KANNUR: A total of 268 cadets, including 26 women, were commissioned into the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard at a colourful passing out parade at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, on Saturday.
The cadets lined up in two columns and marched with their gleaming swords held in salute past the academy’s saluting dais (known as the quarterdeck). The navy band sounded the traditional farewell tune while bidding adieu to colleagues and comrades. Naval and Coast Guard aircraft flew past the sky in synchronisation with the parade.
Governor Sheila Dikshit, who was guest of honour, presented awards to the meritorious cadets.
The cadets belonged to the four passing-out courses of the Spring Term – 2014, including the 86th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) and Integrated Cadet Course (ICC), the 17th Naval Orientation Course and the 18th Naval Orientation (Regular) Course.
INA commandant Vice-Admiral P. Ajit Kumar was also present. The oath of allegiance to the Constitution was administered by the Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor, INA, Rear Admiral G.V. Ravindran.
The President’s gold medal for the INAC course was awarded to divisional cadet captain Sangram R. Kashirsagar. Chief of the Naval Staff gold medal for the naval orientation (extended) course was awarded to probationary Sub-Lieutenant Abhishek Sharma.
Probationary sub- lieutenant Cherian Johny was awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff gold medal for the naval orientation (regular) course and probationary assistant commandant Shipra Nayyar received the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (South) gold medal for the best female cadet.
