The First Batch of Agniveers Pass Out from INS Chilka
A total of 2585 Agniveers, including 272 women of the Indian Navy passed out from the portals of INS Chilka in Odhisa. In a first of its kind ceremonial, post sunset Passing Out Parade, held on 28 March 2023 under the aegis of Southern Naval Command, the parade was reviewed by, Chief of the Naval Staff, Adm. R Hari Kumar. Present were the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, VAdm MA Hampiholi, Member of Parliament P.T Usha, Cricketer Mithali Raj along with naval veterans.
The passing out parade marks, not only the successful culmination of 16 weeks of their ab-initio naval training, but also the start of a new voyage in the Indian Navy, where men and women will work together to make the Indian Navy a Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof force.
During his address, the CNS urged the passing out trainees to hone their skills further and develop a strong foundation of knowledge, willingness to learn and commitment to excel in their respective careers that lie ahead. He also urged them to uphold Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour and Courage in pursuit of nation building.
The chief guest also awarded medals and trophies to the meritorious Agniveers on the occasion. Amalakanti Jayaram, Agniveer (SSR), Ajith P, Agniveer (MR) were awarded Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR & MR respectively in men’s category. Khushi, Agniveer (SSR) was the Best Woman Agniveer in the overall order of merit. A Rolling Trophy, instituted to commemorate the vision of Late General Bipin Rawat—the first CDS was awarded to her by his daughters.
In the day, during the Valedictory function, the Chief of the Naval Staff gave away the overall Championship Trophy to Eklavaya Division and Runners Up Trophy to Angad and Shivaji Division. He also unveiled the summer edition of Ankur, the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka, in the presence of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command and Commanding Officer, INS Chilka, Commodore NP Pradeep.
