Wing Commander Jayaram Nilkanth Jatar has been commanding a squadron since August 1967. His zeal and untiring efforts has led to an increase in the monthly flying hours and a substantial reduction in the accident/ incident rate. The Squadron has also won the Command Gunnery Trophy for 1969. During his command, the Squadron was called upon to operate a number of detachments. He successfully met these commitments. He has also successfully devised a light weight starting system to enhance the squadron's mobility besides ways to improve the serviceability of the ground equipment. He was the top scorer during 1969 Command Gunnery Meet. Once when one aircraft had force landed at a landing ground and its retrieval became a problem due to the surrounding obstructions and the uneven surface of the runway area he, with his exceptional airmanship, was able to execute a take-off and bring the aircraft safely to the base.

Throughout, Wing Commander Jayaram Nilkanth Jatar displayed courage, devotion to duty and exceptional airmanship.

Squadron Leader Subir Dey worked as a Flight Commander in a fighter Squadron from March 1968 to April 1970. He has been associated with the Gnat aircraft since 1965. During this period, he attained 365 accident-free flying hours. Of a total of 245 hours flown in his present Squadron, he has completed 164 hours in instructing trainee pilots in combat weaponry. He was given the task of training pilots who were new to the aircraft. He completed this task in the shortest possible time. The measure of his success in training has been manifest in two successive Inter-Squadron Weapon Meets, wherein the aircrew trained by him distinguished themselves.

Throughout, Squadron Leader Subir Dey displayed professional skill and devotion to duly.

Wing Commander Srivinighari Anand Bhaskar Naidu was serving as a Flight Commander in a fighter Squadron before he took over as Commding Officer of another fighter Squadron from 18th October 1979. During his tenure as a senior Flight Commander, he smoothly accomplished the re-equipment of his Squadron by a more sophisticated aircraft. Through his organizing ability and dedicated efforts, the Sqaudron achieved operational status within a few months and successfully completed its Air Defence duties on deployment under an operational group for over two months from February to April 1979.

Subsequently as Squadron Commander he ensured for his Squadon a very high standard of operational efficiency and an accident free record. Earlier, during the period 1967 to 1969, he was commended thrice by the Chief of the Air Staff and once each by AOCin­C Headquarters Central Air Command and Headquarters 1 Ops Group, for high performance and dedication.

Wing Commander Srivinighari Anand Bhaskar Naidu has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

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.

Junior Warrant Officer Velaudhan Pillai Gopinathan Nair is on the posted strength of a fighter squadron. He has been able to rectify several cases of complex snags and has thus prevented at least six premature withdrawals of R-25 engines. This has resulted in considerable savings in foreign exchange. His professional skill is so comprehensive that he is capable of carrying out an engine change without assistance of tradesmen of other trades.

He has been equally involved in modification of ground and test equipment. For checking the engine parameter, a pressure checking device was fabricated by using only the indicators supplied by the manufacturers. The engine oil changing rig was modified by his to be used as inhibition rig. He also modified a superstructure of Type 75 aircraft for use on Type 69 aircraft.

JWO Nair has written a booklet titled 'Experience to Share of Badal Engines', copies of which have been sent to all Badal operating establishments. He has also presented technical papers on some aspect of Badal engines. One of these studies on the 'Alarming Rate of Afterburner Failures', discusses remedial actions for rectifying after-burner snags. This study was based on nine rectifications carried out by him and resulted in considerable saving of manpower and improved serviceability.

He cheerfully puts in long hours of work beyond the call of duty. His professional excellence is a source of inspiration to his fellow tradesmen and subordinates.

For his tireless efforts, dedication, zeal and professional competence, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Junior Warrant Officer Velaudhan Pillai Gopinathan Nair.