Bhubaneswar: The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the first batch of Agniveers is scheduled at INS Chilka in Odisha on March 28.
The POP marks the successful completion of training of around 2600 Agniveers including 273 women Agniveers undergoing training at Chilka. Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff will be the Chief Guest and the Reviewing Officer of the Passing out Parade. VAdm MA Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command would also be present on the occasion along with other Senior Naval Officers and dignitaries. The successful trainees would be deployed on frontline warships for their Sea training.
This is the first-ever passing out of the Agniveers from any training institution of the country post successful completion of ab-initio training – a significant landmark towards a new beginning for the Armed Forces. Traditionally, POPs are conducted in the morning hours. But, this POP is scheduled to be held after sunset for the first time in the Armed Forces.
Acknowledging the contribution of the first Chief of Defence Staff, late General Bipin Rawat towards the Agnipath scheme, the Indian Navy has instituted the General Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for woman Agniveer trainee standing first in overall order of merit.
Eminent veteran sailors, who have excelled in their Service as well as post-retirement careers and eminent sportswomen will attend the POP. They include MP and former sprinter PT Usha and Mithali Raj, former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, according to a press release of Ministry of Defence.
