AFVOA Newletters of Year 2013

Page 34 of 61 (b) Smt Ambujam Pillai, w/o late Wg Cdr ANB Pillai OUR OCTOGENARIANS Five of our members were then honoured on becoming octogenarians. Lt Gen Sundara Rao, our Patron was present to do the honours and present the AFVOA memento to the gentlemen. A bouquet of roses was presented to the accompanying ladies. The members honoured were: Air Commodore MN Amirthalingam, AVSM, VM (Gallantry) Air Commodore M. N. Amirthalingam was born on 30 Sep 1932. After a Physics Honours Course at Madras University, he obtained Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He joined the Indian Air Force as a graduate entry and was commissioned on 20 May 1957. While in service, Air Commodore Amirthalingam accumulated over 4000 hours of operational aircraft flying experience. He has also 150 hours of test flying experience. He actively participated in the 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars Air Commodore Amirthalingam was decorated in the 1962 war for gallantry in the face of the enemy, with Vayu Sena Medal. He was sent to Cranfield in the UK to do a post graduate course in Avionics which he completed with distinction. He is an expert on Radar and Communication Systems and has contributed significantly to the establishment of these facilities in the Air Force. For his several achievements in the Air Force, he was awarded the AVSM. After 32 years of meritorious Service in the Air Force, he joined the nascent National Airports Authority, as Member (Planning and Engineering), a post equivalent to Additional Secretary. After many significant contributions in the NAA, Air Commodore Amirthalingam retired in July 1991. Air Commodore Amirthalingam is married to Smt Sarojini. They have two children and four grand children. Air Cmde K Lakshmanan, AVSM Air Cmde K Lakshmanan was born on 17 Dec 1931. He joined the Indian Air Force in AE (L) branch in November 1958. He is a graduate of British Institution of Radio Engineers London and a Chartered Engineer UK. He played an important role in establishing the Tropo Scatter and Microwave network for the Air Force in 1980s.He was sent on deputation to ONGC for establishing and maintaining a tele control and telemetry network for the off shore platform and onshore installations.He was awarded commendation by CAS and AVSM for his role in RCPO. He retired in December 1985. He received Manager of the year award in ONGC. Thereafter he worked for several years in the IT and telecom industry. Air Commodore Lakshmanan is married to Smt Meenalochani. They have three children and five grand children Brig VR Swaminathan Brig VR Swaminathan was born on 23 Jan 31. He was commissioned into the 22 Maratha LI (Hyderabad) on 13 Dec 1953. After the Hyderabad Police Action and merger of the State, the entire Army of the erstwhile state, was ordered to be disbanded, except the retention of one Infantry Battalion, the 2nd Hyderabad Infantry. This Battalion was eventually, merged with the Indian Army in 1953 and re- designated as 22 Maratha Ll(Hyderabad) wef June 1954. Brig Swaminathan was the first Indian Officer