A grand and vibrant Passing Out Parade (POP) was conducted at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, on Saturday, 29 November 2025, marking the culmination of rigorous ab-initio training for the next generation of naval leaders. A total of 232 trainees passed out with flying colours, including Midshipmen of the 109th Indian Naval Academy Course and cadets of the 39th and 40th Naval Orientation Course (Extended), the 41st Naval Orientation Course (Regular and Coast Guard), and the 42nd Naval Orientation Course (Friendly Foreign Countries). The passing-out contingent included 18 cadets from seven friendly foreign nations — Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Maldives, Myanmar, Mozambique and Seychelles — underscoring the Academy’s expanding global footprint and its role as a premier centre for international naval training.
The parade was reviewed by General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who congratulated the Midshipmen and cadets for their exceptional achievement. He was accompanied by Mrs Anupama Chauhan, President, Defence Wives Welfare Association. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command; Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, Commandant INA; senior military officers; faculty members; and a large gathering of proud families.
Among the standout achievers, the President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the INA B.Tech Course was awarded to Midshipman Vishesh Kumar, recognising his outstanding academic performance. The Chief of the Naval Staff Silver Medal went to Midshipman Shaurya Aditya Prajapati, while the Commandant’s Champion Squadron Banner was awarded to the Achiever Squadron for its overall excellence across academics, service subjects, outdoor training, drill, sports and extracurricular domains. Midshipman Sidhant Jakhar received the FOC-in-C (South) Trophy for securing the highest order of merit among ex-NDA trainees.
In the Naval Orientation Courses, Cadet Hrishikesh V Chaitanya earned the CNS Gold Medal for best performance in the NOC (Extended), and Cadet Satwik Dikshit was awarded the Commandant INA Silver Medal in the NOC (Regular). The Director General Coast Guard Trophy was awarded to Cadet Ishan Shekhar for his exemplary achievements.
Addressing the parade, the CDS commended the trainees for their immaculate turnout, precision in drill and high standards of discipline. He also praised the dedication and professionalism of instructors and the training staff, acknowledging the steadfast support of families who stood behind the cadets throughout their training journey. Emphasising the value of foreign trainees, he noted that their participation strengthened international military cooperation and further showcased the Indian Navy’s training excellence on the global stage.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional shipping of stripes, performed by the CDS, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, the Commandant INA and distinguished guests. The dignitaries also interacted with the families who had gathered in large numbers to celebrate the proud moment.
The newly commissioned officers will now proceed to various naval training establishments and frontline warships of the Indian Navy, where they will continue to hone their professional skills and uphold the Navy’s legacy of honour, courage and commitment.
