New Delhi, November 9 (DD News) — The Indian Navy will conduct the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the ninth batch of its Agniveers and Naviks of the Indian Coast Guard at INS Chilka on November 13. The parade will mark the successful completion of 16 weeks of ab-initio training by more than 3,300 trainees, making it the largest batch to pass out from the premier naval training establishment in Odisha.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, will be the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer of the parade. The ceremony will formally mark the culmination of an intensive training programme designed to transform young recruits into disciplined, physically agile, mentally resilient and professionally competent sea warriors.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the training curriculum at INS Chilka integrates academics, physical conditioning, swimming, parade training, outdoor activities and camps, providing a holistic foundation for the trainees’ professional journey. Equal emphasis is placed on character building, leadership, discipline, camaraderie and teamwork, while instilling the core naval values of Duty, Honour and Courage.
The Passing Out Parade will be a moment of pride and accomplishment for the trainees, as their families witness the completion of the training journey and the beginning of a new career in the maritime forces. Naval veterans and other distinguished guests will also be present on the occasion.
Valedictory Function and Recognition
The Valedictory Function will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. Awards will be presented to meritorious trainees, the champion division and the best instructor in recognition of their exemplary performance and contribution to training. The event will also witness the unveiling of ‘Ankur’, the bilingual trainees’ magazine.
The Indian Navy will livestream the Passing Out Parade on its official social media platforms, enabling citizens across the country to witness the landmark occasion.
INS Chilka, located near Chilika in Khordha district of Odisha, is the Indian Navy’s primary ab-initio training establishment for sailor recruits and has been preparing successive batches of Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. The scale of the ninth batch underscores the continuing expansion of induction under the scheme into the Navy and the Coast Guard.
