Air Marshal Hirendra Nath Chatterjee was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch of the Air Force in August, 1940. He was one of the first Flying Instructors to be trained in the IAF and made significant contribution in that capacity both during World War II and later in the development of the Air Force. He served with distinction with a Squadron in Burma Campaign, when he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry. After Independence, he rendered valuable service as Chief Instructor of the Air Force Flying School, and laid the foundation of what is now the Air Force Academy. He also played an important part in setting up training facilities and framing policies and plans for the expansion of the Air Force. More recently, Air Marshal Chatterjee has been Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance, at Air Headquarters, Air Officer Commandingin-Chief Maintenance Command and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command. Since March 1971 Air Marshal Hirendra Nath Chatterjee has been responsible for the operational training and readiness of the Air Force as a whole. He played a leading part in planning and coordinating the activities of the three Operational Commands during the recent war with Pakistan. Throughout his career, Air Marshal Chatterjee has brought to his duties a sound knowledge of military aviation in all its aspects, and the ability to tackle the most difficult tasks in a quite and methodical manner. Through the many important posts that he has held, he has done much for the development and strengthening of the Indian Air Force, leading up to its success in the recent Indo-Pak conflict. He has rendered service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Satish Kumar Ramlal Dham was commissioned in the medical branch of IAF on 29 Dec 1963. An astute physician he has held coveted appointments as the Senior advisor in medicine, Head and Professor of medicine at AFMC, PMO at the operational SWAC, Consultant medicine to the armed forces at the apex tertiary care Army hospital, Research & Referral (AHRR) and commandant of the prestigious Command hospital Air Force, Bangalore (CHAFB). He was appointed Commandant of AFMC, the premier teaching establishment of the armed forces in the country in Jan 2002. Presently he is holding the appointment of DGMS (Air).

Earlier in his formative years he served with distinction as a specialist in medicine at the Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM). For his professional contribution to the vexing problem of ECG abnormalities in aircrew he was commended by the AOC-in-C TC in 1975. Later serving as a Staff Surgeon to Chief of Air Staff in 1978 he was commended by the CAS for his professional excellence. As Reader in medicine at AFMC, he distinguished himself as an excellent medical teacher and guided many research projects and PG students. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal by the President for distinguished services of high order in 1987. He has been a medical member UN fact-finding mission at Cambodia in 1989. Professionally acclaimed nationally he was awarded Fellowship of Indian College of Physician in 1993. He was instrumental in conceptualizing the functioning of medical departments at the newly formed AHRR during his tenure as consultant in medicine. He displayed excellent administrative skills as PMO, SWAC and later as Commandant CHAF(B). He modernised the command hospital and set up a nationally acclaimed hospital waste management system. For distinguished services of exceptional order he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal by the President in Jan 2001.

At AFMC, with his professionalism and vast experience in teaching and training, he brought out significant improvement in the academic environment and established a much needed department of medical education and information technology. As DGMS (Air), he has rationalized the entire medical board and categorization process in the IAF and revised the important medical IAP 4303 which guides the medical officers at the field level. A major fillip has been given to acquire much needed flight safety simulators (Human Centrifuge & Spatial Disorientation simulator) at IAM during his short span as President Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine. He has thus excelled as a Professional, teacher, research worker & displayed excellent organizational skills as an able administrator; during his career spanning over 39 years, and contributed to the growth of medical services of armed forces.

Air Marshal SKR Dham AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Ashok Kumar Goel AVSM VM (8151) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 31 Dec 63, as a transport pilot. He has over 9000 h of flying and has held the highest category of instrument rating on most of the transport aircraft of the IAF fleet. During his 39 years of service, he has held various key Staff and field appointments. Notable amongst these are Officer Commanding of two frontline transport squadrons, Air Officer Commanding of two Wings of the IAF, Director Training at Air HQs and Chief Instructor (Air) at DSSC. He is an alumnus of College of Defence Management (CDM) and National Defence College (NDC). He was awarded VM in 1988 and AVSM in 1994. Presently he is the Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command.

He was specially selected in 1984 to lead a team of officers and airmen for training on IL-76 aircraft in USSR and thereafter he was appointed the Commanding Officer of the first IL-76 Sqn of the IAF. With his extraordinary understanding of transport operations, he acted as a think tank behind the meticulous planning and successful execution of Op Cactus, a milestone in the Maldives Operations.

The Air Officer has the distinction of being the Air Officer Commanding of two major transport bases of the IAF. As SASO HQ EAC, he took keen interest in improving the overall operational, Flight Safety and Air Defence environment of the area. All air maintenance tasks, flood relief, casualty evacuation, counter insurgency operations and tasks given by Air HQ were achieved in the most professional manner. His varied field experience, broad knowledge base and outstanding resolve to use resources efficiently led to an optimum utilisation of the transport fleet in EAC. His efforts and close monitoring of all Command policies has greatly helped in the achievement of a high state of operational preparedness and also a lower accident rate. All targets laid down, in fighter operations, in maintenance support by the Transport fleet and in the field of Flight Safety have been achieved well within the stipulated time frames.

Air Marshal Ashok Kumar Goel AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Vijay Achyut Patkar AVSM VSM (8632) AE (L) was commissioned on 23 Jul 64 in the Engineering branch of the IAF. During his career spanning 38 years, he has held many challenging appointments which include Joint Director (EW) at Air HQs, Chief Engineering Officer at AF Stn Agra, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Engineering) and Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at HQ Western Air Command (WAC). Presently he is holding the appointment of Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) at Air HQ.

He gained a post graduate degree in Electronic Communication and Radar Systems from IIT Kharagpur. He was associated with installation of first THD-1995 radar and also with induction of IL-76 aircraft in the IAF. For his distinguished service he was awarded VSM in 1988 and AVSM in 2001.

During his tenure at HQ WAC as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, he strove hard for improving the maintenance standards and practices, modernisation of engineering facilities at the Air Force Stations and improved reliability of power supply systems in the Air Defence Radar and Communication units. His efforts, not only yielded positive results, but also brought about a greater sense of job satisfaction and achievement amongst the engineering personnel of the Air Force Stations under WAC. During this tenure, a new type of helicopter, Mi-17 IV was inducted in the service; and the helicopter squadrons under WAC gradually changed from the old helicopter to the new type. As the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, he took measures for smooth and flawless induction of the new type of helicopter. He also arranged quick and effective training of the Aircrew and the engineering personnel for systematising the operation of the new helicopters in IAF.

As the AOM at Air HQ, he concentrated his efforts in reduction in the number of aircraft on ground (AOG). Towards this end he successfully concluded the spares provisioning contracts which had been pending for some years due to serious difficulties. This has yielded positive results. During the past one year aircraft fleets such as Jaguar and Mi17 have shown substantial reduction in AOG figures. The Air Officer has also been instrumental in getting a totally damaged Mi-26 helicopter re-constructed at a nominal cost of overhaul, thereby saving the nation to the tune of Rs. Forty crore.

During Op Parakram, the Air Officer was responsible for making available the required number of aircraft and ground radar systems for operations, which could be achieved through meticulous planning of maintenance activities under his directions. The relocation of unit detachments during the operations and their logistic support was executed efficiently under his guidance.

Air Marshal VA Patkar AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Narayan Menon, UYSM, AVSM, (9005) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned In the Indian Air Force as a Fighter Pilot on 25 Dec 64. He has 3147 h of accident free flying to his credit. He is a qualified flying instructor and a fighter combat leader. He has commanded a fighter squadron and two operational bases and a Flying Training Establishment. He is an alumnus of College of Defence Management and National Defence College. During his distinguished service of over 38 years, he had held several challenging field, staff and instructional appointments, which include Head of OB Faculty at CDM, AOC J&K and ACAS (Ops). Presently, he is Air Officer in-charge Personnel (AOP) at Air Headquarters since 01 Feb 02.

As Director Operations (Air Defence), he displayed considerable foresight and a deep sense of involvement in the management and optimisation of resources for the defence of our skies. For his distinguished service of exceptional order, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1998.

As AOC J & K during Kargil Operations, he was personally involved in planning and execution of all joint missions with the Army. As a result, the Air Force successfully dislodged the enemy and facilitated early cessation of hostilities. For his leadership, initiation, strategic planning and tactical innovation he was awarded Uttam Yudh Seva Medal in 1999.

As Asst Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) at Air Headquarter, he was responsible for formulation of war plans and conduct of major exercises. When mobilisation was ordered after an attack on the Parliament on 13 Dec 01, he ensured that squadrons were deployed at Op locations on 14 Dec 01 itself. Despite long deployment of the personnel, he ensured that they remained at the highest level of preparedness, ready to launch an attack at shortest possible notice.

As Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel, Air Mshl Menon has been responsible for all aspects of personnel planning, induction, training, recognition and rewards to all the personnel in the IAF. During his tenure a number of policies and innovative measures, which will go a long way to enhance the motivation and morale of the IAF personnel have been initiated. These include revival of SNCOs Commission to provide better career prospects to the serving airmen, improvement in the promotion ratios of the officers in the ground duty branches and more transparency in the decision making process. He and his team have been able to set IAF Training Institute recognised by the AICTE as also civil aviation recognition for military aviation qualifications.

Air Mshl N Menon has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Sunil Kumar Malik AVSM (9002) F(P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in the Flying branch on 25 December 1964. He has over 4200 hrs of accident free flying to his credit. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and Air War College of USA. He is a production test pilot, who has held several key appointments such as Joint Director at Directorate (Offensive Ops), Commanding Officer of the Aircrew Examining Board, Air Attaché Moscow, Air Officer Commanding of two operational bases, Additional Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations), Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at South Western Air Command. He was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1996. Presently he is Vice Chief of Air Staff since 01 October 2004.

As Air Officer Commanding, Air Marshal Malik carried out the task of reassessing the operational deployments of Air Defence systems. He executed a major operational work of runway resurfacing with top quality within a record duration of six months. During his tenure the average aircraft serviceability improved from 65% to 74%.

As Additional Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) during Kargil air operations, Air Marshal Malik made significant contribution in planning the target systems and acquiring intelligence on those. He was also instrumental in harmonising all Electronic Warfare Operations. Major inter service and internal changes were necessitated post-Kargil Review Committee recommendations, for which he effectively planned and brought about organisational changes for better exploitation of intelligence network.

As Senior Air Staff Officer of South Western Air Command, Air Marshal Malik most efficiently and expeditiously brought all the forces to an instant alert status ready to face any challenges. He also ensured that all forces remained deployed with a very high level of operational preparedness with sustained high morale. He organised and executed realistic training exercises for bringing about synergy between Air Defence and Strike Forces. During this period extensive flying training were carried out with the lowest accident rate.

As the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQ Southern Air Command, Air Marshal Malik brought about administrative improvements not only in the work environment but also in the quality of life of personnel below officer rank. He was Chairman of an Inter Services Study Group, which was constituted to study and make recommendations in respect of the selection process for NDA, its service training syllabi and other curriculum. The study group under his leadership has made valuable recommendations towards meeting the future requirements of all the three services

Air Marshal Sunil Kumar Malik AVSM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Parimal Kumar Sarkar (26480) Med (Retd.) was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on 24 July 1966. During his 38 years of distinguished service he held various coveted appointments which include Senior Advisor in Preventive and Social Medicine, Reader at AFMC, Assistant Director of Health HQ 3 Corps, HQ 4 Corps, HQ Western Command and Commandant of prestigious Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB). He was commended by the Chief of Army Staff for his meritorious service in the year 1997. He retired as DGMS (Air) on 30 September 2004. Earlier, in his formative years, Air Marshal Sarkar earned the qualifications of Diploma in Public Health (DPH) and Diploma in Industrial Health (DIH). He is also a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM). He served with distinction as a specialist in PSM at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. As Reader at AFMC, he distinguished himself as an excellent medical teacher and guided many research projects and PG students. He displayed excellent administrative skills as Commandant CHAFB. He modernised various departments of CHAFB & ensured adequate comprehensive health care to all patients. Patient satisfaction irrespective of rank & status was his primary concern. During his tenure as Commandant, CHAFB was adjudged as “Environmentalist of the year 2002" and was awarded first prize in Hospital Waste Management System by Karnataka State,

As Deputy Director General (Pension) at the office of DGAFMS, Min of Def, Air Marshal Sarkar was instrumental in revision of the book “Guide to Medical Officers - Military Pension" which guides all medical officers of the Armed Forces regarding attributability, aggravation of the disabilities and disability pension. He ensured revision of all the Armed Forces Medical Forms used for admission, discharge in hospitals, medical categorization etc.

During his tenure as DGMS (Air) Air Marshal Sarkar focused on improving patient care in hospitals and training of doctors and para medical staff in the Air Force. Due to his endeavour, state of the art equipment has been installed in the Air Force hospitals which would further augment the patient care. A new electronic medical records data management system has been established at the Med Dte to maintain records of all AF officers across the country.

Air Marshal Sarkar has excelled himself as a professional teacher and displayed excellent organisational skills as an able administrator and contributed significantly to the growth of medical services of the Armed Forces. He has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal (Mrs.) Padma Bandopadhyay AVSM VSM (11528) Med was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on 22 January 1968. An astute aviation medicine specialist she had held coveted appointments as Senior Advisor in Aviation Medicine, Professor of Physiology & Aviation Medicine at Institute of Aviation Medicine, Senior Scientist 'D' at DIPAS. She was appointed as Air Officer Commanding of prestigious Air Force Central Medical Establishment. She held the appointment of Additional Director General Armed Forces Medical Services. Presently she is holding the appointment of DGMS (Air).

Earlier in her formative years she served with distinction as medical officer at Air Force Hospital Halwara and was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished services of high order in 1973. She distinguished herself as an excellent Professor of Physiology and Aviation Medicine at IAM and guided many research projects and PG students. She displayed excellent administrative skills as DPMO, WAC and later as AOC, AFCME. At CME with her professionalism and vast experience in training and teaching she brought out significant improvement in quality of the medical evaluation of aircrew. She modernized various departments of AFCME. For her distinguished services of exceptional order, she was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2002.

As additional DGAFMS, the Air Marshal was instrumental in formulating new promotion policy of AMC officers. As DGMS (Air) she has guided the establishment of Medical Evaluation Centre in Eastern sector for aircrew thereby saving costly man hours of aircrew. The most advanced concept of medical delivery system i.e. Telemedlcine is being established at five Air Force Stations covering North, East, South West with CHAF (B) as a part of first phase with her untiring efforts. A major fillip has been given to acquire much needed state of the art MRI and Cardiac Cath Lab for CHAFB.

With her constant endeavor, fresh diploma courses recognized by paramedical board of Karnataka for Medical Assistants have been started for Medical Assistants. This will not only bring in significant improvement in the medical care at all levels but also benefit the tradesmen post-retirement. The Air Officer has excelled as a towering Professional and has displayed excellent organizational skill as an able administrator during her career spanning over 39 years and contributed to the growth of Medical Services of IAF

Air Marshal (Mrs) P Bandopadhyay AVSM, VSM, PHS has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia AVSM & Bar VM VSM (11631 Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 02 June 1968. The Air Officer has held numerous Staff and Command appointments during the course of his long and distinguished career. Amongst the important assignments held by him in the past are Commanding Officer of a frontline Mirage-2000 Squadron, Air Officer Commanding of two premier fighter bases, Diplomatic and foreign assignments, Inter-Service assignment, Director General (Inspection & Safety) at Air HQ. He is presently the Air Officer Commanding-inChief, Southern Air Command. Throughout his long and distinguished service the Air Officer has been an exceptional achiever at all levels of career progression, which is borne out by fact that the Air Officer has been decorated with VSM in 1984, VM in 1987, AVSM in 1992 and Bar to AVSM in 1997. In addition, he has also been commended by the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval Staff in the course of his distinguished career.

As a Fighter Squadron Commander and Base Commander the officer has displayed exceptional managerial skills and leadership qualities to ensure optimal operational status of his charge. He was commanding the premier Mirage Air Base during the Kargil conflict and modifications, innovations and tactics that were necessary to induct the Mirage-2000 into the Kargil Air Operations were prominently attributable to his leadership, foresight and exceptional professional knowledge. Undoubtedly, the individual contribution of Air Officer during the Kargil conflict was instrumental in the Mirage-2000 aircraft ach-ieving high success rates. For his tour of duty during his diplomatic assignment in Japan and Republic of Korea and as an instructor pilot in a foreign country, his outstanding professional capabilities, skills and achievements were well appreciated by those countries.

As Director General (Inspection & Safety), Air Marshal PS Ahluwalia was instrumental in crafting and executing a flight safety strategy for the Indian Air Force. The officer's perseverance and determination has indeed contributed significantly in reducing the Indian Air Force's accident rate to an all time low, thereby saving precious lives and assets.

Air Marshal Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia AVSM & Bar VM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Arvind Kumar Nagalia AVSM VM VSM (11633) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 02 June 1968. He has over 4400 hours of accident free flying to his credit. During his 38 years of service career, he has held important and challenging staff and field appointments, which include Commanding Officer of maritime Jaguar Squadron, Air Attaché at Kiev, Director of Projects and Director of Air Staff Requirements at Air HQ, Commandant Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Director National Flight Test Centre, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) and Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air HQ. He is a qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot. He has undergone Advance Staff Course at UK. He is also an alumnus of National Defence College (NDC). He was awarded VSM in 1985, VM in 1993 and AVSM in 2004. Presently he is holding the appointment of Deputy Chief of Air Staff at Air HQ since 24 August 2005.

Throughout his service career and especially so when holding criteria appointments, he has been the epitome of professionalism, probity and personal integrity. As Air Attaché, he resolved vexatious issues of product support, settlement of warranty claims and on site training of personnel not only of the IAF, but also of the Army, DRDO and Defence PSUs, through forethought, effective intervention and persistent efforts. This had a significant impact on the maintenance of the operational preparedness. During his tenure as Commandant ASTE, a record number of difficult trials involving complex systems were carried out safely and effectively. Whilst being the Project Director NFTC, he was instrumental in formulating overall Flight Test Plan for the TEJAS (Light Combat Aircraft).

Appointed ACAS (Plans) at Air HQ in September 2002, he was responsible in breaking the deadlock between the Russians and Israelis in the integration of a major weapon system for the Su-30 MKI project and progressing major projects like AWACS and Hawk AJT to their logical conclusion.

During his tenure as AOP, he had been instrumental in formulation of revised abinitio and in-service training policies. He implemented AVSC Phase I report in the IAF in a record time and formulated proposals for Assured Career Progression for Airmen and AVSC Phase II for officers.

During his tenure as DCAS, he revamped the procurement process for fructification of the Annual Acquisition Plan. As a result of his effective planning, guidance and close monitoring, 100% of the allocated funds for capital acquisition were spent from the capital budget during the FY 2004 05 and 2005-06. With his close interaction with officials of Ministry of Defence, DRDO and Defence PSUs, he was instrumental in hastening important policy decisions like obtaining the warranty clause for HAL supplies, delegation of financial powers etc. Under his stewardship, 11th IAF Plan was prepared and approval obtained from MoD.

Air Marshal Arvind Kumar Nagalia AVSM VM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional .order.

Air Marshal Balatikalandra Uthaiah Chengappa AVSM VSM (12112) AE(L) was commissioned on 05 January 1970 in the Engineering Branch of IAF. He is one of the lAF's most experienced engineering officer trained both on aircraft (ac) and systems. During 36 years of distinguished service, he has held several important Command and Staff appointments, and is presently Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance at Air Headquarters,

The Air officer is Russian-trained on Mi-25 gunship and was a pioneer for its induction in the IAF, for which he was commended by the CAS. He has the rare distinction of commanding a Guided Weapon Training Institute as a Wg Cdr, a Fighter Aircraft TETTRA School as a Gp Capt and a premier Systems Base Repair Depot as an Air Cmde, all with outstanding contributions. Also, as Chief Engineering Officer at a Flying Training Establishment, he sustained the serviceability of the ageing Iskra Fleet over 90%, thus ensuring timely completion of all flying training courses during his tenure. For this distinguished service, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 96 by the President,

Air Marshal Chengappa, as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Central Air Co-mmand, reinforced engineering discipline and material management in the field units to increase serviceability of combat assets and support infrastructure. He ensured highest fuel and hydraulic discipline for improved flight and maintenance safety, and instilled concept of self-reliance to survive the resource crunch. For distinguished service of high order, he was aptly awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 04. Thereafter, as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at Maintenance Command, he ensured improvement in production at Base Repair Depots, in terms of both quantity and quality, thus enhancing lAF's operational capability.

The Air Officer during his current appoint ment as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance at Air HQ, has brought about radical changes In the work culture. He has revitalized his techno-logistics team of officers and men to work more effectively and efficiently. His thrust on faster processing of cases for procurement of aviation stores, and for repair and overhaul of aircraft assets, particularly ex-abroad, has resulted in better availability of combat assets. He has used his high professional knowledge and vast experience to revise the existing maintenance practices across all ac and system fleets, resulting in less manpower and lesser time for higher serviceability. His art of negotiation has saved phenomenal money to the exchequer. His special interest has led to fructification of the much required IMMOLS project, the e-environment for material management in IAF, which was commissioned by the Honorable Raksha Mantri 01 09 October 2006. His personal liaison with all Govt. agencies, Defence PSUs, private sector and foreign vendors has resulted in all round synergism for making IAF a more potent force. In addition to all this, his fetish for a modern industrial environment has always generated clean, systematic and ergonomic work places - both in field units and in offices.

Air Marshal Balatikalandra Uthaiah Chengappa AVSM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik, VSM ADC (12005) F (P) was commissioned in the fighter stream on 21 Jun 69. He has flown over 3000 hours on all MiG-21 variants and MiG-23 BNs. In his distinguished career spanning 38 years, he has held many important command and staff appointments, including command of a MiG-21 Bis Squadron, Chief Operations Officer of AF Station Bareilly, Directing Staff at Tactics And Combat Development Establishment and Defence Services Staff College, and command of two important flying bases. He is an alumnus of the National Defence College. As Air I, Western Air Command (WAC) during Op PARAKRAM, he was awarded the VSM in 2003 for meritorious performance. In addition to above the Air Officer had held the appointments of Air Defence Commander, South Western Air Command, DG Air Force Naval Housing Board (DG AFNHB), and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) WAC, before being appointed the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Air Command (CAC), IAF wef 01 Nov 06.

As DG AFNHB, he overhauled its functioning and was instrumental in settling long pending court cases. He revamped the Finance Department, enhancing transparency in AFNHB transactions and significantly improving its public image. During his tenure as SASO, WAC, his involvement ensured optimization of resources and expeditious translation of operational concepts into actionable solutions. His clarity of thought and directions enabled his subordinates to focus on clearly defined objectives, maximizing their output, which was evident during the futuristic 'ExerciseGagan Shakti'.

During his tenure as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, there was considerable enhancement in flying effort coupled with flight safety. Under his guidance, all strategic assets were further operationalised and extensively exercised, and the first ever Air Show was conducted over Sangam in Allahabad. HQ CAC forces won laurels in Ex INDRADHANUSH in UK. The forces under his control also provided prompt relief to flood affected areas in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, significantly enhancing the image of the IAF at home and abroad. He brought about administrative improvements not only in the work environment but also in the quality of life of personnel below officer rank.

Air Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik, VSM ADC has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.

Squadron Leader Surindar Kumar Bajaj took over the appointment as Assistant Director of Intelligence at Air Headquarters in November, 1970. Before coming to Air Headquarters he was employed in a highly sensitive assignment requiring exceptional flying ability and initiative. To his present work, he has brought a fund of experience in handling sensitive tasks. During his short tenure in Air Headquarters, he has exhibited commendable acumen in tackling difficult problems. His thorough grasp of current situations and incisive examination of a particular case resulted in the saving of about Rs. 90,000/- to the State. He has been actively associated with a number of major security cases and by skilful1 interrogation has been able to unearth matters vitally affecting the security of the service.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Surindar Kumar Bajaj has displayed professional skill and devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Rajendra Prasad Paliwal was commissioned in the Logistics Branch of the Indian Air Force in December, 1958. He has successfully completed the Defence Services Staff College Course and has also qualified as a Parachute Jump Instructor. He has a total of 230 parachute descents to his credit including many trial descents with indigenous parachutes and airborne equipment both in the plains as well as at high altitudes. He is one of the two Parachute Jump Instructor officers who have jumped at the highest dropping zone in India. Squadron Leader Paliwal was posted as Assistant Director of Operations (Parachuting) at Air Headquarters in December, 1971. He has helped to lay down a paratrooping policy and worked out a training programme which enabled Paratroopers Training School to set an all time record of 35,000 parachute descents and to meet army tasks in full for the first time during 1972-73. In March, 1972, he actively participated in the paratrooping trials from HS-748 aircraft and formulated paratrooping requirements for this aircraft. Free fall parachuting was started in December, 1972 at Paratroopers Training School due to his initiative and untiring efforts. He also edited a training manual on paratrooping from AN-12 aircraft which is of invaluable help to the instructors and the trainees. Squadron Leader Paliwal has also worked out the scales of flying clothing for Parachute Jump instructors and transport aircrew and scales of Safety and Survival equipment for transport aircraft and helicopters.

Throughout, Squadron leader Rajendra Prasad Paliwal displayed courage, professional skill and exceptional devotion to duty.

Squadron Leader Ajai Kumar Singh was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1961. He qualified as flying instructor in 1965 and carried out this onerous task with distinction. Because of his flying skill and professional knowledge he was appointed Station Instrument Rating Instructor in 1966. He distinguished himself in his instructional tenure by qualifying for 'A' category in 1967. He subsequently served with distinction on the staff of Flying Instructors' School and at an operational aircraft conversion unit. He has to his credit a record of 3,500 hours of accident-free flying hours. On completion of his Defence Services Staff College Course with distinction, he was selected for assignment in the Directorate of Air Staff Requirements at Air Headquarters. During the tenure, he was called upon to prepare Air Staff requirements for combat aircraft and major systems and carry out subjective analysis and assessment of contemporary weapon system being considered for induction in the Indian Air Force. In addition, he was assigned special concept ional time-bound tasks, which were successfully accomplished by him. He also maintained tactful and effective liaison with various agencies in the Research and Development Organisation and the Aircraft Industry which has helped the Air Force in finalizing major acquisitions and indigenous schemes.

Squadron Leader Ajai Kumar Singh has thus displayed professional competence, diligence and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Wing Commander Bapu Raghavendra Rao Madhava Rao was commissioned in the Technical Branch of the Indian Air Force on 21st June, 1960. During the two decades of his dedicated service, he has held various important and challenging appointments with distinction. For this outstanding contribution in the raising of a modern base repair dept, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1977. As Deputy Director incharge of maintenance of MiG-21 fleet since July 1978, his whole hearted involvement, intelligent planning and effective management of the weapon system have yielded remarkable results.

Wing Commander Madhava Rao found that a large number of aircraft were falling due for replacement of nose and main undercarriages on life expiry. He arranged for fatigue tests to be carried out within the country, as a result of which it was possible to safely increase the life of the undercarriages to coincide with the life expiry of aircraft. Thus, grounding of a large number of aircraft was avoided and savings of several lakhs of rupees in foreign exchange was affected.

A large number of costly components of MiG-21 aircraft were nearing completion of calendar life specified by the manufacturers. Wing Commander Madhava Rao initiated an extensive programme of scientific tests and trials for ascertaining the safe calendar life of these components. As a result of this extraordinary measure, it was possible to fix the calendar life to 15 years and thereby improve the availability of rotoables for smooth sustenance of the fleet.

A very serious problem, which had almost defied solution, was that of corrosion of MiG engines in the saline atmosphere of the Air Force Stations. Wing Commander Madhava Rao arranged close monitoring of various preventive methods on the engine. Finally, with the help of the specialists of HAL, a long term solution has been evolved. Implementation of this preventive measure has shown very encouraging results. Having carried out a detailed study of the various causes of engine flame out, Wing Commander Madhava Rao has initiated a number of pre ventive and corrective measures in conjunc tion with the manufacturers, overhaul agency and the operating units. During the past nine months, there has not been a single case of engine flame out in the air or on the ground. He has served the cause of MiG-21 fleet in exemplary manner.

Wing Commander Bapu Raghavendra Rao Madhava Rao has thus displayed professional competence, leadership capabilities and devotion to duty of exceptional order.

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.

Group Captain PI Muralidharan was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 22 Dec 73. He has flown over 2700 hours of flying on MiG-21 and MiG-23 variants. He is a Pilot Attack Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College. After coveted appointments such as Directing Staff at the Tactics and Combat Development Establishment and Flying Inspector with the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, he commanded a MiG-23 MF air defence squadron from Jan 93 to Nov 94.

In November 1994 the Air War Strategy Cell was formed at Air Headquarters with the primary task of evolving an Air Power Doctrine for the IAF. Gp Capt Muralidharan was one of the three officers specially selected for this job. The task was to be completed in a period of only four months as compared to two to three years taken by certain other Air Forces to write their doctrines. Gp Capt Muralidharan was able to translate his arduous effort and originality into formulation of the IAF Doctrinal manual within the stipulated time frame. Evolution of a doctrinal manual was a long-felt necessity and Gp Capt Muralidharan has been instrumental in making IAF Doctrine a reality. The manual would provide valuable impetus to all practitioners and students of air power in this country.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain PI Muralidharan.

Group Captain KK Swaminathan has been on the posted strength of Air Headquarters since 27 Sep 94. He has flown over 2600 hours on Mirage-2000 and MiG-21 variants. He is an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. In 1984, he was specially selected to train on Mirage-2000 aircraft in France. In 1989 he was selected to attend the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh. He has been a Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College and the Commanding officer of a MiG-21 Squadron prior to taking over his present appointment.

Gp Capt Swaminathan is the founder Director of the Air War Strategy Cell, having been specially selected for the task of evolving an Air Power Doctrine for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This was a pioneering task since the IAF did not have a written doctrine. Gp Capt Swaminathan applied himself to the task and produced a draft of the doctrine in the specified time frame of four months, which is highly commendable. The doctrine manual has since then been scrutinised at the highest levels of the IAF and has won accolades. This manual would come out in print soon. The Air War Strategy Cell under the able leadership of Gp Capt Swaminathan submitted the doctrine paper in the specified time frame, which is at par with the doctrines of the major Air Forces of the world.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain KK Swaminathan.

Wing Commander Narayanan Krishnan Nair (4075) Technical Electrical during his long service career has held a wide variety of important assignments. Presently, he is serving as Deputy Director, Maintenance Plans at Air Headquarters.

Throughout his service career this officer has conscientiously and consistently discharged the duties entrusted to his in an exemplary manner. Whilst serving on the staff of Headquarters Maintenance Command, he was responsible for the high standard of maintenance of instrument and electrical systems at Depots under the Command. The professional skill displayed by this officer in the discharge of his duties proved an asset to the units and formations. When the Directorate of Maintenance plans was formed this officer did all the spade work to get the Directorate functioning effectively. As a result of his personal conduct, initiative and drive, he has set an example worthy of emulation by others.

Wing Commander Shri Krishna Chandra Gupta has served as Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at several operational stations. During the emergency in 1962 he earned the Commendation of the Defence Minister for his efforts for the welfare of the Armed Forces. Later, during his tenure as Deputy Director of Personal Services he made a significant contribution in enforcing discipline in the Service.

For the distinguished service he has rendered throughout, he is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Jammalamadaka Lakshmi Narasimha Sastry was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the Air Force on Republic Day, 26th January, 1950. After serving on the staff of a Command Headquarters he underwent a specialist course in photo interpretation. Thereafter, he served for a number of years in a photographic reconnaissance squadron, and in a similar capacity at Air Headquarters. Since then, he has served in administrative appointments at Command and Air Headquarters. In all these appointments he has acquitted himself well.

Since May, 1967 Wing Commander Sastry has been serving at Air Headquarters in the Directorate of Personnel (Airmen) first as an Assistant Director and later as the Deputy Director.

Wing Commander Sastry, who is responsible for a broad spectrum of subjects such as recruitment, training and promotion, which directly affect the career and morale of airmen, has displayed great diligence and insight and achieved a high degree of effic iency in various aspects of the administration of airmen.

Wing Commander Sastry has also worked on the scheme to introduce Non-Combatants (Enrolled) and seen to its implementation. He has consistently displayed qualities of exceptional devotion to duty, cheerfulness and willingness work under conditions of stress, regardless of personal convenience.

Wing Commander Jammalamadaka Lakshmi Narasimha Sastry has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Rattan Singh Dhindsa has held a number of important appointments during his long service career. During the Indo-Pak hostilities of 1971, he arranged movement of men and material at a very short notice and worked round the clock to accomplish the task.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for professional ability and devotion to duty.

During the Indo-Pak operations in December, 1971, and the period preceding the same, the requirement in the field of photo interpretation had increased many folds. Under the circumstances Wing Commander Chaudhuri did not allow himself to be handicapped by the limited staff available to him and on the contrary organized his section to a closely knit, hard working and efficient team. Working continuously day and night on many occasions, he and his staff had always been able to complete all tasks assigned to him in time and achieve a high degree of accuracy in the Photo Interpretation work. The valuable information produced by him out of photo interpretation, was usefully utilized and contributed towards the successful planning and execution of many operations.

Wing Commander Prasanta Kumar Chaudhuri (3676) Administrative displayed leadership and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Cheeren Verghese Thambi was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) of the Indian Air Force in August, 1951. At the time of outbreak of Indo-Pak hostilities in December, 1971, he served as the Deputy Director Ground Radar (Tech.) at Air Headquarters. During the recent emergency, Wing Commander Thambi showed initiative and technical ability of a very high order. In the case of radar stations, the rectifier valves were in short supply and could not be imported from abroad. This situation could have prevented the radar stations from functioning within a short period as the consumption of these valves was very high due to continuous operations. Wing Commander Thambi successfully designed and developed a solid state rectifier for replacing these high voltage rectifier valves and arranged to get them indigenously manufactured. This modification proved a great success during the present emergency and, in fact, improved the radar performance due to continued ability to withstand high voltage. By this modification, he not only overcame a critical shortage but also insured lesser reliance on import, thus saving valuable foreign exchange.

Throughout the emergency, Wing Commander Cheeren Verghese Thambi displayed initiative, leadership and devotion to duty, and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Om Parkash Kukreja was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1953. During his early period of service career, he attended Air Interception Course in the United Kingdom. After completing this course, he served as a Navigator in a Night Fighter Squadron. Later, he served as a Navigation Instructor in the Air Force Flying College and as Flight Commander of a transport Squadron. He has successfully completed the School of Land/Air Warfare Course, Ad hoc Navigation Instructors Course and Interviewing Officers Course. At present he is serving as Deputy Director Operations Room at Air Headquarters.

His Zeal, organising ability and devotion to duty have been instrumental in streamlining the set-up the Operations Room. During the Indo-Pak operations in December, 1971, he put himself on the roster with other Officers in addition to being overall incharge of the Operations Room and worked long hours untiring. He was responsible for giving comprehensive and detailed briefing to the Chief of the Air Staff and the Principe Staff Officers every morning during the operations. During this period, he handled many intricate problems with remarkable efficiency.

Wing Commander Om Parkash Kukreja displayed leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Vinayak Bhiwaji Sawant Vr. C. was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch the Indian Air Force in January, 1953. He has been working as Deputy Director of Intelligence at Air Headquarters for the last two years. During the tenure of his duties he has affected many improvements in his Section. In the discharge of his duties he showed keenness and resourcefulness and executed all tasks with skill. Under his able guidance, his Section worked very hard and produced valuable results in the collation, analysis and dissemination of intelligence information. His note-worthy achievement, in particular, has been consolidation of Intelligence information into a pamphlet, which was issued to all units well in advance before the recent Indo-Pak hostilities started.

He conducted all tasks allotted to him with determination and zeal. His unflinching devotion to duty and tenacity of purpose were a source of inspiration to others who worked with him.

Wing Commander Appakudal Jayaraman Srinivasan was Commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in April, 1955. At the time of outbreak of Indo-Pak hostilities in December, he served as the Deputy Director Engineering (A) (Project) at Air Headquarters.

During the Indo-Pak operations, there was an urgent operational requirement for providing photo recce capability to a supersonic aircraft and modifying a small transport aircraft for offensive role. Wing Commander Srinivasan took of these two projects and achieved excellent results. With his remarkable ingenuity, superior professional knowledge and exceptional devotion to duty he achieved the tasks in a record time. Both the projects required designing of various fittings and pods for carrying aerial cameras. All the aspects including designing, fabrication, fitment and trials were personally undertaken and supervised by him. He was all along aware that he was working to a very tight schedule and, therefore, unhesitatingly worked long hours and was quite indefatigable in carrying out the work. All along he inspired the men working under hum to give their best to the service at a most critical juncture. Wing Commander Appakudal Jayaraman Srinivasan has displayed ingenuity, superior professional skill, devotion to duty and leadership and has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal

Wing Commander Rajindra Nath Dawar with his meticulous attention to detail, contributed significantly to the production of vital data for long term financial plans.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished Service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Pramod Chandra Joshi modified a number of Fighter/Bomber aircraft through ingenuity and improvisation. By his efforts and initiative he saved the country Rs. 33 lakhs in foreign exchange. His project improved the operational capability of aircraft.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

37694 Master Warrant Officer Sirichand Singh Sandhu, M.T.D. was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 1st April, 1944. He has the distinction of having served as the staff car driver for all Chiefs of the Air Staff since 1954.

Since May, 1970, he has been serving as M.T.D. at an Air Base in a forward area. From the time he took over his duties, the maintenance and serviceability state of M.T. vehicles both common user and specialist, have shown marked and rapid improvement reaching their zenith during Indo-Pak conflict in December, 1971. Under his personal supervision and guidance his section has met all the M.T. requirements of the Station. He has set a good example to all personnel and has kept the morale of the men working under him at the highest level.

Throughout his career, Master Warrant Officer Sirichand Singh Sandhu has displayed excellent organizing abilities, devotion, sustained hard work and personal example. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for rendering distinguished services of a high order.

Wing Commander Ghose has acquitted himself in an admirable manner in various appointments during his long service career. He served with distinction in a number of staff appointments. He made significant contribution towards obtaining better terms and conditions of service for service and civilian personnel of the Air Force. Throughout his service career he displayed zeal and spirit of dedication beyond the normal call of duty.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Sakitmay Ray Chaudhri (4046) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the Indian Air Force in January, 1951. He has acquitted himself in admirable manner in various units and staff appointments.

In March, 1972, he was appointed as a Deputy Director in the Directorate of Armament and Safety Equipment. In this capacity he was responsible for progressing the indigenous development of Armament and Explosive stores and development of modifications to improve the striking power of aircraft. He undertook the task of evolving a modification for carrying and firing of high caliber rockets designed in one country to an aircraft designed in another called for a detailed and careful study of the two systems and design of a suitable launcher adopter. He applied himself to the task with zeal and determination and evolved a modification in a short time.

Wing Commander Chaudhuri also undertook a study on the possibility of firing at extended ranges. This called for painstaking and time-consuming study, for long hours, of available literature on various types of rockets used by various countries, their performance characteristics and test results. As a result of this study, trials were arranged to establish increased firing ranges. These trials have been completed with success.

Wing Commander Sakitmay Ray Chaudhri is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for selfless devotion to duty and exceptional technical ability.

Wing Commander Chandy has specialized in Electronic Data Processing. His efforts have resulted in considerable progress in the field of inventory control by computer. Due to his untiring efforts the time of processing foreign indents was reduced by three months thereby reducing the inventory propor tionately with resultant saving in foreign exchange. His achievements and efforts have put computerization in the Air Force on a firm footing.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for outstanding professional ability and extraordinary devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Bajpai, an Education Officer is also a qualified Parachute Jump Instructor. He has held various staff appointments. He was intimately associated with planned Air Transport Operations including Logistics support, heliborne operations and airborne assault during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Placing service before self he has all along gone beyond the call of his normal duties.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for his selfless devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Bana Behari Bhattacharjee has served with distinction in a number of staff appointments. While posted as Deputy Director Education at Air Headquarters, he made significant contribution towards improving the education facilities for the children of service personnel and development of units schools. He has also been responsible for improvement in the Indian Air Force Quarterly and Air Headquarters Reference and Technical Library.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of a high order.

Group Captain Gowrishankar Narayan Baindur (4064) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) of the Indian Air Force in January, 1950. He has served with credit an a number of appointments at units, Eastern Air Command and Air Headquarters.

Group Captain Gowrishankar Narayan Baindur served in the Directorate of System Evaluation in Air Headquarters from its inception in 1970 till April, 1973. He has been outstanding leader of various study teams constituted in the Directorate. Because of his very hard work, wide ranging knowledge and in-depth examination of the whole gamut of the mechanism of the Air Force, he has been a prime contributor to the successful studies carried out in various fields. They have encompassed policy making, direction and the working level in the Air Force and have ranged from the constitution of a MiG Squadron to the evaluation of technical effort in war and the optimization of the total resources at a Wing. These studies have generated a change in the perspective in which systems are now viewed in the Air Force. Besides leading to a significant savings in manpower, material and other sources, Group Captain Baindur's work has contributed to an increase in operational potential of units.

Because of his example, zeal and drive Group Captain Baindur has been able to weld his officers into an impartial, capable and homogenous team who have carried out their studies and indicated their reports without fear or favour. Because of his initiative, clear thinking and intuition and perspicacity he has been a noticeable influence in putting the new Directorate working in a totally unfamiliar and alien field, on a path which should result in the optimization of resources and cost effectiveness of systems in the Air Force as a whole.

Squadron Leader Som has held various administrative appointments and carried out his duties in the best traditions of the service. He was chosen as a member of the Computer Feasibility Team with a view of Computerisation of AOA's branch. It was in the field of computerisation that his qualities and capabilities found their ultimate expression. The reports written by him, complete with System Designs have been accepted by the expert body of the Ministry of Defence.

Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for professional efficiency, devotion to duty and distinguished service of a high order.

Wing Commander Ashok Sarkar was commissioned in the Logistics Branch in March 1953. Since then he has held many important staff appointments and also served as member of Air Force delegations proceeding abroad.

In January 1972, he joined the staff of a composite supersonic aircraft cell at Air Headquarters. He has been primarily responsible for effecting the reorganization of this important cell. By dint of his sustained hard work much beyond the call of duty, perseverance, personal example, ingenuity, skill and considerable man-management techniques, he has particularly instrumental in streamlining the provisioning the entire range of spares and equipment for the first line aircraft. The high serviceability rate of this aircraft fleet and its consequent operational preparedness own in no small measure to his untiring efforts, high professional zeal and competence. Besides, it was solely due to Wg Cdr Sarkar's wholehearted energy and enthusiasm that a beginning has been made in the compilation of the alphanumeric catalogues of spares which is already bearing fruit in proper identification of items, quick clearance of demands, regulated and rationa lized holdings and in servicing of aircraft.

During April-May 1974, Wg Cdr Sarkar was hand picked as a member of the high powered Defence Delegation that visited USSR. His penetrating insight and clear concept of out logistic requirement vis-à-vis the intricate knowledge of the Russian supply set up and system, coupled with his capacity for mastering all relevant details was mainly responsible in rendering the Delegation's task simpler and easier. By arduously working long hours with sustained zeal and enthusiasm, totally unmindful of his own personnel inconvenience, Wg Cdr Sakrar had been instrumental for the significant achievement and success of the Delegation's mission.

Notwithstanding many odds and constraints like limited manpower resources, Wing Commander Sarkar has now upon himself the onerous responsibilities of logistics management of two of the supersonic aircraft weapon system.

Wg Cdr Sarakar has displayed exemplary leadership, professional skill and competence and has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Squadron Leader Janak Kapur (5585) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 29th May, 1958. Since then he has served in five different air defence squadrons. He is fully operational on subsonic and supersonic fighters and has done a large number of flying hours.

In carrying out his flying duties over the last 16 years, he has displayed great abilities as a fighter pilot and commander. He possesses courage, determination and professional competence of a high order. He is an example which has been emulated by his juniors.

Squadron Leader Janak Kapur is also a keen, disciplined and dedicated staff officer. He accepts responsibilities entrusted to him cheerfully and carries them out efficiently. With his qualities, he has proved to be of a very good pilot and an excellent administrator.

Squadron Leader Janak Kapur with his high sense of dedication to duty and great professional competence in the air and on ground has rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Verma was posted as Assistant Director of Flight Safety after attending a specialist course in West Germany. In a short span of six months, he created and built up a truly professional Fight Safety magazine which has become a powerful tool for accident prevention in the Air Force. Through his efforts and selfless devotion to duty, aircraft accident rate has been considerably reduced.

Wing Commander Dharamalingam Kalyana Sundaram (3726) Administrative joined the Indian Air Force in the ranks in April, 1943. With his brilliance and hard work he became a Warrant Officer in the incredibly short space of 4½ years. As a Warrant Officer he acquitted himself in an admirable manner which resulted in his commissioning on 26th January 1950,

As a Commissioned Officer, Wing Commander Sundaram was employed on varied administrative assignments where he displayed initiative, tact, drive and devotion to duty of a high calibre. By his outstanding organising ability and sound planning, his tactful handling of intricate situations, he earned the appreciation and admiration of his superiors and juniors alike He accepted additional tasks cheerfully and carried them out with great zeal and efficiency. His outstanding performance as Officer Commanding Headquarters Training Command (Unit) was commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command, Indian Air Force on 26th January 1972

In May 1972 Wing Commander Sundaram was specially selected to take over the duties of the Deputy Director Pay Commission Cell at Air Headquarters On 11th February, 1974 when the post of Director of this Cell was abolished, the sole task of processing Air Force case with the Government was entrusted to Wing Commander Sundaram. During the entire period Wing Commander Sundararm was thus engaged, he made a significant contribution towards speedy finalisation of the new pay/pension scales for officers and airmen. He was able to carry out this task most successfully because of his background knowledge of intricate matters and rules and regulations relating to service conditions of Armed Forces personnel and commendable capacity for sustained hard work. He continues his efforts with the same zeal in his present assignment as the Deputy Director of Pay Pension and Regulations which he took over on 1st June, 1975.

For his brilliance, zeal, professional competence, infinite capacity for hard work and dedication to the service which goes far beyond the call of normal duty. Wing Commander Dhararmalingam Kalyana Sundaram is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Khorana as Deputy Director at Air Headquarters since October 1971, has been responsible for the planning and processing of a Radar project. He has shouldered responsibility of a very high degree and has applied himself with exemplary energy and earnest enthusiasm. In this challenging task, he has displayed very high caliber of professional competence and resourcefulness. He has carried out critical studies and analysis of system requirements, specifications of imported and indigenous equipment with a view to find cost effective solution for meeting operational requirements and has made valuable contributions. His study and recommendations on the power supply configurations for the Project has resulted in most cost effective and highly reliable Power Supply System. Wing Com mander Khorana has also been responsible for the integration of modern IFF Ground System with existing radars and in guiding the development Computer Based Data Handling System of future radars for the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Hamid Mohamed Shahul (5461) was commissioned in Flying Branch (Navigator) of the Indian Air Force in December, 1957. He was posted to Directorate of Operations (Transport and Maritime) Air Headquarters in November, 1971. Considering his background and maritime experience, he was attached to Eastern Naval Command during the 1971 operations with Pakistan to assist the Air Force Commander in planning and execution of all maritime operations.

As Assistant Director Maritime Operations, Squadron Leader Shahul has worked extremely hard in preparing the policies and training schedules of maritime forces that have been earmarked to undertake maritime operations. This has largely contributed to the operational preparedness of the maritime forces. Squadron Leader Shahul has also been associated with the selection of a suitable maritime aircraft for our country.

Squadron Leader Shahul has flown total of 5534 hours. He has been graded "Exceptional" in flying assessment since 1965. He has held responsible appointment as Squadron Training Officer and Air Force Examiner, himself holding 'A' category on transport and his maritime operations.

By his dedication to work, cheerful disposition and professional discipline, he has set an example which is in the highest tradition of our service and worthy of emulation by others. For displaying very high flying skill, operational performance and capability and rendering distinguished service of a very high order, Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) Hamid Mohamed Shahul is awarded Vishisht Seva Medal.

Group Captain Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan was commissioned in the Accountant Branch of the Indian Air Force on 26 January 1950. Group Captain Gopalan has displayed great foresight, perspicacity and maturity in tackling complex accounting problems. His attempts to improve budgetary planning and control in Units are resulting in optimisation of resources. His studies and recommenda- tions on the contractual purchases at Units have led to considerable savings and greater benefits to the Units. He has also refined and improved the system of performance analysis of accounting function which has been in the Air Force since 1973-74 and made it a reliable yardstick for measuring the absolute perfor mance of individual Units and the compara tive performance of various Units.

His judicious interpretation of regulations has achieved economy in expenditure, while meeting service requirements fully. His organising ability is exceptional and he has been a source of inspiration to all Officers. Group Captain Nambi Srinivasa Gopalan has thus rendered distinguished service of a high order, for which the President is pleased to award him Vishisht Seva Medal.