Air Marshal P. V. Shivanand, AVSM, VM, who recently assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), South Western Air Command, paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar on July 6.
Air Marshal Shivanand was accompanied by Mrs. Phani Shivanand, President of the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Regional). The Governor congratulated the Air Marshal on taking over the prestigious appointment and conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure.
With over three decades of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Shivanand brings extensive operational and administrative experience to the command. In recognition of his exemplary service to the nation, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2014 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2025 by the President of India.
During the meeting, Mrs. Phani Shivanand briefed the Governor on the welfare initiatives being undertaken by the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Regional) for the families of Air Force personnel. The discussions focused on programmes aimed at social empowerment, education, healthcare and the overall well-being of Air Force families.
The Governor expressed confidence that under Air Marshal Shivanand’s leadership, the operational capabilities of the South Western Air Command would be further enhanced, strengthening the Indian Air Force’s operational preparedness and contributing to the nation’s security.

