1,389 Agniveers, Including 214 Women, Graduate in Historic Passing Out Parade at INS Chilka

Chilka: In a landmark event, 1,389 Agniveers, including 214 women, proudly passed out from the portals of INS Chilka on August 9, 2024. This Passing Out Parade (POP), held for the fourth batch of Agniveers (01/24), marked the successful culmination of 16 weeks of rigorous 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, Southern Naval Command, serving as the Conducting Officer of the parade. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, was also present to witness this momentous occasion.

The ceremony was attended by the proud families of the Agniveers, distinguished veterans, and renowned sports personality Omkar Singh, MCPO I (GS), who is a gold medalist in Shooting from the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The POP not only signifies the successful completion of initial training but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these Agniveers as they embark on their journey in the Indian Navy. Addressing the parade, Admiral Tripathi congratulated the Agniveers and urged them to uphold the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage as they continue their journey towards becoming technologically proficient sea warriors.

During the ceremony, the Chief Guest awarded medals and trophies to meritorious Agniveers. Vinay Maruti Kadam, AVR SSR, and Sanjana, AVR MR, were honored with the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR and MR, respectively. Sakshi Mohan Mirje, AVR SSR, received the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer in the overall order of merit, while Ashish, NVK GD, and Yuvraj, NVK DB, were recognized as the best trainees in their respective courses.