Agniveers Shine at Historic Passing Out Parade at INS Chilka
On 09 August 2024, a significant milestone was reached as 1,389 Agniveers, including 214 women, proudly graduated from the portals of INS Chilka, marking their entry into the Indian Navy. The Passing Out Parade (POP) for the fourth batch of Agniveers (01/24) was held in a unique post-sunset ceremony, symbolizing the culmination of 16 weeks of rigorous naval training.
The ceremony was reviewed by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, while Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, served as the Conducting Officer of the parade. The event also saw the presence of Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, further highlighting its significance.
The POP was a momentous occasion, witnessed by the proud families of the passing out course, distinguished veterans, and eminent sports personality Omkar Singh, MCPO I (GS), a gold medalist in shooting at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The event not only marked the successful completion of the initial training phase but also the commencement of a new chapter for these Agniveers in the Indian Navy.
In his address to the parade, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi congratulated the trainees and urged them to uphold the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage as they embark on their naval careers. He emphasized the importance of their subsequent phases of training, encouraging them to become technologically proficient sea warriors, ready to serve the nation with distinction.
During the ceremony, the Chief Guest awarded medals and trophies to meritorious Agniveers. Vinay Maruti Kadam, AVR SSR, and Sanjana, AVR MR, received the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR and MR, respectively. Sakshi Mohan Mirje, AVR SSR, was honored with the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer in the overall order of merit. Additionally, Ashish, NVK GD, and Yuvraj, NVK DB, were recognized as the best trainees in their respective courses.
Earlier, at the valedictory function, the Chief of the Naval Staff presented the overall Championship Trophy to Shivaji Division, with the Runners-Up Trophy awarded to Arjun Division. The event also featured the unveiling of the 01/24 edition of “Ankur,” the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka, further adding to the ceremony’s significance.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi also laid a wreath at the Chilka War Memorial, paying homage to the bravehearts who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. In addition, he inaugurated two new buildings: ‘Ashok’ Admin Building, honoring Lt Cdr Ashok Roy, NM, VrC, and ‘Iqbal’ PO Quarters, named after Gur Iqbal Singh, PO TAS, KC.
The Passing Out Parade at INS Chilka marks a pivotal moment for the 1,389 Agniveers who have successfully completed their training. As they embark on their naval careers, they carry with them the values of Duty, Honour, and Courage, ready to contribute to the defense and prosperity of the nation. The ceremony was a celebration of their hard work and dedication, setting the stage for their future endeavors in the Indian Navy.
