The Passing Out Parade (POP) for the Spring Term 2025 was conducted at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, where 186 trainees, including midshipmen, naval cadets, and officers from four friendly foreign nations, graduated with distinction. The event marked the culmination of rigorous ab-initio training designed to instill leadership, discipline, and combat readiness among future naval officers.
Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, reviewed the parade, commending the trainees on their impeccable military bearing, smart drill, and academic excellence. The gathering was attended by Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair, Commandant INA, along with senior officers and distinguished guests.
The President’s Gold Medal for first place in the Indian Naval Academy’s B.Tech course was awarded to Midshipman Nakul Saxena. Midshipman Kiondo Michael Florence, a trainee from Tanzania, received the Rajya Raksha Mantri Trophy for Most Promising Cadet, marking a significant milestone in international defense cooperation. Midshipman Nithin S Nair won the FOC-in-C (South) Trophy for standing first among ex-NDA trainees, while Cadet Pawar Rohit Prakash and Cadet Rajnish Singh received the CNS Gold Medal for excellence in Naval Orientation Courses. The Director General Coast Guard Trophy was awarded to Cadet Kommu David.
The Commandant’s Champion Squadron Banner was presented to Cheetah Squadron, which demonstrated excellence across training disciplines, including academics, sports, outdoor drills, and service subjects.
Following the parade, the reviewing officers and dignitaries shipped the stripes of the graduating trainees, marking their formal entry into the operational structure of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. They interacted with proud family members, recognizing their support and sacrifices during the cadets’ training journey.
The newly commissioned officers will now proceed to specialized naval training establishments and warships, preparing for advanced warfare operations and fleet leadership roles. The event underscored the Indian Naval Academy’s commitment to fostering a world-class training environment, integrating international trainees, and reinforcing India’s maritime strength and global defense cooperation.
