Passing Out Parade of Agniveers 02/23 Batch at INS Chilka
A magnificent Passing Out Parade (POP) commemorated the graduation of the third batch of Agniveers (02/2023) at INS Chilka, Odisha, on March 15, 2024. A total of 2,630 Agniveers, including 396 women, completed their training in a ceremony held after sunset, reviewed by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff. Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, served as the conducting officer. The Guest of Honour for the event was Shri Sudarshan Sahoo, a master sculptor and recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan awards. Distinguished sports personality and Arjuna awardee M Suranjay Singh, MCPO I (PT), along with various veteran achievers, graced the occasion. Proud family members of the passing out course were also in attendance. The POP marks the conclusion of 16 weeks of ab-initio Naval training and signifies the commencement of their journey in the Indian Navy.
The CNS congratulated the trainees for their exceptional turnout, military bearing, and drill skills. He emphasized the emergence of new challenges in the global security scenario and urged the Agniveers to utilize their training effectively to achieve desired objectives. He encouraged them to refine their skills, stay technologically informed, and cultivate a strong foundation of knowledge, learning willingness, and commitment to excel in their respective domains. Furthermore, he urged them to uphold the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage while serving the nation with integrity and valour. The Reviewing Officer expressed gratitude to the parents of Agniveers, acknowledging their contribution to the country.
The Chief Guest awarded medals and trophies to the meritorious Agniveers. Prathamesh Amit Darekar, Agniveer (SSR), and Sanni Kumar Rajak, Agniveer (MR), received the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR & MR, respectively, in the men’s category. Samruddhi Khandave, Agniveer (SSR), was recognized as the Best Woman Agniveer in the overall order of merit and received the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy.
During the valedictory function, the Chief of the Naval Staff presented the overall Championship Trophy to Angad Division and the Runners Up Trophy to Shivaji Division. Additionally, he unveiled the summer edition of Ankur, the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka.