A significant milestone was achieved as 2,966 trainees, including 402 women Agniveers, 288 SSR (Med Asst), and 227 Naviks, graduated from INS Chilka, Odisha, marking the culmination of 16 weeks of rigorous ab-initio naval training.
The Passing Out Parade (POP) took place in a unique post-sunset ceremony on 7th March 2025.
The parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral V Srinivas PVSM, AVSM, NM Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. Cmde B Deepak Aneel, Commanding Officer, INS Chilka, officiated the ceremony. Distinguished veterans, including Sureddy Siva Kumar, Ex-SPO, Sandeep Gupta, Ex-POELP, Lohrii Besii, Ex-POELP, GS Kocher, Ex-EMR 1, and eminent sports personality Eldhose Paul, CPO COM (TEL), graced the event alongside the proud family members of the graduating class.
This event symbolizes the successful completion of initial training and marks the beginning of a new chapter for these Agniveers in the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy emphasizes a gender-neutral environment, aiming to transform these men and women into a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-ready force.
During his address, Vice Admiral V Srinivas congratulated the trainees on their hard work, discipline, and commitment. He encouraged them to hone their skills, stay technologically aware, and embody the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage. He urged them to uphold the nation’s honor while pursuing their careers with determination.
The Chief Guest commended Team Chilka for their relentless efforts and significant role in shaping the transformation, living up to the motto “उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति कार्याणि.”
Medals and trophies were awarded to meritorious Agniveers during the ceremony. Devraj Singh Rathore, AVR (MR), and Pramodh Singh, AVR (SSR), received the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer MR and SSR, respectively. Mansa Gulivindhala, AVR (SSR), was awarded the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer in the overall order of merit. Mohit Kumar, NVK (GD), received the Director General, Indian Coast Guard Rolling Trophy and Director General Gold Medal for Best NVK (GD).
Earlier, during the Valedictory function, Vice Admiral V Srinivas presented the overall Championship Trophy to Angre Division and the Runners-Up Trophy to Eklavya Division. He also unveiled the 02/24 edition of “Ankur,” the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka.
This momentous occasion marks a new beginning for these Agniveers as they embark on their journey in the Indian Navy, ready to serve the nation with honor and dedication.
