AFVOA Newletter August 2020

Section 1-Messages CV 2 No. 02 / 2020 Page 9 of 237 the success of the air campaign. In 2001 he was in command of an operational airbase on the Western border when the country was close to a war with Pakistan, post the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament. Designated as the Air Attache at Paris, his 3-year diplomatic assignment in France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg gave him the opportunity to build close defence cooperation with India. During this tenure he had the opportunity to fly the Rafale aircraft in 2006. On return to India as Air Vice Marshal, he continued to strengthen ties with Air Forces of the world as the head of Air Force Intelligence. Soon after, he was assigned to take over responsibilities of the Air Force Modernisation Programme and Long-Term Plans at Air Headquarters New Delhi. On promotion to Air Marshal he was appointed as the Senior Air Staff Officer responsible for air operations of the strategic Central Air Command. Later he was promoted and appointed Air Officer Commanding in Chief of Eastern Air Command during a crucial period of the Nation’s “Look East Policy”. This Command spread over 12 States of the Indian Union is critical to National security. The President of India awarded him the highest military peacetime award of Param Vishist Seva Medal for distinguished service of an exceptional order. In addition, he has also been awarded the Athi Vishist Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal and Vishist Seva Medal for distinguished service. He is a Postgraduate from the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Married to Dr Shobha, a specialist in Anaesthesia, the couple has a son and a daughter. The family has an unbroken service in the IAF since 1943. The Air Marshal retired from the IAF in December 2012 and lives in Chennai.