In a spectacular Passing Out Parade (POP) held at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, on Saturday, 30 November 2024, a total of 239 trainees, comprising Midshipmen of the 107th Indian Naval Academy Course, cadets of the 38th and 39th Naval Orientation Course (Extended), the 39th Naval Orientation Course (Regular), and the 40th Naval Orientation Course (Coast Guard and Foreign), graduated with flying colours, marking the successful culmination of their ab-initio training. The Passing Out Trainees included eight foreign cadets from four countries and 29 women trainees.
The Parade was reviewed by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, who also awarded medals to the meritorious Midshipmen and Cadets following the Ceremonial Review. The Chief Guest was accompanied by Mrs Shashi Tripathi, President, Naval Welfare & Wellness Association (NWWA). VAdm V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, served as the Conducting Officer. VAdm CR Praveen Nair, Commandant, Indian Naval Academy, along with Mrs Deepa Bhatt, President, NWWA Ezhimala, also graced the occasion.
The following awards were presented to recognise outstanding achievements: –
(a) The President’s Gold Medal for the Indian Naval Academy B.Tech Course was awarded to Midshipman Ayush Kumar Singh.
(b) The CNS Silver Medal and FOC-in-C South Bronze Medal for the same course were conferred upon Midshipman Karan Singh and Midshipman Kartikey V Vernekar respectively.
(c)SLt Ritwik Mishra received the CNS Gold Medal for the Naval Orientation Course (Extended), while Cadet Srajan Jain and SLt Bodekar S Subhash were awarded the FOC-in-C South Silver Medal and Commandant INA Bronze Medal, respectively.
(d) SLt Isha Shah received the CNS Gold Medal for 39 NOC Reg, Commandant INA Silver medal and Zamorin Trophy for best all round woman cadets was awarded to SLt Mathi Nesiga T and SLt Isha Shah respectively.
(e) Director General Coast Guard Best Assistant Commandant Award was presented to Assistant Commandant Akash Tiwari.
The successful trainees marched in a spectacular manner with gleaming ceremonial swords and rifles, saluting as they passed the Academy’s Quarterdeck in Slow March to the evocative tune of Auld Lang Syne . This poignant farewell, a tradition in armed forces worldwide, marked their Antim Pag or final step at the Indian Naval Academy. The proud parents, witnessing this milestone in their children’s journey, beamed with joy and pride as they celebrated their remarkable accomplishments. The ceremony was a fitting culmination of the trainees’ hard work, resilience, and dedication throughout their rigorous training at the Academy.
The Chief of the Naval Staff congratulated the trainees on their impeccable turnout and drill movements during the Parade. He expressed gratitude to the parents for supporting their children in choosing the noble profession of arms, highlighting their commitment to the service of the nation. He also underscored the integration of international trainees, which strengthens India’s foreign cooperation and showcases INA’s world-class training facilities. Addressing the Passing Out trainees, the CNS emphasized the timeless pillars of military leadership – courage, resilience, and integrity – and stressed that the true strength of military leaders lay in ” their ability to anticipate, act decisively, and inspire their teams to achieve success in every operation & mission and overcome any challenge”. As the trainees prepare to step out of the Indian Naval Academy as Commissioned Officers, CNS reminded them that “The weight of the national security rests on your shoulders. Wear it with pride, carry it with honour, and never falter in its service.”
Following the Parade, the CNS, FOCINC (South) and Commandant INA, along with other dignitaries participated in the Stripe Shipping ceremony where the trainees adorned their naval stripes for the first time. They also interacted with the trainees and their families over tea, congratulating them on the successful completion of training. The newly commissioned officers will now proceed to various Naval and Coast Guard ships and establishments, while foreign cadets will return to their respective navies. These officers will further specialise in their respective fields, upholding the core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage as they embark on their professional Journeys.
