31-May 2025...........

INA Hosted Prestigious POP for Spring Term 31 May 2025

The Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, etched another proud chapter in its illustrious legacy with the grand Passing Out Parade (POP) held on May 31, 2025. Commencing at 0715 hours, the ceremony marked the successful culmination of months of rigorous and intensive training for cadets of the Spring Term 2025.

The POP is a distinguished tradition at the INA, symbolizing the transformation of cadets into commissioned officers prepared to defend national and global maritime interests. The Spring Term 2025 saw the graduation of cadets from multiple courses, including the 107 A, 108 INA Course, 38 and 39 Naval Orientation Course (Extended), 40 NOC (Regular), and 41 NOC (Coast Guard). Notably, the cohort also featured international cadets from Bangladesh, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, reflecting India’s commitment to fostering global defence partnerships.

Dignitaries and Ceremonial Grandeur

Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCINC), Southern Naval Command, presided over the parade as the Reviewing Officer. His presence, alongside senior naval officers, academy faculty, dignitaries, and the proud families of cadets, added gravitas to the event.

The ceremony was led with exemplary precision by Parade Commander Admiral Praveen Nair. The grandeur of the occasion was further enhanced by the attendance of Dr. Jaitirth Joshi, an Outstanding Scientist and Director General of BrahMos Aerospace, signifying the synergy between military service and technological innovation.

The Indian Naval Academy, through a combination of academic rigour, physical conditioning, leadership development, and ethical training, continues to produce officers of the highest calibre. The 2025 POP was live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook, ensuring that families, alumni, and naval enthusiasts worldwide could participate in the celebrations.

Award Winners and Achievements

In keeping with tradition, the INA recognised outstanding cadets for their excellence in training, leadership, academics, and character. The following accolades were presented:

INA Course Awards:

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)

Naval Orientation Course Awards:

Award	Recipient	Course	Criteria
Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal	Rohit Pawar	39th NOC (Extended)	First in 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
Director General Coast Guard Trophy	Cadet Como Dravid	41st NOC (Coast Guard)	Best Coast Guard Trainee

Champion Squadron

Spring Term 2025 Champion Banner: Cheetah Squadron, led by Squadron Cadet Captain Lucky Yadav

Celebrating Naval Values and Future Leadership

This year’s Passing Out Parade was not just a ceremonial closure to an academic term but a grand affirmation of the Indian Navy’s future. The commitment, resilience, and performance of these young officers reflect the standards and ethos upheld by the INA.

The INA’s proud legacy of previous milestones, including the 2023 outdoor training demonstration and the 2024 convocation, has firmly positioned it as a beacon of maritime leadership and strategic defence education.

Under the shadow of the Western Ghats, against the scenic backdrop of Ezhimala, the POP 2025 resonated with discipline, honour, and hope. As the cadets step forward into their roles as officers of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and partner navies, they embody the spirit of service, integrity, and commitment to maritime excellence.

The Passing Out Parade 2025 will be remembered not just as a graduation event but as a celebration of courage, cooperation, and the shared values of a secure maritime future for India and its allies.