Passing Out Parade of Agniveers at INS Chilka

A significant milestone was achieved as the sixth batch of Agniveers passed out from the portals of INS Chilka on 8 August 2025. The post sunset Passing Out Parade saw 2010 Agniveers (including 309 women Agniveers) of the Indian Navy, and 276 Naviks of Indian Coast Guard take the ‘Antim Pag’. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command reviewed the parade. Cmde B Deepak Aneel, Commanding Officer INS Chilka was the Conducting Officer.

The event was also attended by distinguished veterans such as Om Prakash Singh, Ex-POELR, Surendra Singh Rathaur, Ex-POELR, Onkar Singh Shekhawat, Ex-POCDI and eminent sports personality Md Anas Yahia, MCPO. Proud family members were also present to witness this momentous occasion.

The POP marked the successful completion of ab-initio training. It also signified the beginning of a new chapter in their lives in the Indian Navy. Embodying the navy’s inclusive ethos, the event highlighted the spirit of unity and discipline in shaping a credible, cohesive, and combat ready force, prepared to meet future challenges.

Addressing the parade, FOC-in-C East congratulated the trainees and exhorted them to uphold the navy’s core values of ‘Duty, Honour, Courage’ and remain focussed on the subsequent phases of professional training. During the event, meritorious Agniveers were awarded medals and trophies. Lalit Karki and Viakash Singh received the Chief of Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR and MR respectively. Tatduri Akhila was recognised as the Best Woman Agniveer in overall order of merit and was awarded the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy. Vishal Dhiman received the best Navik award.

Earlier, during the valedictory function, FOC-in-C East presented the Overall Championship Trophy to Shivaji Division and Runners Up Trophy to Ashok Division. The chief guest also felicitated the veterans and eminent sports personality and unveiled the 1/25 edition of Ankur, the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka.