The Depot produced 70,000 items in 1991-92, 110,000 items in 1992-93 and 170,000 items of indigenised spares in 1993-94. It is a multifold increase over the 1990-91 figure which stood at only 28,000 items. The resultant annual foreign exchange savings was to the tune of Rs. 140 lakhs in 1993-94 as compared to 10 lakhs in 1990-91.

Sqn Ldr VK Goel is adept in reverse engineering. Many of the items produced by him were quite complex and required ingenuity, strong engineering fundamentals and self motivation. He has also indigenously developed test facilities to establish the reliability of the indigenous components for airborne applications.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Vinod Kumar Goel.

Squadron Leader Tushar G Desai was commissioned on 30 August 1984. He has been looking after the maintenance and servicing of Mi-8 helicopters and is the Senior Technical Officer of the unit.

It was his personal involvement in detailed planning that all the ten aircraft (ac) of the unit were made serviceable when the unit moved from Air Force Station Sulur to Air Force Station Jamnagar. This feat was once again repeated at Air Force Station Jamnagar, when under his supervision hundredpercent serviceability was achieved during more difficult times when the spares were not coming so easily.

The officer carried out a modification to the rocket sight camera of Mi-8 ac due to which the film runs even after the trigger is released and the impact point of rocket is thus filmed. This has helped tremendously in analysing the firing techniques of pilots and improvement in operational efficiency.

During an exercise, one Mi-8 helicopter of the unit required a change of the cooler fan assembly at Goa. Normally, both the engines have to be removed to carry out this change. Because of non-availability of specific ground equipment and to avoid further delay, it was decided to do it without removing the engine. Special tools were fabricated by Sqn Ldr Desai at the Naval workshop. The task was completed in the shortest possible time inspite of the fact that the unit was not on an Air Force base.

One helicopter of the unit had carried out a single engine landing at Rajkot airfield. To retrieve the ac it was decided to dismantle it and bring it by road. Under the supervision and guidance of Sqn Ldr Desai, the entire aircraft was dismantled and loaded on specially prepared trailers within three days. Personal liaison and interaction with the civil authorities by the officer resulted in the Post and Telegraphs Department and Gujarat Electricity Board Department detailing teams with special insulated T-bars to raise the high tension cables and telephone wires all along the route till Jamnagar. Thus, the task was achieved well ahead of time, with limited resources and minimal expenditure.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Sqn Ldr Tushar Gunvantrai Desai.

Junior Warrant Officer Udai Vir Singh was enrolled as Workshop Fitter on 07 November 1964. While on the posted strength of a Base Repair Depot (BRD) he has been working in structural bay and has been leading repair parties to out-stations to carry out on site repairs to aircraft and make them airworthy.

He has acquired proficiency in structural repairs of MiG-23 aircraft. He also successfully carried out certain structural modifications on MiG-23BN aircraft to accommodate electronic equipment.

He has immensely contributed in the repair and recovery of an IL-76 aircraft stranded during December 1992. Though he had never worked on IL-76, with deep knowledge and experience on aircraft structures backed by his innate sense of duty he successfully repaired the honey comb portion of the starboard Flap Root End within four days, totally ignoring the inclement weather prevailing. He also replaced the top skin of Root End Tip of port wing covering the honey comb structure which required high professional skill and deft handling. He carried out the repair on yet another aircraft which had its outer skin and also the honey comb portion of the Port Flap Deflector damaged.

With his skill on repairs of any control surface of aircraft he has earned the reputation of a master craftsman on structural repairs.

For distinguished service of high order the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Junior Warrant Officer Udai Vir Singh.

Group Captain P Singh was commissioned on 05 Apr 65. He has served in Guided Missile Squadron and has flown as Air Signaller from 1969 to 1974. Gp Capt Praduman Singh served in the Air Staff of HQ Western Air Command from 1977 to 1984. He was deputed to Radar and Communication Project Organisation (RCPO) from 1982 to 1984 for integration of first PSM-33 radar.

Group Captain Praduman Singh has been in Command of a Tropo Communication centre since 01 Mar 93. By his hard work and profess knowledge of very high order he has been able to ensure the system availability over 99%. There has not been a single instance of link loss attributable to equipment unserviceability of generation equipment and air conditioning plan the last one year. Air HQ team inspected the unit in Dec 94 and assessed the functional wing of the unit to be highly satisfactory while Transports, Armoury and Signals were assessed as above the average. Gp Capt P Singh has also developed a single Integrated Console which has helped to improve the communication efficiency in all our tropo units.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Praduman Singh.

Group Captain RK Batha was commissioned on 04 Oct 65 in the Engineering Branch. After a tenure as Chief Engineering Officer at Air Force Station Ambala, the officer was posted to Air Headquarters as Joint Director Engineering (Jaguar) in Feb 92.

During the present tenure at Air Headquarters, the officer was responsible for directing and guiding the small team of officers under him in all aspects of technical and logistics of Jaguar maintenance. The officer was instrumental in planning and execution of activities connected with provisioning, repairs by HAL, major servicing plan, induction, repair and overhaul task of rotables/repaira bles etc. The officer has been an effective interface with HAL to execute these tasks.

The specific achievement of the officer during his tenure was to head the Air Headquarters Investigation Team into the two Jaguar accidents in Dec 93 resulting from failure of Slat brake unit. The findings and recommendations were accepted and implemented for re-commencement of Jaguar flying in Jan 94. The follow up on the investigation resulted in modification proposal of the failed part being accepted by the manufacturers.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain RK Batha.

Group Captain VK Sharma was commissioned in Accounts Branch in 1965. During his career of around 30 years he has held a variety of assignments with distinction. He was appointed Joint Director (Cost Analysis) at Directorate of Financial Planning in Nov 89.

A very significant portion (about 20%) of the IAF Budget goes to HAL every year. The payments to HAL are made as per the pricing policy issued by Govt in 1988. With his indepth knowledge and understanding of commercial accounting, working procedures of Corporate bodies and remarkable negotiating skills, the officer has been able to most effectively argue and cut down the high costs projected by HAL. By rationalising the prices quoted by HAL he ensured that from 1989 the cash outgo from IAF Budget to HAL was reduced by more than 400 Cr, a substantial saving for the Air Force.

In addition, GP Capt Sharma applied himself to resolve other long outstanding issues such as, methodology for claiming refund of profit on the idle labour of HAL, charging of cost of accessories on the basis of the year of manufacture in place of the year of fitment, refund of excess depreciation on assets, lesser profit on non-production overheads, non-acceptance of loss to IAF due to shortfalls of production in HAL. These achievements reflect on eloquent testimony of his professional competence and haul accrued a saving of about Rs 15-20 Cr on annual basis.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain VK Sharma.

Group Captain AD Karandikar was commissioned on 04 Jun 67. He has served with distinction in various appointments. A Qualified Flying Instructor, he holds the highest category and Instrument Rating on various transport aircraft. An outstanding professional he was awarded VM in Jan 92. He was appointed Commanding Officer of Air HQ Communication Squadron in Feb 92. Under his dynamic leadership, astute planning and outstanding management abilities, the Squadron has achieved close to 100% serviceability state of a fleet comprising three different types of aircraft, namely, Boeing-737, HS748 and Mi-8 helicopters.

He initiated a special project to refurnish the fleet of HS-748 aircraft. All aircraft of the squadron carry this interior scheme which has evoked great appreciation at all levels. The recent success of the airlift effort towards the SAARC Summit held at Mashobra in May 95, including modification of the two Boeing-737 and five Mi-17 helicopters involved, were achieved directly due to the total involvement and innovativeness of the officer. Gp Capt AD Karandikar has flown a staggering 13,000 hours without a single incident/accident in his 28 years of active flying. This significant achievement stands unequalled in the history of Indian Air Force.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain AD Karandikar.

Group Captain Surya Kumar Gupta was commissioned as Transport pilot in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 04 Jun 67. He later converted to helicopters. He has held numerous important appointments like Flight Commander, Commanding Officer, Chief Operation Officer and Station Commander at Training/Operational field units/stations as well Assistant/Deputy and Joint Director at Air Headquarters.

He has been on the strength of the Dte of Air Staff Inspection since 18 Mar 92 as Joint Director in charge of Inspection of 29 helicopter units of the IAF. Being the only Helicopter Inspector, his is an onerous task. By constant effort he has increased yearly inspections to 14 thus bringing all helicopter units into a two year inspection cycle. This has been a commendable performance resulting in a significant upgradation of Operational stan dards and preparedness.

Totally fair and mature in his approach, he has transformed the inspection process to one fruitful, interaction which has enhanced the performance of the units. He evolved the procedure, scope of inspections and assessment criteria for helicopter units which has made the process more transparent, objective and rational.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain SK Gupta.

Group Captain PV Karapurkar was commissioned on 24 Jun 67 in the Logistics Branch. He has held the appointments of Senior Logistics Officer of a major frontline fighter station and Joint Director at Air HQ. He was also Asst Director of Purchase at London (UK).

Group Captain PV Karapurkar took over as Commanding Officer of an Equipment Depot (ED) on 12 Apr 93. Through his dynamic leadership, initiative and drive, he ensured that adequate stocks of spares, aerolubricants, clothing items etc were always maintained by timely replenishments. He provided maximum product support to Operational Units under South Western Air Command by maintaining close liaison with bases, thus ensuring maximum user satisfaction and operational preparedness.

With his determination, drive and cheerful disposition, Gp Capt PV Karapurkar has been able to give a new direction to the ED and maintained intensive support to the Operational bases of the Command.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain PV Karapurkar.

Group Captain Amrish Kumar was commissioned on 01 Apr 68 in the Engineering Branch of the IAF. He has held the appointment of Deputy Director of Tele Communications at Air Headquarters (VB). He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College. Gp Capt Kumar was appointed the Commanding Officer of Air Force Signals Centre (AFSC) on 27 May 93. Distributed Message Switching System (DMSS) was inducted at AFSC in Sep 92. Gp Capt Kumar noticed several flaws in the working of this system and brought about modifications in the software of the system which enhanced its working efficiency and resulted in an annual savings of almost 6-7 lakhs rupees.

AFSC during his tenure has been able to undertake unique tasks to improve communications links of Communication Squadron using an old vintage type of Radio equipment. Under supervision of Gp Capt Amrish Kumar the AFSC successfully undertook the additional task of repairing the Secrecy Device Equipment, which has helped in maintaining the secrecy of vital communications and resulted in saving of precious foreign exchange.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt Amrish Kumar.

Group Captain Colville de Souza was commissioned on 23 Jun 68. He was appointed as Chief Administrative Officer of Air Force Station Kalaikunda on 02 Nov 92. On taking over he faced the challenge of powerful civilian employees/MES workers' lobby, working against the service interests. He studied the problem thoroughly and by his deft handling he not only avoided strikes but also effectively curbed the indiscipline of the employees, thus increasing the output.

Group Captain C de Souza launched a door to door campaign in the domestic area including class IV civilians, coaxing them to work towards maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. He has markedly improved the buildings, maintained clean drainages and gave a total face lift to the entire station area. In addition parks, gardens and orchards were planned to beautify the campus.

The station was inspected once by the Chief of Air Staff, United States Air Force and twice by the Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force and the outlook of the Station was highly praised by the inspecting officers.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain C de Souza.

Group Captain RS Tathgur was commissioned on 29 Dec 68. A veteran fighter pilot with over 4100 hours of accident free flying to his credit, he is also an A-2 flying instructor. Further his track record as Flight Commander and Commanding Officer of two operational Squadrons is excellent.

Group Captain RS Tathgur was posted as Academy Flight Safety & Inspection Officer in Apr 93 and took over as Chief Operations Officer in Apr 94. The Academy flies over 18,000 hours per annum. Most of this is carried out by ab-initio trainees, which explains the crucial role of both the above appointments in maintaining a safe flying environment. That the Officer has more than met the standards expected of him is evident from the fact that the Academy accident rate for the year 1993-94 was zero. Further as Chief Operations Officer he has maintained a continuous check on potential hazards to flying by eradicating bird roosting areas in the aerodrome vicinity, paying great heed to aerodrome maintenance, introducing Red & Green periods for flying and personally surveying and clearing sectors for low flying. He was also responsible for revamping the pre-accident plan and ensuring its regular practice. These achievements undoubtedly contributed a great deal to the Academy winning the Best Flying Training Establishment trophy for two consecutive years and the coveted Flight Safety Trophy in 1993-94.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain RS Tathgur.

Group Captain AR Ambatkar was commissioned in the Engineering branch in Jul 69. An alumnus of College of Defence Management, he has held many field and Staff appointments. He was specially selected for the post of Chief Engineer at Mauritius, and was appointed Chief Engineering Officer at Air Force Station Tezpur in Sep 92.

With his professional expertise, past experience and personal example of hard work, the base achieved high standards. Serviceability percentage for MiG aircraft has improved from 61% to 85% and for helicopters from 81% to 98%. Since the time he took over, eighteen prolonged unserviceable aircraft have been built up and made serviceable. The mechanical transport (MT) serviceability improved from 85% to 98%. Under his guidance, Station Workshop resources were utilised to maximum for improving service ability of MT, Ground equipment and Airfield systems. Major structural repairs on MT coaches and other vehicles were undertaken in workshop.

Under his guidance data on various aspects like aircraft state, snag analysis, defect report and logistics inventory have been computerised.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain AR Ambatkar.

Group Captain AB Pandit was commissioned on 07 Jul 69 in the Engineering Branch. He has held the appointments of Project Coordinator (Aircraft) at Defence Research Development Organisation. He is a graduate of Defence Service Staff College. Gp Capt Pandit was appointed Chief Engineering Officer of Air Force Station, Halwara on 26 Apr 93.

On assuming the duties Gp Capt Pandit guided the technical team to ensure that Navigation aids remained fully serviceable and reliable, so that safe flying operations could be undertaken even during adverse weather conditions. He ensured that requisite maintenance facilities were provided to the visiting detachments so as to enable them to undertake their task without hindrance. He employed cost beneficial techniques while undertaking Tranquil and "Identification Friend or Foe" modification on all aircraft. He undertook transfer of 100 tons of aircraft Weapon Reserve stores by road without an incident or accident well within the stipulated target dates. It was due to his personal involvement that an Electronic Data Processing system was set up and made functional in the Western Air Command. Gp Capt Pandit ensured availability of Mechanical Transport (MT) to all units and sections on as required basis. The Station was adjudged the "Best Fighter Wing in Maintenance" in the Command.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain AB Pandit.

Group Captain BU Chengappa was commissioned in the Engineering branch on 05 Jun 69. He has held the appointments of Deputy Director Engineering at Air HQ and Commanding Officer of the Guided Weapons Training Institute. He was specially selected for training on Mi-25 Helicopter in USSR. He is the Chief Engineering Officer at AF Station Hakimpet since 18 Oct 93.

On arriving at AF Station Hakimpet, he keenly observed the recurring Iskra aircraft snags and through his Engineering acumen located the cause at the hydraulic system arising from hydraulic oil contamination. He designed and fabricated a special 3 micron oil filter in the system by which the snags have been completely eliminated. Similarly on the helicopters he identified a manufacturing defect of Belloow-seal rupture causing transmission failure. This has earned him kudos from the Heli-division of HAL.

Being an MBA degree holder, he blended his managerial skill with the technical environment and has been able to attain 93% serviceability on Iskra and 90% on the helicopters during last year, through enhanced motivational techniques of a high calibre. The Station won best Mechanical Transport Trophy and the best Flying and Maintenance trophy of HQ Training Command in 1993 and 1994 respectively.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain BU Chengappa.

Group Captain Arun Kumar Tiwari was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the flying branch of the Indian Air Force on 20 Dec 69. He has flown over 4100 hrs as a fighter pilot. He is a qualified flying instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, he also served in the Aircrew Examining Board. He had been a Flight Commander in a MiG-21 Sqn and then had the distinction of being one of the early commanding Officers of a MiG-29 Squadron. He was appointed Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Air Force Station Adampur in Jan 94.

As a COO, GP Capt Tiwari has successfully overseen the creation and sustenance of an environment wherein Fighter and Guided Missile Squadrons can maximise utilisation of their resources towards effective training. During Command exercises in 1994 and 1995, the meticulous planning done by him ensured smooth and efficient achievement of objectives. In his capacity as Base Air Defence Officer, he has trained his team to a very high level of skill and cohesion.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain AK Tiwari.

Group Captain RP Singh was commissioned on 12 Jan 71 in the Engineering Branch. He has served as the Senior Technical Officer of two MiG-21 Squadrons. He was appointed as Deputy Director Engineering A2(T) on 09 Apr 90. When he took over, 20 to 30 type77/96 (MiG-21) aircraft in units were without engines. After having realised that R-11 engines were no more in production in any country, he embarked upon the idea of life extension of these engines. Subsequent studies in Russia, based on the thought process initiated by him, resulted in life extension of R-11s from 1200 to 1600 h. This in turn resulted in a huge saving to the Government. He was also able to prevail upon HAL to carry out partial repair of R-13 engines and five engines have been accepted by Koraput.

As a member of Indian delegation to Kyrgyzstan, he was instrumental in selecting 15 best MiG-21 trainers along with the best of the available R-13 engines. This single acquisition has resolved MiG-21 trainer shortage in IAF once for all. Life extension of R-11 engines has generated 1,25,000 additional hours and repairs of five R-13 engines in India under his guidance have resulted in saving of more than 10 crore rupees in foreign exchange.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain RP Singh.

Group Captain SC Mukul was commissioned as fighter pilot on 22 Jan 72. He has to his credit the command of a MiG-29 Squadron. He is an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Combat Leader and Defence Services Staff College graduate. He has been on the staff of both Flying Instructors School and Tactics and Combat Development Establishment and has had a tenure as a flying inspector in Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. He has over 4000 hours of flying. He was appointed Chief Operations Officer of Air Force Station, Jamnagar in Feb 94. Jamnagar is one of the most active fighter bases as Squadrons and units of Training Command operate regular weapons training detachments at the station. 34 detachments operated successfully from base during the last year. During the calendar year a total of 15,010 sorties/10800 hours were flown. Such scale of operational activity from a single base was successfully coordinated by the officer. During 1994, Gp Capt Mukul was tasked to plan and conduct a Dissimilar Air Combat Training Camp for MiG-21 and MiG29 aircraft. He planned and executed this task flawlessly. A total of 800 sorties were flown. The station was assessed above the average in operations by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain SC Mukul.

Group Captain DC Kumaria was commissioned as fighter pilot on 02 Jun 73. He was chosen to train on the Jaguar in UK on its induction. Later, he was selected to undergo the Qualified Weapon Instructor course in UK where he stood first and achieved the first ever "exceptional" grading in a flying course in the RAF, a record that is unlikely to be broken. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1984. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, he has served as Directing Staff at Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) and as Assistant Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh. Prior to his present appointment he was in command of a front line Jaguar squadron (Sqn) employed in maritime operations role. During the period of his command, many new strike profiles and tactics recommended by him were accepted by TACDE and issued by Air HQ as an air publication titled "Maritime Tactical Employment Manual". The Sqn was assessed "Above Average" by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team in Operations and Administration. The Squadron won a number of trophies in the Command Gunnery Meet including the overall championship. The squadron was adjudged the Best Combat Squadron in South Western Air Command in 92-93 and again in 93-94.

Gp Capt Kumaria was especially selected for the newly created Air War Strategy Cell in Nov 94. The cell was tasked to write an Air power Doctrine for the Indian Air Force. He applied himself to the task and worked relentlessly to complete the project by the given date of 31 Mar 95.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain DC Kumaria, VM.

Group Captain Anil Chopra was commissioned in the fighter stream on 02 Jun 73. A Qualified Flying Instructor and a Test Pilot, he was selected in the first batch of pilots to go to France for Mirage-2000 training. On return he formed the core group to train other pilots in India. The officer was subsequently sent to France for an Operational Electronic Warfare (EW) Course. He was instrumental in forming the first EW flight on Mirage-2000 aircraft. He was awarded VM in 1989. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, he was selected to be the Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff, an appointment he held with two successive Air Chiefs.

Gp Capt Chopra commanded a Mirage2000 Squadron from 1992 to 1994. Thereafter, he was appointed the senior staff officer to Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command. Gp Capt Chopra led the team of staff with a high degree of efficiency. Through his operational background and logical approach he gave valuable inputs for decision making. He introduced new management techniques to increase individual performance and motivation of the staff. The officer has established an excellent rapport with field Commanders and Command Staff.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Anil Chopra.

Wing Commander UB Mathur was commissioned on 15 Jan 70. A graduate from Armed Forces Medical College, he acquired diploma in clinical pathology in 1978 and Masters Degree in 1980. Ever since becoming a specialist in Pathology he has dedicated himself to building laboratory service in Air Force. Between 1981 and 82 under the guise of Project Pawan on launching of Indian Cosmonaut into space he contributed in planning and organising a modern laboratory at Air Force Command Hospital, Bangalore. He established a new laboratory at No. 10 Air Force Hospital in Eastern sector. In Institution of Aerospace Medicine he improved the Aircraft Accident Pathology Cell evolving special tests and techniques for investigating bird-hit accidents. His papers on this subject were presented in international forum.

Posted to Air Force Medical Establishment (AFCME) in 1989, he was given the challenging job of modernising the clinical laboratory. Today the clinical laboratory at AFCME boasts of minimum waiting period, non touch sample collection with disposable kits, a battery of new tests using stateof the-art equipments, computer analysis of test reports, on the spot doctor to patient advise on preventive and curative measures and all these are dispensed with courtesy, confidentiality, privacy and personalised attention.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander UB Mathur.

Wing Commander OP Gupta was commissioned in the meteorological branch on 30 Dec 72 and is on the posted strength of Air HQ (VB) since Jul 94. He possesses a vast experience on aviation weather forecasting and has many significant achievements in this field to his credit.

He was the first Met officer to study Clear Air Turbulence and its effects on fighter aircraft at high altitude. His study helped aircrew and test pilots to a great extent and contributed immensely towards flight safety. He also carried out an extensive study of forward area weather and suggested monthly percentage distribution of annual air maintenance loads for each sector of Arunachal Pradesh which enabled the Command to plan the air maintenance task more realistically. During his tenures at AF Stations Shillong and Halwara, he developed comprehensive weather forecasting models which improved the accuracy of local weather forecasts. With his analytical approach effectively utilized the new meteorological systems introduced in the IAF to the maximum and the accuracy of his long and short term weather forecasts has been consistently high. During all major exercises his reliable weather forecasting ensured a 100% mission success rate.

Wing Commander Gupta has also contributed exceptionally well in his secondary duties. He showed keen foresight and personal involvement in national level programmes which were attended by many dignitaries. He has also been leading from the front in promoting the use of Hindi.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander OP Gupta.

Wing Commander AVS Rao was commissioned in accounts branch in Jul 1975. Since his commissioning he has held various important and challenging appointments with distinction. These include Registrar of Sainik School, Senior Accounts Officer of an Air Stores Park and Assistant Director of Accounts at Air HQ. The officer assumed the duties of Mess Secretary of Air Force Officers' Mess, New Delhi in May 1993. Immediately after taking over, Wg Cdr Rao improved the living-in conditions and other facilities in the mess buildings of 2nd World War vintage. His job as Mess Secretary involved arranging and looking after the prestigious functions associated with Air Force Day, AF Commanders' Conference, Biennial Cdrs' Conferences for Army and Navy and banquets for the visiting foreign dignitaries/delegations. Wing Commander Rao has always organised these functions in a befitting manner. In addition, the financial position of the Officers' Mess improved manifold during his tenure. Deposits/savings increased from Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 35 Lakhs. Wg Cdr Rao is a devoted officer who places service before self and has always gone beyond the call of normal duties in executing the entrusted task.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander AVS Rao.

Wing Commander ROJ Assey was commissioned on 11 Jul 75 in the flying branch of IAF. He has held the appointments of Directing Staff at Flying Instructors School and Flight Commander at two helicopter units. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

Wg Cdr Assey is the Commanding Officer of a Forward Air Control (FAC) Flight since 02 Nov 92. On his assuming the command the number of pilots qualified were limited as the quantum of flying carried out was not adequate to impart training to newly posted untrained pilots. He undertook the commitment of revising the FAC training syllabus including the briefing guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the role. The SOPs and briefing guide lines revised by him have been introduced in the service. Wg Cdr Assey increased the quantum of flying from 110 hours a month to an average of 200 hours per month without compromising flight safety or maintenance safety. He was able to undertake additional flying task with lower than required manning levels. He personally took over training of aircrew and raised the operational and Instrument Rating/Category state. The Flight was assessed highly satisfactory by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander ROJ Assey.

Wing Commander Vimal Arora was commissioned in the Army Dental Corps in Dec 77 and was seconded to IAF in Jul 1980. During his 17 years of service he has attained excellence in his field of specialty, Prosthodontics. He is one of those exceptional dental officers who joined service as a specialist. In recognition of his outstanding professional contribution he was deputed to Muscat where he earned laurels and was sent abroad to Germany for training at their expense which is rarely done. Making use of his expertise gained in Germany, he modernised the prosthodontic services at Air Force Central Dental Establishment (AFCDE), Bangalore. He also established the first metal to ceramic laboratory in the services.

In order to set up and lay down proper criteria for conducting research in Armed Forces Dental Services, his services were specially requisitioned by Directorate General Armed Forces Medical Services to be posted as Research Pool Officer (RPO). It is due to his efforts that the research in dental services is progressing on lines which are at par with international standards. In addition to research, he willingly took over modernisation of the equipment scale of the three services with matching saving by deleting out of date equipment and materials. It is because of his tremendous involvement that most of the dental centres are equipped with state of art equipment.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Vimal Arora.

Squadron Leader RL Kapur was commissioned in the Logistics Branch on 08 Jun 78. He has functioned as Senior Logistics Officer, Assistant Director Logistics Information System (ADLJS) and in staff appointment at Command and Air HQs. In 1989, the officer was specially selected to be posted as ADLJS (SUPROS), the largest computer based system at Air HQs, for computerisation of data of foreign contracts and the related software development. Sqn Ldr Kapur ensured prompt processing and updating of computer records containing data of 14 lakh documents. This enabled a saving of substantial amount of foreign exchange. Sqn Ldr Kapur displayed impeccable staff work during the appointments of Staff Officer (SO) to the Directorate of Personnel (Officers) and SO to Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ South Western Air Command.

For his professional acumen and flair for inter-personal communication, Sqn Ldr Kapur was appointed as Staff Officer to the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff in Mar 94. He has displayed remarkable capacity to withstand the intrinsic stress of this assignment. The officer has excellent capability for resource management and ability to handle complex problem situations.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader RL Kapur.

Squadron Leader UK Choudhary was commissioned on 02 Jul 79 and has been on the posted strength of Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) since 29 Jun 92. He has been working as officer in charge Central Repairs and Servicing Section (CR&SS). The tasks and commitments of CR&SS at AF Station Jamnagar are very high. Sqn Ldr Choudhary displayed very high degree of professional competence, resourcefulness and ingenuity in meeting the task. He also embarked on an ambitious plan of building up of long unserviceable aircraft (ac) and a total of 10 ac were made serviceable in the last one year. Realising the shortage of testers he also undertook the task of designing and fabricating testers. Three testers were fabricated by the CR&SS during the last one year under his guidance.

In Nov 94 a MIG-21 ac on ferry from Chandigarh to Ojhar crash landed at a civil air field in Bhavnagar approximately 300 km from Jamnagar. Sqn Ldr UK Choudhary was selected to recover the ac. After one trip to Bhavnagar Sqn Ldr Choudhary had all the information needed by HQ South Western Air Command to take a decision. He also suggested two solutions to the problem. Once the Command decided on the course of action, Sqn Ldr Choudhary set about the job systematically and completed it in three days at an expense of Rs 16,000 against Rs 40,000 sanctioned for the task.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader UK Choudhary.

Squadron Leader RK Plakkot was commissioned as a navigator on 04 Jun 82. He is one of the youngest officers to achieve the exceptional flying category in just over three years of service. He is also the youngest navigator ever to be cleared for VVIP operations in the Boeing-737 aircraft. He has a total of 4300 hours of flying and is fully qualified in all roles on the HS-748 and Boeing 737 aircraft. An A-2 Navigation Instructor, he was actively associated with the preparation of the IAF long range route chart and was instrumental in ensuring that the chart conformed to international standards. He almost single handedly designed and developed an indigenous state of the art navigation simulator at the Navigation and Signals School. The simulator has significantly cut down training costs and a large portion of the flying syllabus is being taught on the simulator now.

He was specially selected for posting to Air HQ Communication Squadron in Sep 93. During this tenure, Sqn Ldr Plakkot has flown over 950 hours on VVIP and VIP flights to all parts of the country on B-737 aircraft. His dedication and navigational expertise ensured that each sortie was executed with noticeable finesse, earning him and the Air Force the appreciation of the dignitaries flown. He has also been carrying out the flying and ground training of navigators.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader RK Plakkot.

Squadron Leader HS Kamal was commissioned in the logistics branch on 04 Jun 82. He was appointed Senior Logistics Officer of an Air Force Station in Jun 94. Utilising his vast experience on computers he has been instrumental in computerisation of all logistics functions of the station. This has enabled the section to achieve considerable savings in terms of man-hours. With his enthusiasm and initiative he has ensured good quality of rations from the supply depot and spares availability resulting in higher aircraft serviceability.

Sqn Ldr Kamal with his critical scrutiny of all purchase orders has ensured a substantial decrease in unnecessary expenditure. It is to his credit that funds under all code heads have been well managed without any over expenditure. His personal qualities coupled with a very good understanding of service norms has endeared him to one and all and he is a source of inspiration to everyone.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader HS Kamal.

Master Warrant Officer MM Sarkar was enrolled on 21 Mar 60 in the Mechanical Transport Fitter trade. During his long service of more than 35 years, he has performed creditably.

MWO MM Sarkar was posted to an air defence unit at Bombay on 20 Apr 91. Upon arrival in the unit he studied the problem of extreme corrosion of vehicles, due to tough saline conditions prevalent in the region. He incorporated a number of innovative ideas to improve the serviceability status and could maintain almost 100% serviceability status during his tenure in the unit. Exceptional professional competence and initiative shown by MWO Sarkar has resulted in prompt repairs of transports and radar assemblies thus improving the operational

availability of the radar and saving valuable foreign exchange. He designed and made a valve assembly to repair a radar component of French origin, which became unserviceable and spares were not available, thus saving more than rupees three lakhs in foreign exchange. He also repaired the body and super-structure of a coach in the station workshop by spending only Rs 18,000 against the projected cost of Rs 67,000 for repairs in the local market.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Master Warrant Officer MM Sarkar.

Junior Warrant Officer MR Patil was enrolled in the Air Force as direct Sergeant on 23 Jan 88. He had represented Karnataka in the Senior National Wrestling Championship before joining the Air Force. With hard work and intensive training, he progressed exceedingly well at both, the national and the international levels. He is the current National Champion in the 62 kg class. He has the distinction of representing India ten times in various international tournaments including the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the 1990 & 1994 Asian Games. JWO Patil has won the National title seven years in a row. He was adjudged the Best Services Sportsman in the year 1992-93. He represented India in the Asian Wrestling Championship held at Teheran, in 1992 and won the Silver medal. Thereafter, he has won a Silver medal in the Moustafa international for Greco-Roman Style Wrestling Tournament held at Alexandria, Egypt in Mar 95.

JWO Patil's sustained excellence in the field of wrestling at both, the national and the international levels has brought glory not only to the Air Force but also to the country.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Junior Warrant Officer MR Patil.

Air Commodore RC Mahadik was commissioned on 27 Jun 64 as a Fighter Controller in Administrative Branch. He is one of the first few controllers to earn 'A' category. He has held many important assignments which include Senior Operations Officer of an Air Defence Direction Centre, Inspector in Directorate of Air Staff Inspection and Joint Director Air Defence (Ground Environment) at Air Headquarters. In the last assignment he was instrumental in making the QRs for Futuristic Automatic Data Handling Systems, conducting trials of Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) networking, and selection of low level radars for CRCs. He was appointed Chief Administrative Officer of Air Force Station Pune in Dec 93.

He wasted no time in plunging himself deeply into the job so that a sound administrative support was set up to create a safe flying environment. Whether it was airfield maintenance or welfare of the men working on the machines, Air Cmde Mahadik left no stones unturned to ensure that they were given the requisite support to the full satisfaction of the operators. In the field of work services, it was his sole initiative which saw the conversion of old buildings into comfortable dwellings with a fresh life of another 20 to 25 years at minimal cost. Air Cmde Mahadik ensured healthy growth of all the non-public funds. These were used very judiciously to improve the quality of life in the station.

For distinguished services of high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore RC Mahadik.

Air Commodore SM Sethi was commissioned in the Flying Branch as a transport pilot on 16 Mar 65. He holds the highest transport aircrew category and has more than 8700 hours of accident free flying on various types of aircraft with extensive experience in the difficult terrain of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. He is fully operational on all roles undertaken by transport aircraft including bombing. He has held appointment of Flight Commander, has commanded two transport squadrons and has been a Group Commander in NCC.

His first tenure as a Commanding Officer of an AN-32 squadron was dedicated to the task of providing much needed supplies and mobility to IPKF in Sri Lanka. Air Cmde Sethi was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the only AN-32 transport squadron. Under his exemplary leadership and professional guidance, the squadron achieved all tasks. He improved the categorisation state, ensured a higher serviceability state and maintained a record of zero accidents due to human error and also fulfilled the bombing tasks.

Air Cmde Sethi was the type force commander for battalion group para drop exercises, conducted in May 95 and Apr 96. He led a large formation of AN-32 aircraft by night and achieved excellent results in both exercises without any incident. This was possible due to his extensive preparation with an eye for the minute details and thorough briefings and de-briefings.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Cmde SM Sethi.

Air Commodore SC Luthra was commissioned on 19 Jun 63 in the Medical Branch. He was appointed Commandant of Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) in Sep 93. Immediately after taking over he brought the unserviceable Decompression Chamber not only on line but also upgraded it to attainment of altitude upto 1,00,000 feet as against the original capability of only 25,000 feet. He also took significant measures to maintain and upgrade Human Centrifuge of old vintage purchased over 30 years back to peak 100% serviceability state.

Air Cmde Luthra, with his vast experience of teaching and research and as Chairman of Board of Studies in Aviation Medicine of Bangalore University has been able to create ideal academic atmosphere at IAM. 33 research projects have been undertaken during his tenure. Aeronautical Research Development Board had funded projects worth Rs. 28.26 lakhs during 95-96. Psychological Research Centre, the first of its kind in the IAF, has been set up through pooling of local resources. Computerised Battery of Selection Tests developed by IAM are under validation through field trials. A film on Spatial Disorientation has been produced during 1994 and has been circulated to all flying units in the IAF. The average waiting period for Medical Boards has been brought down to 4-5 days as against 9 days for the last 3 years without compromising quality of assessment.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Cmde SC Luthra.

Group Captain RC Goyal was commissioned on 06 Apr 64 in the Engineering Branch. He has been the Chief Engineering Officer of an operational wing and Head of Faculty (Electronics) at Air Force Technical College. He was posted to Air HQ as Joint Director Telecommunications in Feb 95.

Immediately after taking over, the officer streamlined total activities of the directorate. His department looks after the procurement and maintenance of 62 varieties of Communication and Radio Navigation Aids equipment. He initiated measures to procure the deficient equipment and the entire lot of deficiencies were ordered. The supplies have already commenced. The officer undertook the massive task of studying the life cycle cost of the old equipment introduced two to three decades earlier and initiated measures to declare uneconomical and technically outdated equipment as obsolete.

The officer undertook an all India survey to identify indigenous spares and subsystems which were hitherto imported. His efforts by close liaison with DRDO, Manufacturers and stockists resulted in FE saving of aprox. Rs. 15 lakh. The officer was instrumental in design and fabrication of V/UHF radio vehicles which saw induction in service in a record time wherein delivery of 65 radio vehicles have taken place 6 months ahead of schedule.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt RC Goyal.

Group Captain V Channa was commissioned on 04 Jun 67 as a Fighter Pilot. He has held the appointments of Flight Commander in a fighter squadron, Chief Operations Officer of a Flying Wing and Command Flight Safety and Inspection Officer in Central Air Command. He was appointed Station Commander of Air Force Station, Suryalanka in Jul 94.

In Apr 95, the Air Defence elements of the Indian Army arrived at the Station for missile and Gun firing. The total manpower of the Army was 2000 men and 200 officers. Initially, all Army personnel had camped in tents just outside the AF station. However, due to torrential rains and heavy flooding the Army personnel had to be evacuated and provided emergency shelter inside the AF Station. This was the first time that such as huge strength of Army personnel stepped into any AF Station of the IAF. Under the able leadership of Gp Capt Channa the Station was geared up to meet the requirements of logistics technical and administrative services for an extended period of over one and half months. With his meticulous planning and untiring efforts, the task of safe firing of missiles and guns by all Army elements was achieved under extremely difficult and adverse conditions. Operational and administrative support provided to the Army by the IAF on war footing under heavy odds was very well appreciated.

In addition to conduct of safe firing, he also undertook the task of uplifting the station environment and improving the living conditions. Although the station is remotely located with very scarce resources, yet with his dedicated work it has become a prime station of Southern Air Command.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt V Channa.

Group Captain SK Jayarajan was commissioned on 23 Jan 68 in the Logistics Branch. He has held important appointments like Materials Manager at Gas Turbine Research Establishment and Chief Instructor in the Faculty of Advanced Logistics Officers Course at Air Force Administrative College. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and College of Defence Management. He was appointed Commanding Officer (CO) of an Air Storage Park (ASP) in Feb 95.

As CO, ASP, he ensured uninterrupted and expeditious support to operational units which helped them in improving their state of operational preparedness. He analysed the demands and stock position personally and took timely action for advance provisioning. He contributed immensely towards identification of non-moving stores and their disposal, thereby considerably reducing the inventory. Under his able guidance and leadership, the ASP accomplished the computerisation of entire range of stores. His sound professional capability and personal involvement has helped in creating new assets and retrieval of usable assets resulting in considerable savings.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt SK Jayarajan.

Group Captain HS Garkal was commissioned in the Administrative Branch on 15 Dec 68. He has acquitted himself creditably in a broad spectrum of challenging assignments which include Member of Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team, Command of a Ground Controlled Approach Squadron and Chief Administrtive Officer of an Air Force Station, Gp Capt Garkal attained a high degree of professional excellence as a category 'A' Air Traffic Controller and was selected as an examiner for five years. He was appointed Joint Director Organisation (Ceremonial) in Jan 95.

An alumnus of College of Defence Management, he applied his managerial skills and professional acumen in ensuring faultless planning and execution of National level ceremonial functions. In addition to his significant role in development of Air Force War memorial, the officer is also persuing the project of improving upon the Air Force Museum and Setting-up of IAF Archives. Gp Capt Garkal also played an important role in bringing out a documentary on History of Indian Air Force titled 'Air Force Day - A Time for Reminiscing' which was acclaimed by one and all. During his tenure the performance of AF Bands grew in stature and won laurels during the Victory Day celebration in Europe.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Gp Capt HS Garkal.