Two Malayali officers from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan and Air Marshal B. Manikantan, have been selected to receive the prestigious Param Vishisht Seva Medal for their exemplary contributions to the nation.

Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan

Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, who hails from North Paravur in Kerala, is the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command. He was promoted to the rank of Air Marshal on March 8, 2022, and assumed his current role on May 1, 2023.

A graduate of Sainik School, Kazhakkoottam, and the National Defence Academy, Balakrishnan was commissioned into the IAF's fighter stream on June 7, 1986. He is an accomplished combat leader with over 3,500 hours of accident-free flying experience on various fighter aircraft.

Throughout his career, Balakrishnan has held key positions, including commanding a fighter squadron, serving as Air Officer Commanding of a frontline fighter base along India’s western border, and leading India’s first AWACS Squadron. He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and the Royal College of Defence Studies, London.

He has been honoured with several awards, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal, and now the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. Balakrishnan is the son of M.P. Balakrishnan Nair and Sarojam and is married to Latha Saju, the regional president of the Defence Wives Welfare Association. The couple has two children: Vishnu, a software engineer in the United States, and Navya, who is pursuing higher studies in fashion design and technology.

Air Marshal B. Manikantan

Air Marshal B. Manikantan, a native of Kottayam, Kerala, currently serves as the Chief of the Southern Air Command. Known for his exceptional leadership in helicopter operations, Manikantan previously commanded an operational Mi-17 IV unit beginning on June 16, 2003.

Under his command, the unit achieved 5,120 accident-free flying hours, including 650 hours personally flown by Manikantan. His leadership ensured high training standards for aircrew and operational success in diverse missions, including offshore operations in Mumbai High, disaster relief, and casualty evacuations. The unit was recognised as the "Best Helicopter Unit" in the Western Air Command in 2004 and excelled in the Vayu Spardha exercises.

Manikantan also contributed to helicopter combat tactics as one of the first helicopter directing staff at TACDE. He played a pivotal role in formulating assessment criteria and combat strategies for helicopter operations. His career achievements have earned him the Vayu Sena Medal, and he now adds the Param Vishisht Seva Medal to his accolades.