On March 7, 2025, Odisha’s INS Chilka had a big Passing Out Parade (POP), after completing sixteen weeks of intensive Naval training. Passing out in a spectacular post-sunset ceremony were 2,966 trainees overall, including 402 women Agniveers, 288 SSR (Medical Assistants), and 227 Naviks.
Commodore B. Deepak Aneel, Commanding Officer of INS Chilka, oversaw the procession as Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, inspected it. Along with the proud family members of the trainees, other seasoned achievers and sports stars including Eldhose Paul, CPO COM (TEL) attended the occasion.
Vice Admiral Srinivas in his speech praised the trainees for their diligence and discipline. He exhorted them to maintain the Navy’s fundamental ideals of Duty, Honour, and Courage as well as to keep current technologically. He also valued the way parents help to shape the direction the country will go.
The exceptional Agniveers received medals and gifts from the Chief Guest. Devraj Singh Rathore and Pramodh Singh took home the Gold Medal for Best Agniveer and the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy in the MR and SSR divisions, respectively. Mansa Gulivindhala received the General Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Agniveer. Mohit Kumar got the Director General, Indian Coast Guard Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Navik (GD).
The Angre Division took home the overall Championship Trophy during the Valedictory event; Eklavya Division took second runner-up trophy. The event ended with the publication of Ankur, the bilingual trainees’ magazine from INS Chilka.
