Bhubaneswar: In a grand display of discipline and military pride, 2,010 Agniveers, including 309 women and 276 Naviks (General Duty) of the Indian Coast Guard, successfully completed their training and participated in the Passing Out Parade (POP) held at INS Chilka in Odisha on Friday.
The POP marked the culmination of rigorous training for the 6th batch of Agniveers under the Indian Navy’s Agnipath scheme. The parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, while Commodore B Deepak Aneel, Commanding Officer of INS Chilka, officiated the ceremonial proceedings.
A special post-sunset ceremony added to the solemnity of the event and was witnessed by the proud parents of the Agniveers, military veterans, noted sportspersons, and distinguished guests.
According to an official statement, the passing out parade marks a defining moment in the journey of the Agniveers, as they now set sail into their service careers as part of a combat-ready, cohesive, and future-focused Indian Navy.
Located on the banks of the Chilika Lake, INS Chilka serves as the premier ab-initio training establishment for sailors and plays a pivotal role in transforming raw recruits into disciplined and professionally skilled sea warriors. The statement noted that the institution continues to uphold its legacy of shaping personnel who are prepared to serve with excellence aboard India’s advanced naval platforms.
