THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: President's Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain S Girish of the Air Force. The medal was announced on the occasion of Republic Day. Girish, a native of Palkulangara, Thiruvananthapuram, is a director at Air Force Headquarters in Delhi.

He studied at Fort UP School, SMV High School, Govt Arts College, University College and Thiruvananthapuram Press Club. He joined the Air Force in 1995. Girish's studied journalism in Press Club during his postgraduate days in University College.

After joining the Air Force, he underwent special training as an Air Traffic Controller. Girish has trained in USA and France and served in Bhutan.

A Group Captain in the Air Force is the equivalent rank to a Colonel in the Army. Girish has worked at the South Air Force Base in Thiruvananthapuram as well.

His wife is Purnima Nair from Palkulangara. Sons Uday (Software Engineer) and Varun (Engineering Student).