The passing out parade (POP) of the first batch of Agniveers recruited under the Agnipath scheme was successfully conducted on Tuesday (March 28) at Indian Naval Ship (INS) Chilka. This is the first of its kind evening ceremony, commencing after sunset.
Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar reviewed the maiden POP of 2,585 Agniveers (men and women), watch the video here.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Indian Navy chief called the day historic as the country has got its first-ever batch of women sailors passing out. "You all are starting a new chapter in the history of the Indian Navy. As the nation watches, our women sailors will provide inspiration to an entire generation of young women in the country": the Navy chief was quoted as saying by ANI.
"As Agniveers pass out from INS Chilka, I would like to assure each one of them that they can look forward to an exciting and immensely satisfying career which will also be challenging in many ways," he added further.
The historic event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP PT Usha, a well-known former athlete, and cricketer Mithali Raj. At the event, medals and trophies were also awarded to meritorious Agniveers.
These Agniveers will be placed on frontline warships for sea training after receiving training in Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lake.
According to the Indian Navy, 2,585 Agniveers, including 273 women, passed from INS Chilka today. This is the first time the Agniveers have graduated from any training facility in the country.
ABP Live visited INS Chilka to spend a day with the Agniveers ahead of their passing out.
READ HERE: 'No Looking Back Now’: A Day With The Agniveers Of Indian Navy
On June 14, 2022, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and the three Service Chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces announced the Agnipath Scheme. Beginning in November, the Indian Navy began recruiting Agniveers from all across the country. It also took the effort to recruit women Agniveers.