Largest passing out parade of 3,300 personnel to be held at INS Chilka

The Indian Navy has organised a grand and historic passing out parade at INS Chilka in Odisha on 13 November. According to Amar Ujala, more than 3,300 Agniveers and Indian Coast Guard sailors will officially join the Navy after completing their training at this event. It is noted that this batch is the largest to pass out from this training centre of the Navy so far. All these trainees have successfully completed 16 weeks of extremely rigorous and intensive training.

A press release issued by INS Chilka stated that the primary objective of this training programme was to transform young recruits into disciplined, physically agile, mentally strong, and professionally competent maritime warriors. The 16-week course included education, physical conditioning, swimming, parade training, outdoor activities, and various camps, so that they could prepare a strong foundation for their future careers. Special emphasis was placed on character building, leadership, discipline, camaraderie, and teamwork during the training. Additionally, core Navy values such as duty, honour, and courage were instilled in the trainees.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, will be present as the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer at the ceremony. This parade will prove to be a significant milestone in the professional journey of the trainees. They will formally graduate from their initial training phase in the presence of their family members, Navy veterans, and other distinguished guests. The entire ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Samir Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.

During the programme, meritorious trainees who performed excellently during training, the Champion Division, and the Best Instructor will be honoured with special awards. Furthermore, on this special occasion, the bilingual newsletter 'Ankur', prepared by the trainees, will also be unveiled. This passing out parade will be live-streamed on the official social media platforms of the Indian Navy, so that citizens across the country can witness this proud moment.

INS Chilka is a premier training centre of the Indian Navy, located on the shores of Chilka Lake, a saltwater lake in Odisha. This institution is considered the primary training centre for sailors recruited into the Navy. Recruited personnel are prepared here for the Navy's lifestyle and professional duties. For years, this institution has provided the country with thousands of skilled soldiers who are playing a vital role in India's maritime security. The institution is known for its disciplined training methods and modern facilities, which equip trainees to face challenging situations.