Wing Commander Jagat Narain Shukla (8548) was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Indian Air Force on 27 Jan 64. Since then he has held several challenging appointments such as Fighter Controller, Assistant and Deputy Provost Marshal, Assistant Director of Personnel (Officers) and Camp Commandant at Air Headquarters.

At Air Force Station Bikaner, the unit faced acute shortage of water and considerable improvement was needed in the living conditions of the airmen. Though the problem was outside the charter of duties, Wg Cdr Shukla volunteered and worked ceaselessly to achieve the twin objectives through dedicated and effective liaison with civil and local Military authorities.

As Assistant Provost Marshal at Agra, Wg Cdr Shukla was an embodiment of discipline, courage and conviction. He, on a number of occasions, endangered his life to apprehend a large number of notorious thieves responsible for several thefts of valuable service property. On one occasion he displayed courage of a very high order to save the life of a labourer buried in a well by endangering his own life and earned gallantry award of Shaurya Chakra.

In Nov 83, the officer took over the appointment of Camp Commandant, Air Headquarters, an unenviable appointment by all standards. The officer introduced several cost effective methods, significantly reduced cost of maintenance and supplies of essential and routine items. An effective and dedicated liaison with civil authorities helped in completing several Works Services and clear administrative bottle necks. This greatly improved the efficiency and level of satisfaction among the staff.

During the month of Feb 85, the Chief of the Air Staff desired to re-organise Air Headquarters to achieve greater efficiency. The shifting of nearly forty Directorates and subdirectorates from Vayu Bhavan to RK Puram and vice versa was a Herculean task. Wg Cdr Shukla worked around the clock even on Sundays and holidays and executed the task in an excellent manner with least damage to service property and at a negligible cost.

For his consistent performance of a high order involving untiring hard work, devotion to duties, high quality of leadership, organizing capability, cost effective management of resources in achieving desired results, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Jagat Narain Shukla, SC.

Wing Commander Ganapragasam Usther Dhanaraj (8570) Administrative was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 27 Jun 64. He was trained in the Air Traffic Control and after attending some specialist courses had done field jobs for about 16 years and had earned a name for himself. He had to carry out his job even outside officer hours and he did it cheerfully and willingly with a high sense of loyalty.

Wg Cdr Dhanraj is on staff duties for the last five years. From Oct 81 to Nov 84, he had worked as Staff Officer to Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans), where he had to deal with four Directorates and was of great help to the ACAS (Plans) in the smooth functioning of this officer during the period. He had to receive large number of visitors, mostly foreigners, in connection with the evaluation and negotiations of new inductions and he performed this duty with utmost care, intelligence and devotion. For the last one year, he is working as Staff Officer to the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. He works very hard and is utterly devoted to his job and does more than his fair share - no doubt at considerable personal inconvenience. He has thus become utterly indispensable. For his high degree of involvement, total dedication, unflinching loyalty, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ganapragasam Usther Dhanaraj.

Wing Commander Sajjan Singh Sidhu (9188) Administrative was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Dec 64. Throughout his career, he has performed the duties assigned to him effectively, with utmost industry and in the best interest of the service. On a number of occasions, he carried out these tasks at considerable personal risk and inconvenience.

As a Station Security Officer and Counter Intelligence Officer at one of the forward AF Stations, Wg Cdr Sidhu established excellent rapport with his counterparts in local army units and civil intelligence agencies. He also maintained close liaison with all the Sarpanches and got regular inputs from them. He had geared up the Station Security staff to meet any unforeseen contingency, particularly during Punjab disturbances and operation Blue Star. He knew the pulse of the villagers all around the Airfield and was thus able to advise the Air Officer Commanding and ensure suitable anticipatory measures well in time.

When Wg Cdr Sidhu was posted in Jun 82 as many as fourteen cases involving this Station were pending in Civil Courts. The cases pertained to Air Force farmland leased out to civilians for cultivation. All these cases were followed vigorously by him and closed without any adverse reflection on the Air Force. He was able to use his experience favourable as a qualified lawyer.

Wg Cdr Sidhu has given an excellent account of himself in the capacities that he has functioned at the Station and is a very fine example of highly motivated and dedicated officer. He is willing, very positive and a very fine field worker. He works tirelessly throughout the day with total disregard to his personal convenience or family needs.

For his professionalism, sense of duty and distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sajjan Singh Sidhu.

Wing Commander Dinesh Chander Bhardwaj (9545) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force in May 65. He is an experienced pilot with over 4,800 hrs of accident free flying. He holds the highest transport Category and Rating.

He was in Command of a transport squadron from Oct 83 to Dec 84. His Squadron equipped with aircraft which had been in service for over two decades. When he took over command, the aircraft were having several incidents and failures and the reliability was low. Wg Cdr Bhardwaj, in consultation with his Squadron Engineers, devised preventive maintenance which greatly improved the aircraft reliability. During his command of the Squadron met, and even exceeded, the allotted airmaintenance and flying tasks. He also took keen interest in the training of his officers. It is because of his efforts that over 85% of the crew in the Squadron are categorized and large number are holding above the average categories. This could be possible only by his close and active involvement, dedicated and sustained efforts, outstanding managerial and organizing ability and skill, professional capability of a high order and capacity to ensure great personal discomforts for the sake of service. He was able to infuse a high degree of enthusiasm and dedication in his officers and men.

For dedication to duty, high professional standards, and exemplary leadership, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Dinesh Chander Bhardwaj.

Squadron Leader Ashok Kumar Marwaha (10418) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Air Force in Mar 67. He has held various field and staff appoint ments where he excelled himself.

Sqn Ldr AK Marwaha earlier as Officer incharge Test Equipment and Calibration Section at a Base Repair Depot had streamlined the procedure of calibration and repair of sophisticated equipment received from Air Force Units. Through his systematic and logical approach, he had minimized time consumed for repair and dispatch of test equipment back to units which is a vital requirement of the operational units.

Later Sqn Ldr Marwaha was detailed to work in the Engine Repair Section. Although, he is an officer from electronic system, he was given this responsibility because of his efficiency and interest in learning new jobs. Through his efforts and intelligent planning, he removed various bottlenecks in production of engines and has been instrumental in improving quality of overhaul and achieving record production inspite of shortage of spares.

At one time, the production of Engine used on Mi-8 Helicopter came to a grinding halt due to unserviceability of frequency testing machine used for testing the blades, compressors, turbine rotor. Inspite of the non-availability of spares from USSR for this machine, this officer accepted the challenge and took up the repairs of this critical machine. He applied himself methodically, modified circuit of amplifier unit, designed and fabricated components and was successful in servicing the rig. As a result not only production was re-started but at the same time, opened the way to indigenize repair of this machine and eliminated the dependence on foreign resources. Through his initiative and innovative ideas, this officer also indigenized the fabrication of many vital tools and components like bearing extractor, wire check tools and modification of templates etc. This avoided many hold ups due to non-supply of items from USSR.

For his professional competence, initiative, dedicated devotion to duty, eagerness to accept challenges and excellent contribution to the Engine Repair Section, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Ashok Kumar Marwaha.

Squadron Leader Kirti Shekhar Chaturvedi (12100) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in Air Force in Jul 69 and has held various field appointments with distinction.

Sqn Ldr Chaturvedi was one of the technical officers trained in the USSR on Vijay aircraft. On his return, his high degree of professional knowledge was evident when asked to give presentation to the AOC-in-C South Western Air Command on aircraft sight. His questioning attitude coupled with a friendly demeanor disarmed the pilots and he obtained a wealth of information about the sight's behaviour in flight. This led to his ensuring a better maintenance of sight and consequent improvement in the Squadron Armament results. As Officer Incharge Daily Servicing Section his able leadership contributed to a high standard of morale amongst his men. His high sense of cooperation has built an unbreakable bond between the pilots and the technical team.

As Senior Technical Officer of one of the Squadrons, his tireless quest for higher standards has led to a higher state of aircraft serviceability. His positive attitude to any innovation and subsequent encouragement has led the technical tradesmen of the squadron to innovate and improve the present available resources. The Squadron has many innovations to its credit like the engine inhibiting rig for which Sqn Ldr Chaturvedi provided the guidance and patronage.

For his consistent hard work, professional skill and knowledge and for his able leadership, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Kirti Shekhar Chaturvedi.

Flight Lieutenant Gurmeet Singh Sandhu (14786) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical), who was commissioned in Indian Air Force on 03 Jan 77, has been on the posted strength of Headquarters Western Air Command (Unit), Air Force w.e.f. 16 Jun 80.

Flt Lt Sandhu has been an outstanding sportsman and has the rare distinction of representing the country in international competition in two games i.e., Basket Ball and Hand Ball. He captained the services team in National Basket Ball and Hand Ball championships winning both of them.

Flt Lt Sandhu represented India in the first Asian Youth Basket Ball championship at Seoul, South Korea in 1970. He was a member of the Services Basket Ball team from 1978 to 1981 and captained the Services team in 198081. He was a member of the Air Force Basket Ball team which had visited Bhutan on a good will visit on the invitation of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Flt Lt Sandhu also represented India in the second Asian Hand Ball championship at Nanking, China in Oct-Nov 79. He was vice captain of the Indian Hand Ball team during the Asian Games held at Delhi in 1982 and also at the first International Hand Ball Tournament at Hyderabad in April, 1982. He has also the honour of winning seven consecutive National Gold Medals in the National Hand Ball Championships.

Apart from his personal achievements in sports, he has also, by his inspiring leadership, brought about tremendous improvements in the Basket Ball and Hand Ball teams of Western Air Command which resulted in the Command wining these two games in the last Air Force Sports meet. Due to his distinguished achievements towards the promotion of sports, he was adjudged the 'Best Sportsman of the year 1982' in the Indian Air Force and was presented the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy by then Prime Minister Shrimati Indira Gandhi in April, 1982.

Flight Lieutenant Gurmeet Singh Sandhu has not only brought laurels to the service in the field of sports but by his untiring efforts, personal example and fruitful guidance to the others has contributed to improvement in the standard of sports in the Air Force, the President is pleased to award him the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Presently he is posted as WO i/c Daily Servicing Section of an Air Observation Post unit. An unassuming and extremely dedicated Warrant Officer he has by sacrificing all personal comforts and leisure involved himself fully and ensured 100% serviceability of aircraft in the Unit for the last four months.

He is an outstanding supervisor who keeps the cutting edge of the Air Force sharp. He is not only an asset to any unit but also a shining example for others to emulate.

In view of his consistent distinguished performance, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Master Warrant Officer Manik Lal Saha.

220970-H Master Warrant Officer Pritham Pal Singh Mechanical Transport Driver has been working as Mechanical Transport Officer at HQ Training Command (Unit) since June 1984. The MT Section of this unit has large fleet of transports and provides MT coverage to a large number of units including HQ Training Command, IAF. Apart from this, the unit has to meet the additional task for providing staff cars to all visiting VIPs and high dignitaries from other formations. Inspite of acute shortage of experienced and qualified MTD tradesmen and transports, he has managed to achieve a high standard of maintenance and serviceability state of transports. By his superior planning ability and intelligence, he has always handled the difficult task very carefully and wisely. Recently, through his own efforts he has introduced a modern type of Daily Inspection point to facilitate the MTDs to carry out DI of MT vehicles quickly and comfortably.

In a short span of time he was instrumental in devising procedures for control and coordination of MT section particularly the large number of cars on its fleet. During the tenure he has achieved highest rate of fuel economy by means of his superior planning and coordination of MT runs to the maximum. On many occasions he has worked from morning till late hours in the night in order to meet the urgent and important task of the section.

MWO PP Singh has carried out his duties with exceptional enthusiasm and intelligence. With his exceptional ability and deep knowledge of his trade, he has brought the section to the highest standard of efficiency in all respects.

He has been constantly guiding and training his subordinates not only from supervisory level but also keeping close contact at the working level. For his exceptional work he was commended by Air Officer-in-charge Administration on 15 Aug 76 and by Chief of the Air Staff on 26 Jan 79.

For dedication and devotion to his duties and exceptional ability, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to 220970-H Master Warrant Officer Pritham Pal Singh.

230361 Warrant Officer Jai Singh Sidhu Indian Air Force/Police was enrolled in the AF in Dec 60 and ever since he has worked with distinction in various assignments entrusted to him as AF Policeman. Presently he is posted as Counter Intelligence Operator in a liaison unit.

During 1984, the situation prevailing in the country demanded the highest degree of

vigilance, diligence, dedication and total efficiency from CI Operators of this unit. WO JS Sidhu as a CI Operator worked with complete disregard to his personal comfort and greatly contributed to this Unit's efforts in providing effective CI cover to major AF establishments within its area of responsibility. He carried out his duties with total devotion, complete integrity and without fear or favour. On many occasions WO Sidhu was given the task of CI interrogations and in each assignment he came out with flying colours thereby making valuable contribution to the achievement of the unit's task.

WO Sidhu put in selfless service and exhibited the highest standard of devotion to duty. There is hardly a day, be it working or a holiday, when WO Sidhu has not performed at least 12 hours duty in the unit. Through his selfless devotion to duty and hard work he has set the finest example for his subordinates to follow for his superiors to cherish.

For outstanding devotion to service, untiring zeal, exemplary conduct, unflinching integrity and professional competence of a high order, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to 230361 Warrant Officer Jai Singh Sidhu

230990 Junior Warrant Officer Jung Bahadur Chand Airframe Fitter was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in Dec 60. He is a recipient of commendation by the Chief of the Air Staff for his dedicated exemplary work in the filed of aviation. He has shown an unmatchable example of hard work, zeal, enthusiasm and skill through out his service career and has shouldered greater amount of responsibility.

During the recent flood relief operations in Andhra Pradesh and its adjoining state Tamil Nadu, he relentlessly worked day in and day out, at base and at outstation and kept the involved aircraft flying-worthy throughout the operation. At times while being JWO i/c detachment he has not only worked on the aircraft tirelessly but has also taken part in flying activities as a member of food dropping party.

JWO Chand is not only keen and hard working individual but has a critical eye for details. He has on numerous occasions found technical defects/damages to aircraft which could have gone unnoticed and lead to serious problems. He inspired his crew with personal example and carried out all tasks in a most professional manner.

Just when the flood relief operations were getting over the unit was entrusted a gigantic task of looking after the Prime Minister's electioneering tour of whole of South and adjoining state of Maharashatra and Madhya Pradesh. Throughout the month eight helicopters of unit flew continuously: 50, 100 & 200 servicing fell due at the shortest possible period ever known to the unit. In five days two 50 hrs and two hundred hrs servicing were carried out. This, otherwise exceptionally difficult task, couldn't have been accomplished, if JWO Chand hadn't been there.

For his dedication, hard work, tireless effort, zeal, enthusiasm and professional competence, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Junior Warrant Officer Jung Bahadur Chand.

605854 Sergeant Mahanand Prasad Electrical Fitter was enrolled in the Air Force in April 68. His contribution towards better maintenance practices in his trade have been exemplary. His major achievements include: a. Fabrication of Current Consumption Tester. b. Fabrication of Trim Current Tester. c. Fabrication of Ignition Coil Tester. d. Fabrication of rig to carry out basic error check. e. Complete wiring and installation of pick up and drop out current tester. f. Wiring and installation of Inverter Test Rig. g. Wiring and installation of Milli Volt Drop Tester for undercarriage selector switch. h. Wiring and installation of tester to carry out pick up and drop out voltage and current.

Sgt Prasad is also currently working on the fabrication of an Inverter Test Rig. Also he has progressed substantially in a modification of electrical circuitry in order to avoid tyre burst on landing due to malfunction of inertia pick up. This modification when incorporated will go a long way in avoiding tyre burst on MiG-21 aircraft, due to malfunction of inertia pick ups.

Sgt Prasad has shown his exceptional skill and mettle over the years. His creative talents, innovative ideas and initiative are truly commendable. A dedicated worker, he has always upheld the finest traditions of the service and has always put service before self, a true professional in the real sense, his putting in a lot of hard work and produce results. The President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Sergeant Mahanand Prasad.