INS Chilka grounds in Odisha witnessed a grand Passing Out Parade (POP) on Saturday, March 16. The event was held to mark the conclusion of rigorous training of the third batch of Agniveers (02/2023). Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, graced the function, which was held in the guise of a Post Sunset ceremony, by reviewing the parade.
A total of 2,630 Agniveers, including 396 women, stood up and passed with flying colours, demonstrating exceptional discipline and precision. Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, led the procession and expertly managed the occasion.
The event’s Guest of Honour was renowned sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo, a Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan recipient, who was joined by famous sports personality and Arjuna awardee M. Suranjay Singh and other achiever veterans of Agniveer.
Family members of the graduating class filled the stands, their hearts were filled with pride as they watched their loved ones start on a new path with the Indian Navy.
Admiral R Hari Kumar praised the trainees for their excellent attendance and underlined the need of adjusting to evolving global security problems. He urged the Agniveers to always improve their abilities, stay technologically current, and preserve the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honor, and Courage in their service to the nation.
Meritorious Agniveers received medals and trophies in recognition of their great performance during the training period. Prathamesh Amit Darekar and Sanni Kumar Rajak received the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR and MR in the men’s category, respectively. Samruddhi Khandave was called for the Best Woman Agniveer in the overall order of merit and received the famous Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy.
During the valedictory ceremony, Admiral R Hari Kumar gave the overall Championship Trophy to Angad Division, while Shivaji Division received the Runners-Up Trophy. In addition, the Chief of Naval Staff introduced the summer edition of Ankur, INS Chilka’s bilingual trainees’ magazine, which represents the institution’s culture of friendship and excellence.
Last year, in March, INS Chilka conducted Agniveers first ever Passing Out Parade. Agniveers are young men and women who are recruited either directly through educational institutions or through recruitment rallies and can serve in the Indian Armed Forces for a four-year period without receiving a pension.