Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) Awarded for Heroic Feats in Naval Operations

For his spectacular display of bravery and skill, Lieutenant Commander Bhaskar Rajvanshi of the Indian Navy was honored with the Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry). He showed exceptional courage and competence in recovering a faltering advanced light helicopter (ALH) from a critical state of control failure. This unprecedented feat marked the first documented instance of successfully averting a collective control failure emergency within the entire ALH fleet across all services. The harrowing incident occurred on March 8, 2023, as IN 709, an ALH MK III (MR) helicopter, was departing from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant en route to Mumbai with a crew of three. Flying at an altitude of 500 feet above sea level, Lieutenant Commander Rajvanshi suddenly faced a catastrophic control failure, causing the aircraft to plummet uncontrollably without any prior warning or cockpit indication. Amidst the looming threat of a fatal disaster, with no collective control available, Lieutenant Commander Rajvanshi refused to yield to the dire circumstances. Displaying unparalleled courage and extraordinary piloting skills, he managed the helicopter with limited control to execute an extraordinary ditching at sea—a decision that largely helped  in averting potential civilian casualties and property damage. Even after safely touching down on the sea surface, the helicopter remained vulnerable to unbalanced aerodynamic forces that could have led to its overturning, endangering lives. However, Lieutenant Commander Rajvanshi maintained composure and led his crew with precision, swiftly deploying emergency flotation gear and safety equipment to ensure their survival. The citation for the Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) commended Lieutenant Commander Rajvanshi's unwavering discipline, composure, and leadership under pressure, emphasizing that his courageous actions epitomized the ethos of the Indian Navy. During a ceremony held at INS Hansa, Goa, Lieutenant Commander Rajvanshi and three other officers—Commander Manish Singh Karki, Lieutenant Commander Panneerselvam Vishnu Prasanna, and Commander Kaustab Banerjee—were bestowed with the esteemed Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) by Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar. Lieutenant Commander Panneerselvam Vishnu Prasanna, a qualified Clearance Diving Officer and Saturation Diving Officer aboard INS Nireekshak, was recognized for leading a daring mission to salvage a submerged aircraft from a depth of 219 meters in January 2023. His professionalism and bravery in challenging conditions demonstrated exceptional competence and fortitude. Commander Kaustab Banerjee, Captain of Seaking 42 C aircraft, exhibited remarkable bravery and professional acumen during a daring mission to provide immediate assistance to a disabled platform being towed at sea in June 2022. Undertaking a unique and challenging flight over 250 nautical miles without diversion in adverse weather conditions, Commander Banerjee's actions set a historic precedent in naval aviation. These exemplary officers, through their courageous actions and unwavering commitment, exemplify the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines the Indian Navy. Their stories inspire admiration and underscore the importance of valor and professionalism in safeguarding our nation's maritime interests.