On May 26, 2025, the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala hosted its prestigious Academy Dinner Night at the Katari Cadets’ Mess, marking the culmination of the academic term with a celebration steeped in tradition, discipline, and camaraderie. The formal evening brought together cadets, officers, instructors, and dignitaries in a vibrant tribute to the values and achievements of the Academy community.
The centerpiece of the event was the awarding of the Champion Squadron trophy to the Cheetah Squadron, recognized for their exemplary performance over the course of the term. This honor builds on their previous victory at the Inter Squadron Rowing & Pulling Championship in February 2024 and cements their reputation as a unit defined by teamwork, resilience, and excellence. The trophy was presented by Vice Admiral C.R. Praveen Nair, Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy and the evening’s Chief Guest. He congratulated the cadets of Cheetah Squadron for upholding the Academy’s guiding principles of duty, honor, and courage.
The evening also celebrated the contributions of international trainees, reflecting INA’s role as a center for maritime cooperation and global military education. Midshipman MBM Fernando from Sri Lanka received the FOC-in-C (South) Trophy for the Most Improved Trainee, while Midshipman Kamrul Hasan from Bangladesh was honored with the Best International Trainee Trophy. These accolades highlighted the commitment, adaptability, and enthusiasm of the international cadets who contribute to the Academy’s diverse learning environment.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Ezhimala hills and the Kavvayi backwaters, the Dinner Night featured ceremonial traditions, naval decorum, and a sense of shared purpose that defines life at the Academy. The presence of the Indian flag and naval insignia throughout the event served as a reminder of the proud legacy of naval service that INA fosters among its cadets.
The Indian Naval Academy, located on a sprawling coastal campus with a 7-kilometer stretch along the Laccadive Sea, continues to serve as the premier institution for training officer cadets of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Events like the Academy Dinner Night reinforce the Academy’s mission to develop leaders of character, equipped to face the complex demands of modern naval operations.
