In a historic moment for the Indian Navy, the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Agniveer 02/24 Batch was conducted at INS Chilka, Odisha, on March 7, 2025. This momentous event saw 2,966 trainees, including 402 women Agniveers, 288 SSR (Medical Assistant), and 227 Naviks, successfully complete 16 weeks of rigorous ab-initio naval training.
For the first time, the POP was conducted as a unique post-sunset ceremony, enhancing the grandeur of the occasion. The parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, with Commodore B. Deepak Aneel, Commanding Officer, INS Chilka, serving as the conducting officer.
A Celebration of Commitment and Excellence
The event was graced by several distinguished veterans, including Sureddy Siva Kumar (Ex-SPO), Sandeep Gupta (Ex-POELP), Lohrii Besii (Ex-POELP), and GS Kocher (Ex-EMR 1). Eminent sports personality Eldhose Paul, Chief Petty Officer (Communications – Tele), was also present to inspire the newly inducted Agniveers.
The presence of proud family members added to the emotional depth of the ceremony, marking the transformation of young men and women into a Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future-Ready naval force.
In his address, Vice Admiral V. Srinivas congratulated the trainees on their exemplary hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment. He encouraged them to continuously hone their skills, stay technologically aware, and embody the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the parents of the Agniveers, recognizing their contribution in shaping the future of the Indian Navy.
Recognizing Outstanding Agniveers
To honor excellence, awards and trophies were presented to meritorious Agniveers:
- Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer (MR): Devraj Singh Rathore
- Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer (SSR): Pramodh Singh
- Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer (Overall Order of Merit): Mansa Gulivindhala
- Director General, Indian Coast Guard Rolling Trophy and Director General Gold Medal for Best Navik (GD): Mohit Kumar
Team Chilka’s Commitment to Excellence
During the Valedictory function, Vice Admiral Srinivas presented the Overall Championship Trophy to Angre Division, while Eklavya Division secured the Runners-Up Trophy. The event also witnessed the unveiling of the 02/24 edition of ‘Ankur’, the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka.
The successful culmination of the Agniveer 02/24 Batch POP marks a new chapter in the Indian Navy’s journey, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a gender-neutral and technologically advanced force. As these newly minted sailors embark on their journey of service, they carry with them the ethos of dedication, courage, and national pride, ready to uphold the honor of the Indian Navy and the Nation.
