Squadron Leader Baldev Singh Cheema was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in October 1964. An M Tech, he is a graduate of Defence. Services Staff College, Wellington. Being an exceptional Engineer, he was specially selected for training abroad on first and second line servicing of a new aircraft. On his return he was entrusted with the responsibility of setting up the technical services of an aircraft having the most modern and sophisticated equipment in the Indian Air Force. Having to start from scratch, with limited resources at his disposal, Squ adron Leader Cheema, in a short span of a few months, achieved a near impossible goal of making the technical services stream lined. His unflagging energy knew no bounds as he worked morning and afternoon to achieve his aim.

Taking a keen interest in every aspect of the technical requirements, his involvement was total as he went into the smallest detail of every problem and ensure that it was thrashed out. He had displayed tremendous enthusiasm and pride in his work which has served as a great example to his subordinates and especially to the men of the Unit. His devotion to duty and unrelenting ardour for work is infectious, enabling him to extract the maximum out of his men, and thus achieve the phenomenal results.

The inspections of second line servicing had to be suitably scheduled to cater for the working environment so as to produce the optimum results. The servicing and operation of specialist vehicles, which turned out to be a major task, was personally supervised by Squadron Leader Cheema.

For his undoubted ability and devotion to duty the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Baldev Singh Cheema.

Squadron Leader Samuel Simon was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in December 1964. He had held variety of appointments which include Assistant Administrative Officer, Security Counter Intelligence Officer at an operational Base, Assistant Provost Marshal and Staff Officer.

At Bombay, where the Officer was posted as Assistant Provost Marshal, he was instrumental in ensuring smooth and efficient movement of a large number of road convoys, especially relating to the setting up of Guided Weapons units. It was again during this tenure that Sqn Ldr Simon played a leading role in apprehending some personnel involved in smuggling activities. This was an operation beset with great personal danger and the officer carried it out with imagination and utter disregard of the risk and threat that his family and himself were faced with.

Having gained in experience, particularly with regard to security and investigative operations, the officer was specially selected and posted as Assistant Provost Marshal at Bagdoara, at a time when the general law and order atmosphere to the region had deteriorated. His tact, sense of involvement and mature judgment came in handy towards establishing cordial relations between the Air Force and the local population and he contributed substantially in enhancing the image of the Air Force in a difficult situation.

In all his recent appointments, as Staff Officer to Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Staff Officer to Vice Chief of Air Staff and presently as ADC to Chief of the Air Staff, he continued to display exemplary devotion to duty and a forthright and positive attitude.

During all the 18 years of his commissioned service for having rendered dedicated service of a high order the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Samuel Simon.

Squadron Leader Jayanti Swarup was commissioned in the IAF in December 1964. He has worked as a Fighter Controller, as a Station Adjutant-cum Counter Intelligence Officer and later as Command Organisation Officer. He acquitted himself creditably in all these assignments.

In December 1979 he was posted to Air Headquarters and has been working as Assistant Director in the Directorate of Personnel (Airmen). In this capacity he was entrusted with the policy relating to moves of airmen, laying down of manning levels for different types of units, plans for the augmentation of manpower during emergency and selection of airmen for posting to our Missions abroad as well as within the country. He discharged these responsibilities in an exceedingly efficient manner. Another important aspect relating to his day today functioning was to interview airmen as well as their relatives. He handled their representations in an admirable manner and was able to provide relief to the maximum possible number of deserving cases without sacrificing the general interests of the service. In this manner, he made a valuable contribution to the upkeep of the morale in general.

For the meritorious service of an exceptional order rendered by him the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Jayanti Swarup.

Squadron Leader Ramakrishna Somnath was commissioned in the IAF in Oct 67 and was associated with the maintenance of Mi-8 helicopters since their inception and had served with distinction. He was responsible for setting up Mobile Conversion Flight training facilities as also servicing facilities in all the bases. These facilities are, even now, being extensively used for meeting the additional servicing requirements.

During the year 1976, Sqn Ldr R Somnath was entrusted with the task of maintenance of two types of helicopters employed to support Oil & Natural Gas Commission Bombay High off-shore operations. Immediately on his arrival at Bombay, Sqn Ldr R Somnath carried out an accurate assessment of facilities available at Bombay and nearby bases and geared up the unit with complete range of servicing facilities within a short time. As a result of this achievement, infructuous ferry of helicopters to a distant base could be stopped which has saved exchequer lakhs of rupees.

In the recent past there were many instances where fire extinguisher bottles in Mi-8 helicopters fired inadvertently during the starting cycle. Sqn Ldr R Somnath carried out extensive tests, conferred with specialists and took remedial measures that obviated the problem completely. He rendered invaluable guidance in modifying the aircraft for various roles.

For his professional skill, devotion to duty and having rendered distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Ramakrishna Somnath.

Squadron Leader Rajvir Yadav was commissioned in the IAF in 1967. He has served as a Navigator in Packet and AN-12 Squadrons. Because of his hard work and involvement in his basic profession he was selected for an Advanced Navigation Course and was later posted as an instructor at Navigation and Signals School. During the tenure at NSS he was commended by the AOC-in-C Training Command for a very high sense of dedication and responsibility.

Squadron Leader Yadav also did a Fighter Controller's Course in which he stood first with an A-2 category. During the 1971 conflict he was posted in a Signal Unit and was commended by the ADDC Commander for having shown great presence of mind in skillfully controlling MiG aircraft which was unsure of its position and critically short of fuel.

For over 3½ years, Sqn Ldr Yadav has been working as the Staff Officer to an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief and Principal Staff Officer at Air Headquarters. He has been thoroughly reliable in undertaking all the responsibilities of his task and has shown great tact, and where necessary firmness, in handling matters.

For his distinguished service of a high order spread over a period of many years, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Rajvir Yadav.

Squadron Leader Rajagopala Sunder Raman was enrolled in Air Force in 1951 and was subsequently commissioned in 1969. In the earlier stages of his service, he was actively involved in the installation and overhauling of Radar System like early warning radar and Star Sapphire. He did creditable work in achieving optimum serviceability of these radar system against limitation of spares, availability and inadequate testing and calibration facilities.

During his tenure at ADGES Training Institute from September 1974 to September 1977 in addition to his duties as an instructor, he installed the full range of Troposcatter Communication equipment for training purpose, without any previous experience available on the subject. It was a challenging task, which he carried out to the entire satisfaction of his superiors.

Since September 1977, Squadron Leader Sunder Raman is in command of an installation unit of a very important communication hub centre, where he is directly responsible for installation, testing and then handing over the highly sophisticated Tropo Communication links to the users. By setting personal example of hard work and technical competence, he has shaped his personnel into a fine team of skilled technicians. During operation and maintenance of special equipment there were a number of operational and maintenance problems which had to be sorted out to meet the laid down specifications. Squadron Leader Sunder Raman, with his professional knowledge and technical competence, visited almost all the sites optimized the equipment performance and demonstrated the maintenance procedures to the site personnel. This was achieved by tenacity of purpose dedicated effort and sheer hard work extending deep into the night every day.

For his qualities of leadership, a very high degree of initiative, determination and professional technical competence the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Rajagopala Sunder Raman.

Flight Lieutenant Manmohan Singh was commissioned in 1969. Right after commissioning he set into improving the sagging image of the IAF Basket Ball Team which had gone down. His guidance, leadership and planning infused enthusiasm, dedication and confidence in the Air Force Basket Ball Team which brought up the name of the Air Force into lime light. Due to the initiative, drive and dedication of this officer, who captained the IAF team from 1969 to 1979, the IAF Team came to the forefront and achieved the following:- a. Won 16 all India Tournaments. b. 5 Air Force Players represented India. c. Air Force Players represented Services team. d. Reached Finals of Services Meet three times.

Not withstanding this selfless and yeoman service to Air Force, his personal performance has soared to new heights and earned achievements which few in India can claim. a. He captained services team in the National Pre-Asian Championships and was instrumental in the victory of the services team for 10 years from 1969 to 1979. b. He was selected to represent India in International meets 8 times. He has performed splendidly in the following International Tour naments: i. III ABC at Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). ii. X ABC Celebrations at Manila (Philippines). iii. VI ABC at Tokyo (Japan). iv. VII ABC at Manila (Philippines). v. VI Asian Games at Bangkok (Thailand). c. He has the distinction of captaining India Team in the Asian Basketball Championship, and is perhaps the only IAF sportsman to achieve this unique distinction. d. He has the honour of being placed on ALL STAR ASIAN TEAM at Manila. He was the only player in the tournament to be placed on the top rung of three separate departments of the game i.e., Scoring, Rebounding and Assistance. e. He won Arjuna Award in 1971 for his outstanding performance as a player of the Indian Team. Subsequently he had attained the greater acclaim as a Caption of the Indian Basket Ball Team in 1973. He is the sole officer recipient of this National honour in the IAF. f. He has been nominated the First 'Best Player of the Air Force'.

In view of his outstanding performance, in the field of Basket Ball in which he has won international repute and brought honours not only to IAF but also to the country; in recognition of his dedication and devotion in bringing up young Air Force players and guiding team to top; in appreciation of his leadership, determination and expertise in captaining Air Force and Services teams and boosting up their performance upto National level; and keeping in high esteem the fact that he has given the best part of his playing days to the service without considering domestic problems and beyond the call of duty, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Flight Lieutenant Manmohan Singh.

Flying Officer Gautam Kumar Dasgupta was commissioned in June 1978. Though young, he has made name for himself as a competent and dedicated Engineering Officer. Flying Officer Dasgupta was specially selected to provide Engineering support to the Air Force Aerobatic Team 'Thunder Bolts' and he amply proved himself worthy of the faith shown in him.

He has organised the technical activity of the Squadron personnel very efficiently, resulting in enhanced Squadron output. He possesses the natural quality of leadership; leading by example, where men follow him cheerfully through long hours of hard work for best possible results. Notwithstanding the perennial problems associated with the ageing aircraft and limited availability of spares, he has achieved an increase in aircraft and equipment serviceability and sustained it. During the recently concluded twelve aircraft detachment he showed exemplary farsightedness in organising first line and second line servicing while on the move. Never was any aircraft left behind at any place, though the unit gave displays over fifteen different towns all over the country, during a period of two and half months. He worked round the clock on various occasions. On one such occasion he had an engine change done overnight thus enabling ferry out of all twelve aircraft together. He achieved those outputs with selfless devotion, personal involvement and long hours and hard work beyond the call of duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. In recognition of these accomplishments at such a young age and service, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Flying Officer Gautam Kumar Dasgupta.

Master Warrant Officer Bishambher Nath Bhasin was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in December, 1947 and since then he has always worked to achieve the difficult targets set before him by his superiors. His enthusiasm has never flagged despite his long innings with the IAF.

Master Warrant Officer Bhasin is highly innovative and overcomes apparently unsolvable problems with ease. His capacity to guide and control his men with iron discipline and yet his sense of justice, fair play and humane behaviour has earned him respect and affection of his subordinates and admiration of his superiors.

Since January 1979 Master Warrant Officer Bhasin has been working as Master Warrant Officer in-charge Central Repair and Servicing Section of one of the frontline aircraft at one of the major air bases and has shown exemplary zeal and enthusiasm, not only to handle intricacies of the Airframe system of this sophisticated aircraft, but also in organizing the manpower and other resources placed under his charge into a highly efficient and productive force. Because of these commendable qualities he has been able to harness the efficiency of nearly 250 airmen and vast resources placed under him to a fine edge.

For his undying zeal, great professional knowledge and commendable qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Master Warrant Officer Bishambher Nath Bhasin.

Master Warrant Officer Sant Kumar was enrolled in the IAF in Jul 50. A tradesman of very high caliber, he was trade testing examiner for two years. Since 1978, he has been on deputation to Gas Turbine Research Establishment.

When MWO Sant Kumar joined the Establishment he had no previous experience in the very specialized field of fabricating experimental combustion chambers. However, by sheer hard work and with admirable determination MWO was able to meet the challenges most effectively. Under his guidance and supervision the number of these experimental combustion chambers were produced, all of which met the design requirements completely.

In his second major commitment of setting up electroplating facilities, he was responsible for advising the manufacturers of electroplating equipment regarding modification which are required for the equipment supplied by them, so that these could be satisfactorily integrated to form a comprehensive system. He was responsible for design and lay out of this facility and also the satisfactory installation, commissioning and utilization of the equipment supplied.

For his professional competence, qualities of leadership and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Master Warrant Officer Sant Kumar.

Junior Warrant Officer Malamal Neelamcherry Unnikrishnan was enrolled into the IAF in Sep 1962. He was trained in France in the installation of the antenna and drive systems. This JWO by sheer hard work and perseverance master the mechanical engineering aspects. He has developed a very high degree of skill and mastery in this intricate task. He has achieved very high professional standard whereby he could be independently entrusted with undert aking the installation of these highly complex systems.

One of the operational THD-1955 High Power Radar Units developed excessive wear of the bogie train in the drive system of the antenna. The complete antenna system weighing nearly 10 tons, is mounted on these rollers, which travel on the bearing race. This travel of roller ensures rotation of antenna in an absolutely level azimuthal plane.

JWO Unnikrishnan was detailed to inspect the extent of wear on these rollers. On inspection, he found that the wear was excessive and rollers would need replacement. The exercise of replacing these rollers had not been carried out at any site till then. Being fully aware of the excellent professional competence of the JWO, Radar and Communication Project Office entrusted the task of replacement of these rollers to him.

With a team of Radar Fitters, drawn from the unit, who were not trained in the installation of the drive system even there the JWO successfully completed the task of replacement these defective roller with a serviceable set. The mechanical adjustment measurements on the drive system were checked and the results proved that apart from being well within the specifications, the job had been carried out correctly and in an extremely professional manner. An operational radar was thus repaired in the field with minimum down time while adhering to the stringent specifications.

JWO Unnikrishnan, by assiduous hard work and discipline, gained and displayed a high degree of professional competence in both radar engineering and in the highly complex mechanical installation. Cheerful and always willing to take additional responsibilities, he had successfully and independently carried out major repairs in the field. For displaying a very high degree of initiative, determination and professional technical competence, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Junior Warrant Officer Malamal NeelamcherryUnnikrishnan.