INS Chilka Passing Out Parade 02/25: Outstanding Agniveers Honored as 2,172 Trainees Graduate
The Passing Out Parade for the 02/25 batch took place at INS Chilka on January 8, 2026, marking the end of 16 weeks of intensive initial training. The post-sunset ceremony celebrated the trainees' transformation into disciplined, resilient, and combat-ready naval personnel.
This batch included 2,172 trainees: 2,103 Agniveers, of which 113 were women, as well as 270 SSR (Medical Assistants), 44 Sports Entry personnel from the Indian Navy, and 295 Naviks from the Indian Coast Guard.
Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, served as the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer for the parade. Commodore B Deepak Aneel, Commanding Officer of INS Chilka, acted as the Conducting Officer. The event was attended by veterans, sports personalities, senior naval officers, dignitaries, and the trainees' families.
The parade highlighted the trainees' exceptional drill, discipline, and professionalism. The participation of women Agniveers alongside men underscored the Indian Navy's dedication to inclusivity and gender neutrality in operational roles.
In his address, the Reviewing Officer congratulated the trainees on completing their training and encouraged them to continuously improve their skills, stay technologically advanced, and embody the Navy's core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage. He urged them to maintain the nation's honour with determination and thanked the Agniveers' parents for their role in national service. The Chief Guest also praised Team Chilka for their crucial role in shaping the transformation of the Navy and the nation.
During the ceremony, outstanding trainees were recognized with medals and trophies. Sashi B Kenchavagol and Jatin Mishra were awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer (SSR) and Best Agniveer (MR) respectively. Anita Yadav received the General Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy as the Best Woman Agniveer in overall merit. Keshav Suryavanshi and Sonendra were named Best Navik (GD) and Best Navik (DB) respectively.
At the Valedictory Function held earlier, Kharavela Division claimed the Overall Championship Trophy, with Ashok Division as Runners-Up. The event also featured the launch of the second edition of Ankur 2025, a bilingual magazine by the trainees of INS Chilka, documenting the Agniveers' experiences and transformative journey.
