Group Captain Janak Pratap Singh is a highly experienced fighter pilot and has logged nearly 3000 hours of fighter flying. The officer is professionally highly qualified and has the distinction of having been Flight Commander of three fighter squadrons and commanding officer of MiG Squadron.

Due to his qualities of leadership, flying skill and dedication, the unit under his command won the Armament and Rocket trophies, won the Air HQrs Instrument rating Trophy and was declared the best squadron of the year in Eastern Air Command. For these achievements the officer was commended by the AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command.

The officer was mentioned in despatches during 1965 operations. For having professionally handled a grave night flying emergency on MiG aircraft Gp Capt JP Singh was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.

During the course of his present tenure as Joint Director Air Staff Inspection, his experience has been of immense value to the operational wings and squadrons.

For having consistently displayed the highest qualities of leadership, professional skill and dedication to the service, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Group Captain Janak Pratap Singh.

Wing Commander Jeffrey D' Souza was commissioned in the Air Force in 1963.

From the beginning of his career, Wg Cdr Jeffery D' Souza showed a high degree of skill in his basic profession of flying. Initially trained as fighter pilot on Vampire and Toofani aircraft he had just over two years service when the hostilities with Pakistan broke out in 1965. He participated fully during these operations in all tasks allotted to his unit. Later he was selected to become a qualified flying instructor after being trained at the Flying Instructors School. Thereafter he joined the Elementary Flying School and performed the duties of its flight commander. Wg Cdr D'Souza was posted to a MiG-21 Squadron where he was graded a Category A-2 instructor and was selected to become a Fighter Combat Leader. His excellence as a trainee FCL caused him to be retained as a member of the staff of the Tactical and Air Combat Development and Training Establishment after his training. Following a very effective tenure as a staff FCL, Wg Cdr D' Souza was selected to lead a team of instructors to a friendly foreign country.

In 1981 Wg Cdr J D' Souza was appointed as the Commanding Officer of a fighter squadrons. Soon after his assumption of office, his Unit was re-equipped with a modern type of aircraft. Wg Cdr D' Souza planned and executed this conversion with élan and zeal and was able to declare his unit operational within three months of the arrival of aircraft.

For his extensive accident free record of flying, his qualities of leadership and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Jeffrey D' Souza.

Wing Commander Harbans Singh Sahota has had an illustrious career over the last 20 years of his services wherein he was entrusted with prestigious appointments and qualifications like Flight Commander of a MiG-21 Squadron, Command Examiner, Fighter Combat Leader and on deputation to the Nigerian Air Force. His performance in the execution of all his duties has been consistently commendable throughout his career which brought credit to the units which he served within the IAF and won the appreciation of a foreign Air Force by his noteworthy contribution in discernibly enhancing the flying training effort of that country. Wing Commander HS Sahota took over the Command of a fighter Squadron on 08 Feb 82. His meticulous planning, personal example of highest professional skills, devotion to duty and diligent execution enabled his Squadron to achieve praise worthy results in all spheres of activity which enhanced the operational preparedness as well as provided positive promotion of Flight Safety. His Squadron was thus able to achieve an accident tree record for the year 1982-83. In the field of maintenance, his unit had the honour of achieving 100% serviceability twice during the year.

For his diligence, sincerity of effort, dedication and devotion to duty and personal example, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Harbans Singh Sahota.

Wing Commander Vijay Anant Joshi was commissioned in the IAF on 28th October 1963. He has held the appointments of Flight Commander of S-22 and MiG-21 Squadrons and has undergone flying courses abroad. He graduated as Production Test Pilot in 1976. Thereafter he was posted as Senior Test Pilot in HAL Nasik Division and he logged over 600 hrs of test flying on all variants of MiG21 aircraft.

During his test flying tenure at HAL, the officer tackled number of grave emergencies with proficiency and skill, thereby managing to execute safe landings. In all these emergencies, Wg Cdr Joshi showed a clear sense of judgment, professional capability and saved valuable aircraft.

For having consistently displayed high professional skill, sustained devotion to duty and exemplary record as a Production Test Pilot, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Vijay Anant Joshi.

Wing Commander Davinder Singh Sant has been flying fighter aircraft since Jan. 64. During his service of 19 yrs he has flown 2974 hours on Vampires, Hunters, Gnats and MiG-21 aircraft. He is fully operational on all types and has been assessed as an above the average pilot on Fighters. Since 1974 he has been holding a master green rating on MiG-21aircraft and has been instrument rating examiner on various MiG variants since 1979. He has also held the post of Flight Commander in Gnat and MiG Squadrons. He is a qualified Fighter Combat Leader and was selected as a flying inspector in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. He was specially selected for deputation to the Nigerian Air Force in 1979. He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra in January 1977 and also received commendations by the Chief of the Air Staff and AOC-in-C Western Air Command in 1979 and 1980 respectively.

He took over the Command of a MiG Squadron in January 1982, shortly after the squadron moved to a forward base. Because of operational requirements this Air Defence Squadron had the task of mounting ORP and participation in other Air Force exercises almost continuously for the past one year. This task was completed efficiently and without loss of operational training. During his tenure the conversion training and instrument rating state of his squadron showed a marked improvement.

For his exceptional devotion to duty and leadership on the ground as well as in the air, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Davinder Singh Sant.

Wing Commander Rama Kant Aggarwal (8742) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a front line transport Squadron since Jul 81.

He has served in the squadon on two tenures. He has over 2500 hours of flying on AN-12 aircraft of which 1100 hours are instructional and 1300 hours are forward area operational flying. He has an accident free total flying of 6902 hors and he has operated both in the Eastern and Western operational theaters. As a transport pilot he holds the highest transport category and instrument rating 'A' Master Green. As an instructor, he has achieved A-2 grading on AN-12. During the instructional tenure abroad, the officer completed 719 hours flying. All this has been possible due to his dedication to duty and disregard for personal comforts. He is a tireless and dedicated pilot and it is mainly through his ceaseless efforts and example as Flight Commander that the Squadron was able to achieve the Chief of the Air Staff trophy for the best categorized transport Squadron and the WAC trophy as the best transport/helicopter Squadron.

For his exemplary professional skill and and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander RK Agarwal.

Wing Commander Abhay Singh was the leader of the First Air Force contingent to participate in tare first Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica 1982-83.

His team was tasked to prepare a landing strip at "Dakshin Gangotri" the Indian base at Antarctica. Despite the most inhospitable weather, difficult working conditions and heavy odds, Wd Cdr Abhay Singh took up this challenge willingly. Undaunted by the limited resources of material and manpower, he displayed remarkable initiative and courage, in surveying the hitherto unmapped area, selecting a suitable site and preparing a skiway. An effective air drop of essential goods was carried out at Dakshin Gangotri which was possible due to the efforts put in by Wg Cdr Abhay Singh in preparing a DZ, marking it prominently and guiding the aircraft to the DZ.

In addition to his primary task as the leader of the Air Force element, he carried out many arduous tasks as a member of the second Indian Expedition Team. He was selected to be in the advance party of seven members, which first went on the shelf at "Dakshin Gangotri". Being the senior most member of the party, he along with the other members organised the advance camp and achieved the herculean task of offloading and arranging more than 40 tons of equipment and working continuously for more than 24 hours at a stretch. Undaunted by hostile environment, he carried out several reconnaissance missions on open snow scooter and on foot, in inhospitable terrain full of hidden dangers, displaying bravery and courage of an exceptional order.

For his conspicuous bravery, personal courage and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Abhay Singh.

Squadron Leader Arun Kumar Issar was commissioned in Indian Air Force on 29 Oct 66. On successful completion of Command conversion course in Jun 69, he was posted to a Transport Squadron for two years where he logged 1000 hours of flying in NEFA sector. After a ground tenure in Operations Rooms of Central Air Command, he was deputed to the Ministry of Agriculture. He served them with distinction in the best traditions of IAF and logged 1800 hours of agricultural flying. He was posted back to the same Squadron in July 80.

Squadron Leader Issar was declared fully operational in April, 1981. Since than he has flown over 1000 hours, out of which 850 hours have been on air maintenance in NEFA. While carrying out this arduous task by Dakota he encountered numerous emergencies. With his professional acumen he has been averting many a dangerous situations. At least on five occasions the technical malfunction failures were of such serious nature that he had to shut down the engine and carry out single engine landings. With his deep knowledge of aircraft, its systems and airmanship he has been coming out of difficult situations. His enthusiasm to undertake difficult missions against heavy odds has helped him log a total of 4900 hours of flying.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, courage, professional skill and competence, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Arun Kumar Issar.

Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Bhatia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June, 1967. Since then he has been on active flying duties continuously serving with distinction in different fighter Squadrons. During this period he also underwent flying Instructors and Fighter combat leader courses.

In June 81, Sqn Ldr V K Bhatia was posted to a Fighter Squadron, the second Squadron to re­equip with advanced aircraft. The first Squadron which was re­equipped some months earlier had not stablised till this date; so Squadron Leader Bhatia had very few guidelines to go by. In some areas concerning induction of the new aircraft, and training of aircrew and ground crew there were no precedences. It is to the credit of Squadron Leader Bhatia that the Squadron's re­equipment programme went through smoothly and as planned. Thereafter, his primary objective was to get his aircrew operational, a task which he undertook and achieved with a great deal of enthusiasm and efficiency.

Throughout Sqn Ldr Bhatia has displayed extra ordinary ability to inspire and motivate his subordinates to achieve allotted tasks. His own professional competence is highly commendable. Despite severe constraints inherent in any re-equipment programme, Sqn Ldr Bhatia by skillfully managing the material and personnel resources at his disposal achieved remarkable results.

For his devotion to duty, professional ability of a high order and outstanding managerial skills, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Bhatia.

Squadron Leader Neeraj Sharma underwent No. 3 Experimental Test Pilots' Course at ASTE, AF and graduated with flying colours. Prior to attending this course he served in Gnat and MiG Squadrons. He has also undergone the Advanced Air Armament Staff course at IAT, Pune. Inspite of his being a Pilot with a non technical academic background, he performed creditably on this course.

After graduation as an Experimental Test Pilot he was employed on active testing duties in the Flight Test Squadron at ASTE. He carried out a number of evaluation trials on fighter and transport aircraft. In his present tenure he has flown over 800 hours on numerous flight trials on different types of aircraft displaying a very high degree of professional competence and exceptional flight safety awareness.

In Sep 81, he was inducted into the staff of Test Pilots' School as the Senior Test Flying Instructor. His selection for this responsible position was based on his performance during the Test Pilots course as well as the work carried out by him as a Test Pilot.

In the school, he proved his mettle by imparting instructions of a very high quality to the students. The officer's attitude to work has been one of sustained enthusiasm and diligence despite being the only Test Flying Instructor available for long periods. Despite heavy work load, he ensured that the flying training was completed on schedule.

For his dedicated hard work, consistent performance of a very high calibre both in the air and on the ground, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Neeraj Sharma.

Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 21 Jun. 69, He has flown a total 4269 hours on transport/helicopters. He was selected for deputation to the Aviation Research Centre of the Directorate General of Security as Junior Captain and assumed his duties on 13 April 81 at an Advanced Air Base of this Centre

On 22 Jul 83, the Commander at Doom Dooma received a wireless message stating that an officer of the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau stationed at Taksing in NEFA hills had met with a serious accident resulting in cerebral injury and fractures of the arm. He was reported to be in a serious condition hovering between life and death. Immediate evacuation was asked for.

Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi was detailed to undertake this casualty evacuation task. Flying a Chetak helicopter to Taksing from Doom Dooma during this part of the year because of active monsoon conditions and associated turbulent weather demands determination, dedication and flying skill of high order.

Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi with courage and determination negotiated the weather and turbulence and reached the helipad at Taksing at 1230 hours IST. With exemplary flying skill and devotion to task in hand, he carried out the rescue attempt. He was successful in his mission and evacuated the casualty to Tezpur safely.

For his devotion to duty with complete disregard to personal safety and comfort, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Narendra Pratap Sahi.

Squadron Leader Teninder Singh Gauri was commissioned in the Air Force on 02 Jun. 68. He has over 14 years of uninterrupted accident free flying career in the Air Force. He is a qualified Production Test Pilot and has test flown and cleared over 100 helicopters. In addition, during his tenure at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment, Air Force, he has been successfully associated with several flight trials.

While on the posted strength of a Helicopter Unit, Sqn Ldr TS Gauri was specially detailed to carry out flood relief operations at Bhubaneswar (Orissa). In a short span of one week, flying from dawn to dusk and with utter disregard to personal comfort, he air dropped/ landed over 100 tonnes of provisions and life saving medicines, flying as much as eight sorties a day. Through out the relief operations, Sqn Ldr TS Gauri displayed a high sense of duty thus living up to the best traditions of the Air Force.

On another occasion, Sqn Ldr TS Gauri by his skilful handling of helicopter saved the lives of 33 people who were marooned on an island during floods in Arunachal Pradesh.

For his devotion to duty, professional skill and qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Teninder Singh Gauri.

Squadron Leader Narayanan Sivaramakrishnan was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force in June, 1967. Trained in UK on the Jaguar Recce Pod and Photo Interpretation Technique specific to the system, he is presently serving as the Photo Interpretation Officer at an Operational base of the Air Force. The introduction of new sophisticated equipment at this base called for a complete reorganisation of the Photo Section and for reorientation in training of Photo Tradesmen. His first achievement was re-commissioning of an automatic film processing unit from local resources. Earlier this machine had been lying unserviceable for over 2 years. Following this successful rectification work, he trained a large number of Photo Tradesmen in handling this machine and by constant drilling, achieved a very high degree of operational capability. Squadron Leader Sivaramakrishnan has also been instrumental in identifying initial flaws in some films and initiating corrective steps to be taken by the manufacturers. He has been involved in number of trials wherein he not only efficiently carried out his part but also gave valuable suggestions which were incorporated. In the process he has earned high praise from all the agencies involved in the trials. For the Fire Power Demonstration held at Tilpat Range and the IAF Golden Jubilee Celebrations, his contribution has been unique. Having moved a detachment of AF Stn Hindon and geared the resources there, he successfully met the task of dropping the Jaguar Reconnaissance Picture of the VIP enclosure, within 45 minutes from the time the aircraft was overhead the target.

For having rendered devoted service of an exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Narayanan Sivaramakrishnan.

On 17 Feb 83, Squadron Leader TPS Chhatwal was detailed to undertake a Casualty evacuation task for the Boarder Roads Organization. His destination was Udaipur, across the Rohtang pass.

Sqn Ldr Chhatwal on reaching Kulu was informed that the patient was in a critical condition and that he may collapse unless evacuated immediately. At this time the weather was getting cloudy and showed a marked deteriorating trend over the mountains.

He executed the mission with great courage and precision, carefully flying at low altitudes in the face of considerable air turbulence and a continuously lowering cloud base. Driven by compassion and a justified confidence stemming from innate, determination and flying skill, he succeeded in landing at Udaipur and evacuated the patient. During the return flight, the patient lapsed into unconsciousness despite the ministrations by the medical officer on board but was later revived at the hospital.

Sqn Ldr Chhatwal, in successfully accomplishing this mission, displayed courage, skill and determination of a very high order. By his selfless devotion to duty and zeal to undertake a difficult mercy mission in the face of heavy odds, Sqn Ldr Chhatwal saved a valuable life.

For his display of personal courage, selfless devotion to duty and cool professionalism, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Squadron Leader Tejinder Pal Singh Chhatwal.

Flying Officer Badrinath Srikanth was commissioned in the Air Force on 15 Jun 79 and on completion of Advanced training was posted to a twin engined transport Squadron in the Eastern Sector. Within a very short time he attained 'C'/green rating on the aircraft and was assessed an above the average pilot.

Throughout his tenure in the Squadron, Flying Officer Srikanth has displayed exemplary professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order. This has been amply proved on more than eight occasions when against heavy odds he saved valuable transport aircraft each time.

For having displayed absolute coolness of mind, precision in flying, excellent control over the aircraft and professionalism of an extremely high order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Flying Officer Badrinath Srikanth.