INA Spring Term 2025 POP: Pride, Honour, and New Journeys Begin
In a grand celebration of service and strength, the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, held its Passing Out Parade (POP) for the Spring Term 2025 on May 31, marking a defining moment for 186 young trainees stepping into their naval careers.
The event resonated with emotion and pride as cadets, families, and senior officers gathered to witness the culmination of months of intense physical, academic, and leadership training.
A Day of Achievements and Firsts
The parade featured graduating cadets from several prestigious courses:
-
107th and 108th Indian Naval Academy Courses (B. Tech)
-
38th and 39th Naval Orientation Courses (Extended)
-
40th NOC (Regular)
-
41st NOC (Coast Guard)
Notably, the POP also included cadets from four friendly foreign nations, highlighting India’s strong maritime diplomacy and the Academy’s global stature.
Medal Winners Who Shone Brightest
A number of outstanding cadets were honoured for exemplary performance:
-
Midshipman Nakul Saxena received the President’s Gold Medal for topping the B. Tech course.
-
Midshipman Kiondo Michael Florence of Tanzania earned the Rajya Raksha Mantri Trophy for being the Most Promising Foreign Cadet.
-
Midshipman Nithin S Nair was awarded the FOC-in-C (South) Trophy for best performance among ex-NDA trainees.
-
Cadet Pawar Rohit Prakash and Cadet Rajnish Singh won CNS Gold Medals in the extended and regular Naval Orientation Courses respectively.
-
Cadet Kommu David was honoured with the Director General Coast Guard Trophy.
Champion Squadron: Cheetah Leads the Way
The prestigious Commandant’s Champion Squadron Banner went to Cheetah Squadron, recognized for overall excellence across academics, sports, drill, and extracurriculars. Their all-around performance stood as a testament to discipline, unity, and team spirit.
Words of Pride and Encouragement
Vice Admiral V Srinivas, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, reviewed the parade and praised the cadets’ bearing and precision.
He was joined by Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair, Commandant of INA, and other senior dignitaries who congratulated the young officers and acknowledged the immense role played by their families and mentors.
A Touching Farewell and New Beginnings
Following the parade, cadets had stripes ceremoniously pinned on their shoulders—an emotional gesture marking their transition into naval officers. Families watched with pride and tears as their loved ones took this next step.
These officers will now head to various specialized naval training centers and ships across the country. Their roles will span combat operations, technical missions, and maritime leadership, each critical to India’s naval readiness.
Strengthening Global Bonds
The inclusion of foreign cadets and international awards at the POP also reinforces India’s role as a hub for global military training partnerships. The event showcased how mutual respect and shared values form the foundation of India’s defense diplomacy.
Looking Forward: A Generation of Guardians
The POP 2025 reflects more than academic or military training—it symbolizes resilience, commitment, and service to the nation. These 186 officers carry with them the trust of the nation and a shared mission to protect its vast maritime frontiers.
As India navigates toward a stronger naval future, the Indian Naval Academy continues to shape the leaders who will define that journey.