The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala hosted the Passing Out Parade (POP) for the Spring Term 2024 on May 25, 2024. Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, reviewed the parade, which marked the completion of training for 216 trainees, including 34 women and 10 cadets from friendly foreign countries.
The parade celebrated the culmination of the ab-initio training for the 106 Indian Naval Academy Course, 36 & 37 Naval Orientation Courses (Extended), 38 Naval Orientation Course (Regular), and 39 Naval Orientation Course (Coast Guard & Foreign). Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command, and Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commandant, INA, were also in attendance.
Midshipman Pinintla Pradeep Kumar Reddy received the ‘President’s Gold Medal’ for achieving the first rank in the overall order of merit. Other notable medal winners included:
– CNS Silver Medal for INAC B.Tech Course: Midshipman Mohammad Sameer
– FOC-in-C South Bronze Medal for INAC B.Tech Course: Midshipman Rahul Darshansingh Shoeran
– CNS Gold Medal for NOC (Extended): Cadet Sandhitha Patnaik
– FOC-in-C South Silver Medal for NOC (Extended): Cadet Shaurya Jamwal
– Commandant, INA Bronze Medal for NOC (Extended): Cadet Saloni K Singh
– CNS Gold Medal for NOC (Reg) and Best All-Round Women Cadet: Cadet Janhvi Singh
– Commandant Silver Medal for NOC (Reg): Cadet Sahanaa MK
– Director General Coast Guard Best Assistant Commandant: Assistant Commandant Aditya Ojha
Fighter Squadron was awarded the prestigious Champion Squadron banner for their exceptional performance.
The trainees marched past the Academy’s Quarterdeck in slow march, with gleaming swords and rifles, saluting to the traditional farewell tune for their ‘Antim Pag’ or final step at INA. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari congratulated the trainees, medal winners, and Champion Squadron, praising their hard work, impeccable turnout, and smart drill. He also commended the parents for supporting their children’s decision to join the noble profession of arms, contributing to the service of the nation.
The inclusion of international trainees underscores India’s commitment to global cooperation and showcases the INA’s world-class training facilities. The 38 NOC is the first course to undergo an extended training duration of 44 weeks, including five women officers in the Executive branch, highlighting the Indian Navy’s gender-neutral stance.
After the parade, the Chief of Air Staff, FOC-in-C (South), and Commandant, INA, along with other dignitaries and proud parents, participated in the traditional shipping of the stripes, symbolizing the commissioning of the new officers. These officers will now join various Naval ships and establishments to further specialize their training. The newly commissioned officers are entrusted with the significant responsibility of upholding the Indian Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage, ensuring it remains Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future Ready.