Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Saturday emphasised upon the timeless pillars of military leadership – courage, resilience, and integrity – and stressed that the true strength of military leaders lay in " their ability to anticipate, act decisively, and inspire their teams to achieve success in every operation and mission and overcome any challenge."
He said this at the Passing Out Parade(POP)at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala. A total of 239 trainees, comprising Midshipmen of the 107th Indian Naval Academy Course, cadets of the 38th and 39th Naval Orientation Course (Extended), the 39th Naval Orientation Course (Regular), and the 40th Naval Orientation Course (Coast Guard and Foreign), graduated with flying colours, marking the successful culmination of their ab-initio training. The Passing Out Trainees included eight foreign cadets from four countries and 29 women trainees.
As the trainees prepare to step out of the Indian Naval Academy as Commissioned Officers, Admiral Tripathi reminded them that "The weight of the national security rests on your shoulders. Wear it with pride, carry it with honour, and never falter in its service."
The successful trainees marched in a spectacular manner with gleaming ceremonial swords and rifles, saluting as they passed the Academy’s Quarterdeck in Slow March to the evocative tune of Auld Lang Syne . This poignant farewell, a tradition in armed forces worldwide, marked their Antim Pag or final step at the Indian Naval Academy.