On August 9, 2024, INS Chilka witnessed the historic passing out parade (POP) of the fourth batch of Agniveers, including 214 women and 331 Coast Guard Naviks. This marked the culmination of 16 weeks of intensive naval training in a unique post-sunset ceremony. The event was reviewed by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, with Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, serving as the Conducting Officer. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, was also present.
The parade was attended by the trainees’ families, distinguished veterans, and notable figures such as Omkar Singh, MCPO I (GS), a gold medalist shooter from the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This gathering underscored the communal support and pride in the achievements of the new sailors.
Admiral Tripathi congratulated the Agniveers on their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue embodying the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage. He stressed the importance of their ongoing training to become proficient sea warriors equipped with cutting-edge technology.
During the ceremony, several Agniveers received prestigious awards for their exemplary performance:
- Vinay Maruti Kadam, AVR SSR, and Sanjana, AVR MR, were awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer in SSR and MR categories, respectively.
- Sakshi Mohan Mirje, AVR SSR, received the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer.
- Ashish, NVK GD, and Yuvraj, NVK DB, were recognized as the best trainees in their respective courses.
Additionally, the CNS presented the overall Championship Trophy to Shivaji Division and the Runners Up Trophy to Arjun Division. He also unveiled the 01/24 edition of “Ankur,” the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka.
Admiral Tripathi paid homage to fallen heroes at the Chilka War Memorial and inaugurated two new buildings: ‘Ashok’ Admin Building, named after Lt Cdr Ashok Roy, NM, VrC, and ‘Iqbal’ PO Quarters, named after Gur Iqbal Singh, PO TAS, KC. These inaugurations serve as a tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Indian Navy personnel.
This passing out parade not only signifies the successful completion of rigorous training but also the beginning of a significant journey for the Agniveers in the Indian Navy, forging a path toward nation-building and security.
