New Delhi/Balasore 09 January (H.S.): A formidable contingent of 2,172 disciplined Indian Navy sailors, forged through 16 weeks of rigorous training at INS Chilka, stood poised for national service Thursday during a resplendent Passing Out Parade (POP) held at sunset, exemplifying the navy's unwavering commitment to operational excellence, gender inclusivity, and combat preparedness.

The ceremony—attended by Vice Admiral Samir Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command as chief guest and Reviewing Officer, Commodore B Deepak Anil as Parade Commander, distinguished veterans, sports luminaries, senior officers, dignitaries, and trainees' families—culminated intensive drills initiated earlier, showcasing trainees' precision marching, professional acumen, and resilience.

The cohort comprised 2,103 Agniveers (including 113 women), 270 SSR (Medical Assistants), 44 sports quota entrants, and 295 Indian Coast Guard Naviks, with female Agniveers' prominent roles underscoring the navy's progressive integration of women into combat operations.

Awards Celebrate Merit Amid Inspirational Address

Vice Admiral Saxena commended the batch's transformation, urging sailors to hone technical prowess, embrace core values of duty, honor, and courage, and uphold national pride with unwavering resolve, while praising parents' sacrifices.

Top performers received accolades: Shashi B. Kenchavalgol and Jatin Mishra earned Navy Chief Rolling Trophies and Gold Medals as Best Agniveer (SSR) and Best Agniveer (MR); Anita Yadav secured General Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy as Best Female Agniveer in Overall Merit Order; Keshav Suryavanshi and Sonendra claimed Best Navik (GD) and Best Navik (DB) honors.

Kharavela Division clinched Overall Championship Trophy, with Ashok Division as runners-up; the event featured the bilingual trainee magazine Ankur 2025's second edition launch, chronicling Agniveers' transformative journeys.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar