On August 9, 2024, a significant milestone was celebrated as 1,389 Agniveers, including 214 women, successfully graduated from INS Chilka, marking the conclusion of 16 weeks of rigorous naval training. The Passing Out Parade (POP) for the fourth batch of Agniveers (01/24) took place in a unique post-sunset ceremony, reviewed by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, served as the Conducting Officer, while Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, was also present.
The event was witnessed by the proud families of the graduates, distinguished veterans, and notable sports personality Omkar Singh, MCPO I (GS), a gold medalist in shooting at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
The POP not only signifies the successful completion of initial training but also the beginning of a new chapter for the Agniveers in the Indian Navy. In his address, Admiral Tripathi congratulated the trainees and urged them to uphold the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage as they continue their training and strive to become technologically proficient sea warriors.
During the ceremony, the Chief Guest awarded medals and trophies to outstanding Agniveers. Vinay Maruti Kadam, AVR SSR, and Sanjana, AVR MR, received the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR and MR, respectively. Sakshi Mohan Mirje, AVR SSR, was awarded the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer in the overall order of merit. Ashish, NVK GD, and Yuvraj, NVK DB, were recognized as the best trainees in their respective courses.
In the valedictory function earlier in the day, the CNS presented the overall Championship Trophy to Shivaji Division and the Runners-Up Trophy to Arjun Division. He also unveiled the 01/24 edition of Ankur, the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka.
Admiral Tripathi paid tribute to the bravehearts by laying a wreath at the Chilka War Memorial and inaugurated two new buildings—’Ashok’ Admin Building, in honor of Lt Cdr Ashok Roy, NM, VrC, and ‘Iqbal’ PO Quarters, named after Gur Iqbal Singh, PO TAS, KC.
