New Delhi: The Indian Navy will hold the Passing Out Parade of the ninth batch of its Agniveers and Indian Coast Guard Naviks at INS Chilka on November 13, marking the completion of 16 weeks of ab-initio training by more than 3,300 trainees — the largest batch ever to pass out from the establishment, according to a Ministry of Defence statement issued on Monday, November 9.

Source: Ministry of Defence statement via India Strategic

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will be the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer at the parade, ANI reported, citing a press release from INS Chilka. The valedictory function will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, IANS reported.

Source: ANI via Apna Matv Channel

3,300+Trainees in the passing-out batch
16 weeksAb-initio training completed
9th batchAgniveer batch at INS Chilka
Nov 13Passing Out Parade date

What the training covers

The training programme is designed to transform young recruits into disciplined, physically fit, mentally resilient and professionally competent maritime personnel. Its curriculum combines academic instruction with physical conditioning, swimming, drill and parade training, outdoor activities and camps, and places emphasis on character building, leadership, discipline, camaraderie and teamwork, along with the naval values of duty, honour and courage.

INS Chilka, located near Chilika in Odisha's Khordha district, is the Indian Navy's premier ab-initio training establishment for sailor recruits and has been preparing successive batches of Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. Families of the trainees, naval veterans and other distinguished guests are expected to attend the ceremony.

At the valedictory function, awards will be presented to outstanding trainees, the champion division and the best instructor, and the trainees' bilingual magazine Ankur will be unveiled. The Navy will livestream the parade on its official social media platforms so people across the country can witness the occasion, the statement said.

Source: IANS via HiIndia

Why it matters

A record 3,300-plus graduates in a single batch underlines the scale at which the Agnipath intake is now feeding trained sailors into the Navy and the Coast Guard, before the recruits move on to specialised instruction and operational assignments.