INS Chilka, the premier basic training establishment of the Indian Navy, hosted the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 02/25 batch of trainees on Thursday, marking the successful completion of 16 weeks of ab-initio training. The post-sunset ceremony celebrated the trainees’ transition into disciplined and operationally ready maritime professionals.
A total of 2,172 trainees graduated, including 2,103 Agniveers (113 women), 270 Senior Secondary Recruits (Medical Assistants), 44 sports entry personnel, and 295 Naviks of the Indian Coast Guard.
The parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, as Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer, with Commodore B Deepak Aneel, Commanding Officer of INS Chilka, serving as Conducting Officer. The event was attended by senior naval officers, veterans, dignitaries, eminent sports personalities, and families of the trainees.
The ceremony showcased high standards of drill, discipline, and professionalism, with women Agniveers participating alongside male counterparts, highlighting the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusivity and equal opportunities.
Vice Admiral Saxena congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continually upgrade their skills, remain technologically adept, and uphold the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage, while acknowledging the support of families and the efforts of Team INS Chilka in shaping India’s maritime workforce.
Awards and recognitions included:
Sashi B Kenchavagol – Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy & Gold Medal for Best Agniveer (SSR)
Jatin Mishra – Best Agniveer (MR)
Anita Yadav – General Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer
Keshav Suryavanshi – Best Navik (General Duty)
Sonendra – Best Navik (Domestic Branch)
During the valedictory function, Kharavela Division won the Overall Championship Trophy, and Ashok Division was the runner-up. The event also saw the release of the second edition of “Ankur 2025”, a bilingual magazine capturing the experiences of the Agniveers during training.
The passing out of the 02/25 batch reaffirms INS Chilka’s role as the cornerstone of basic training for India’s maritime forces.
