In a spectacular Passing out Parade (POP) held at Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, on Saturday, 27 Nov 21, 231 trainees comprising Midshipmen of 101 INAC, cadets of 31 Naval Orientation Course (Extended) and 33 Naval Orientation Course (Regular and Coast Guard) passed out with flying colours, marking the culmination of their ab-initio training.
The Parade was reviewed by Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi, Honourable Defence Minister of Maldives who awarded medals to meritorious Midshipmen and Cadets on completion of the Ceremonial Review. Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command was the Conducting Officer.
The ‘President’s Gold Medal’ for the Indian Naval Academy B. Tech Course was awarded to Midshipman Ranjan Kumar Singh. The other medal winners were as follows: –
(a) CNS Silver medal for INAC B. Tech Course – Midshipman Kavish Kankran
(b) FOC-in-C South Bronze Medal for INAC B. Tech Course-Midshipman Swapnil Shivam
(c) CNS Gold Medal for NOC (Extended) – Cadet Varad S Shinde
(d) FOC-in-C South Silver Medal for NOC (Extended)- Cadet Chintan Chhatbar
(e) Commandant, INA Bronze Medal for NOC (Extended) – Cadet Rahul Rana
(f) CNS Gold Medal for NOC (Regular) – Cadet Aavriti Bhatt
(g) Commandant, INA Silver Medal for NOC (Regular)- Cadet Simran P kaur
(h) Zamorin Trophy for Best All round women cadet – Cadet Aavriti Bhatt
The successful trainees marched with their gleaming swords and rifles held in salute, past the Academy’s Quarterdeck, in Slow March, to the traditional notes of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – the poignant farewell tune played by armed forces around the world when bidding adieu to colleagues and comrades, for their ‘Antim Pag’ or final step at the Indian Naval Academy.
Ms. Mariya Ahmed Didi, Defence Minister of Maldives congratulated the trainees on parade for their impeccable turn out, smart drill and movements on parade. The Reviewing Officer emphasised on the core values of duty, honour and courage. The Reviewing Officer and other dignitaries shipped the stripes of passing out trainees and congratulated them for their successful completion of the rigorous training. These officers will proceed to various Naval ships and establishments to further consolidate their training in specialised fields. Stringent precautionary measures instituted by the Academy were instrumental in accomplishing the challenging objectives of training cadets during COVID-19 and successful culmination of the Autumn Term 2021 at INA.
