In a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, the Passing Out Parade (POP) for the Agniveer 02/24 Batch took place at INS Chilka, Odisha. This event, celebrated on March 7, 2025, marked the successful completion of 16 weeks of rigorous naval training by 2,966 trainees, which included 402 women Agniveers, 288 SSR (Medical Assistant) personnel, and 227 Naviks.
What made this ceremony particularly unique was its execution as a post-sunset event, adding an air of magnificence to the proceedings. Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, reviewed the parade, with Commodore B. Deepak Aneel, Commanding Officer of INS Chilka, officiating the ceremony.
The occasion was not only a celebration of the trainees’ completion of their training but also a tribute to their commitment and hard work. Several esteemed veterans, including Sureddy Siva Kumar, Sandeep Gupta, Lohrii Besii, and GS Kocher, attended the event alongside notable sports figure Eldhose Paul, who served as an inspirational presence for the newly inducted Agniveers. The fruits of the trainees’ labor were reflected in the pride of their families, who witnessed their transformation into a Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future-Ready naval force.
In his address, Vice Admiral Srinivas commended the trainees for their discipline, hard work, and commitment to serving the nation. He urged them to keep honing their skills, remain updated with technological advancements, and embody the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parents of the Agniveers, acknowledging their vital role in nurturing the future of the Indian Navy.
To honor the outstanding achievements within the batch, several awards and trophies were presented to commendable Agniveers. Notable accolades included the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer (MR), awarded to Devraj Singh Rathore, and the similar honor for Best Agniveer (SSR), awarded to Pramodh Singh. Mansa Gulivindhala received the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer, while Mohit Kumar took home the Director General, Indian Coast Guard Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Navik (GD).
The ceremony’s conclusion featured the presentation of the Overall Championship Trophy to Angre Division, with Eklavya Division recognized as the Runners-Up. Additionally, the 02/24 edition of ‘Ankur’, the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka, was unveiled during the valedictory function.
The successful culmination of the Agniveer 02/24 Batch POP signifies a new chapter in the Indian Navy’s ongoing evolution, advocating for a gender-neutral and technologically advanced force. As these newly inducted sailors embark on their service journeys, they carry forth the values of dedication, courage, and national pride, ready to uphold the honor of the Indian Navy and the country it represents.
