Sub Lieutenant Sandhita Patnaik, hailing from Telangana, has made her mark as a second-generation officer in the Indian Navy by winning the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Gold Medal for her outstanding performance.
She is one of the five women officers in the 37th Naval Orientation Course (Executive Branch) who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and skill. Team INA (Indian Naval Academy) extends their best wishes to Sub Lieutenant Sandhita Patnaik, hoping for her success and happiness in her career with the Indian Navy.
The Passing Out Parade (POP) for the 106th Indian Naval Academy Course, 36th and 37th Naval Orientation Courses (Extended), 38th Naval Orientation Course (Regular), and 39th Naval Orientation Course (Coast Guard & Foreign) was held at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, on May 25, 2024. Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari reviewed the parade. Among the 216 trainees, there were 34 women and 10 trainees from friendly foreign countries, all of whom passed out with flying colors, marking the culmination of their ab-initio training. The event was graced by Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command, and Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commandant, INA.
Midshipman Pinintla Pradeep Kumar Reddy received the prestigious ‘President’s Gold Medal’ for achieving the first position in the overall order of merit. Other notable medal winners included:
- CNS Silver Medal for INAC B.Tech Course: Midshipman Mohammad Sameer.
- FOC-in-C South Bronze Medal for INAC B.Tech Course: Midshipman Rahul Darshansingh Shoeran.
- CNS Gold Medal for NOC (Extended): Cadet Sandhitha Patnaik.
- FOC-in-C South Silver Medal for NOC (Extended): Cadet Shaurya Jamwal.
- Commandant, INA Bronze Medal for NOC (Extended): Cadet Saloni K Singh.
- Gold Medal instituted by the CNS for NOC (Reg) and Best All-Round Women Cadet: Cadet Janhvi Singh.
- Commandant Silver Medal for NOC (Reg): Cadet Sahanaa MK.
- Director General Coast Guard Best Assistant Commandant: Assistant Commandant Aditya Ojha.
- Fighter Squadron won the prestigious Champion Squadron banner, presented during the parade.
The trainees marched past the Academy’s Quarterdeck in a slow march, with their gleaming swords and rifles held in salute to the traditional notes and poignant farewell tune for their ‘Antim Pag’ or final step at INA. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari congratulated the passing out trainees, medal winners, and the Champion Squadron for their hard work and exceptional performances. He praised the trainees on parade for their impeccable turnout, military bearing, and smart drill. He also acknowledged the parents’ role in supporting and encouraging their children to join the noble profession of arms and serve the nation. The integration of international trainees at INA underscores India’s commitment to strengthening foreign cooperation and showcasing its world-class training facilities.
The 38th NOC is the first course to undergo an extended training duration of 44 weeks and includes five women officers in the Executive branch, marking a significant milestone in the gender-neutral Indian Navy.
Upon completing the parade, the Chief of the Air Staff, FOCINC (South), and Commandant, INA, along with other dignitaries and proud parents, shipped the stripes of the passing out trainees, signifying their commissioning in the Navy. The dignitaries interacted with the trainees and their parents, congratulating them on successfully completing their rigorous training. These officers will now proceed to various Naval ships and establishments to further specialize their training in specific fields. The nation has placed immense responsibility on these newly commissioned officers, who will play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the Indian Navy’s readiness, credibility, cohesion, and future-readiness, all while embodying the core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage.
