Indian Naval Academy-Passing Out Parade ST-2025

Indian Naval Academy Hosts Prestigious Passing Out Parade for Spring Term 2025

The Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, marked a significant milestone on May 31, 2025, as it conducted the Passing Out Parade (POP) for the Spring Term 2025.

This ceremonious event, held at 07:15 hours, celebrated the culmination of intense and disciplined training undergone by cadets across various Naval Orientation Courses. The ceremony is an emblem of military precision, naval pride, and the transformation of young cadets into commissioned officers, committed to the defence of the nation and global maritime security.

A symbol of discipline, perseverance, and excellence, the POP is one of the INA’s most revered traditions.

The Spring Term 2025 POP saw the graduation of cadets from the 107 A, 108 INA Course, 38 and 39 NOC (Extended), 40 NOC (Regular), and the 41 NOC (Coast Guard).

Notably, this batch also included cadets from friendly foreign nations, including Bangladesh, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, underlining the INA’s critical role in regional defence diplomacy and international cooperation.

The event was reviewed by Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCINC), Southern Naval Command.

His presence, along with the attendance of senior naval officials, proud families, academy staff, and invited dignitaries, added grandeur to the proceedings and reflected the strategic significance of the ceremony.

The Indian Naval Academy has continually upheld the highest standards in officer training, blending rigorous academics with robust physical training, leadership development, and moral conditioning.

The Passing Out Parade not only celebrates the successful completion of this training but also signifies the transition of cadets into the esteemed cadre of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, as well as foreign naval forces.

To ensure wider participation and outreach, the 2025 POP was live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook, allowing thousands of viewers, well-wishers, families, and naval enthusiasts alike to witness this inspiring ceremony in real-time.

Parade Highlights and Key Dignitaries

The parade this year was marked by synchronised drills, immaculate uniforms, and the unmistakable aura of naval ethos.

Parade Commander Admiral Praveen Nair led the contingent with precision and dignity. Present at the occasion was Dr. Jaitirth Joshi, Outstanding Scientist and Director General of BrahMos Aerospace, whose presence emphasised the strong linkage between the naval forces and India’s defence research and strategic innovation.

The Commander of the Indian Naval Academy, senior officers, and training faculty were instrumental in shaping the future naval leaders who participated in this parade. The event culminated with an inspiring address by Vice Admiral V Srinivas, who praised the dedication, resilience, and excellence of the graduating cadets.

Awardees and Honours

As part of the Passing Out Parade tradition, outstanding cadets were recognised for their exemplary performance in academics, leadership, physical training, and overall merit.

The following awards were presented:

Award	Recipient	Course	Criteria
President Gold Medal	Nakul Saxena	108 INA Course	Standing first in the overall order of merit
Chief of the Naval Staff Silver Medal	Harsh Gupta	108 INA Course	Second-highest merit
FOC-in-C Southern Naval Command Bronze Medal	Dhanveen Saini	118 INA Course	Third-highest merit
Raksha Rajya Mantri Trophy	Michael Florence	118 INA Course	Most Promising Midshipman
FOC-in-C Southern Naval Command Trophy	Nitin S. Nair	118 INA Course (Ex-NDA)	Standing first in the overall order of merit (Ex-NDA category)

For Naval Orientation Courses:

Award	Recipient	Course	Criteria / Notes
Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal	Rohit Pawar	39th NOC (Extended)	Standing first in the overall order of merit
FOC-in-C Southern Naval Command Silver Medal	Dhruv Shashwat Sharma	39th NOC (Extended)	Second-highest merit
Commander Indian Naval Academy Bronze Medal	Commander Latha Reddy	39th NOC (Extended)	Third-highest merit
Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal	Cadet Rajneesh	40th NOC (Regular)	Training excellence
Commander Indian Naval Academy Silver Medal	Cadet Natasha	40th NOC (Regular)	Second-highest merit or training distinction
Director General Coast Guard Trophy	Cadet Como Dravid	41st NOC (Coast Guard)	Best Coast Guard Trainee
Champion Squadron Banner (Spring Term 2025)	Cheetah Squadron	INA Spring Term 2025	Led by Squadron Cadet Captain Lucky Yadav

A Legacy of Naval Excellence

This year’s POP builds on INA’s legacy of excellence in naval training and ceremonial discipline. Following the success of landmark events such as the 2023 outdoor training demonstration and the 2024 convocation ceremony, the 2025 POP further cements the Academy’s role as a cornerstone of maritime leadership and strategic preparedness.

The Indian Naval Academy has remained steadfast in its mission to develop morally upright, intellectually sound, and physically robust officers for the Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, and friendly foreign navies. The parade, conducted under overcast skies with the Western Ghats as a serene backdrop, was a fitting tribute to the unwavering spirit, dedication, and potential of the young officers.

As these cadets step into their new roles as commissioned officers, they carry forward not just the pride of their alma mater but also the hopes of a nation that places its faith in their courage, discipline, and leadership. The 2025 Passing Out Parade will be remembered as a moment of immense pride, a celebration of service, and a reaffirmation of India’s maritime strength and international defence cooperation.

NDA 148 Course Passing Out Parade- First Female Cadets Batch

NDA 148th Course POP Reviewing Officer- Former COAS General VK Singh