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Lieutenant Commander Bhaskar Rajvanshi has been honored with a prestigious gallantry medal for his exceptional actions in rescuing a naval helicopter and its crew from a potentially catastrophic failure. His quick thinking and outstanding skill prevented disaster in the first-ever successful recovery from such an emergency in India's DHRUV helicopter fleet.

On March 8, 2023, Lt Cdr Rajvanshi was piloting a DHRUV MK-III-MR helicopter during a routine transition from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant to Mumbai. At an altitude of 500 feet, the aircraft experienced a critical control failure, leading to a rapid loss of altitude. Despite his limited experience in handling such situations, Lt Cdr Rajvanshi's composure and prompt actions enabled him to safely land the helicopter.

His bravery and professionalism not only saved the lives of the three personnel onboard but also protected a valuable national asset worth over ₹100 crore. The incident prompted a vital investigation, ensuring the implementation of safety measures across India's DHRUV fleet.

The ceremony at INS Hansa naval base in Goa also acknowledged three other officers with the Nao Sena Medal for Gallantry:

• Lieutenant Commander Panneerselvam Vishnu Prasanna was commended for his skilled leadership in a daring January 2023 mission to recover a submerged aircraft from a depth of 219 meters.

• Commander Kaustab Banerjee was recognized for his exceptional bravery in a June 2022 mission to rescue a disabled platform at sea, flying his Seaking 42 C aircraft over 250 nautical miles in hazardous conditions.

• Commander Manish Singh Karki was also honored for his remarkable contributions.

The DHRUV helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is a critical component of India's defense capabilities. These awards underscore the unwavering dedication and valor of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the nation.