Indian Navy's Fourth Batch of Agniveers Graduates in Grand Ceremony at INS Chilka

The Indian Navy celebrated the graduation of its fourth batch of Agniveers at INS Chilka, Odisha. This event marked the end of 16 weeks of rigorous training, with 1389 Agniveers, including 214 women, successfully completing their initial training. The ceremony featured senior naval officers and proud family members.

The Indian Navy marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its fourth batch of Agniveers at INS Chilka in Odisha. A total of 1389 Agniveers, including 214 women, successfully completed their initial training in a ceremony held on Friday.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted that this Passing Out Parade (POP) culminated 16 weeks of rigorous training in a unique post-sunset ceremony. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, reviewed the parade, while Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, acted as the Conducting Officer. Notably, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, also attended the event, witnessed by families, veterans, and sports personality Omkar Singh, a gold medalist in shooting at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

This POP was not only a mark of successful training completion but also the beginning of a new chapter for the Agniveers. In his address, CNS congratulated the trainees and urged them to uphold the Navy's core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage. Among the awarded were Vinay Maruti Kadam and Sanjana, who received the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR and MR, respectively. In addition, Sakshi Mohan Mirje was honored with the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer in overall merit.

Earlier, during the valedictory function, CNS presented the overall Championship Trophy to Shivaji Division and the Runners Up Trophy to Arjun Division. He also unveiled the latest edition of 'Ankur', the bilingual trainees' magazine of INS Chilka, laid a wreath at the Chilka War Memorial, and inaugurated two new buildings named in honor of Lt. Cmdr. Ashok Roy and Gur Iqbal Singh.

(With inputs from agencies.)