Let me also congratulate the Commandant and his outstanding staff at the Indian Naval Academy for grooming and shaping these Midshipmen and Cadets to

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1 1 POP-INA EZHIMALA Vice Admiral Karve, Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Soonil Bhokare, the Commandant Indian Naval Academy, Professor Anil Sahasrabudhe, Senior naval officers, Distinguished invitees, Dear Parents, Ladies and gentlemen Good morning! At the outset I would like to sincerely thank Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy for extending me an invitation to be here at the prestigious Indian Naval Academy as the Chief Guest of the Passing out Parade. I feel indeed honoured and proud to represent on this occasion. Let me take this opportunity to pay my sincere gratitude to the parents of the Midshipmen and Cadets paraded in front of us. Today, you should be really proud of your son or daughter. They have brought honour to you, your family, your village and your country. If not for the guidance, advice and sacrifices you all have made in making your children the proud owners of the Indian Navy, and the Coast Guard, they would have never reached this milestone.

2 2 Let me also congratulate the Commandant and his outstanding staff at the Indian Naval Academy for grooming and shaping these Midshipmen and Cadets to become professionally competent, disciplined, and brave officers. For these young Midshipmen and Cadets, today will be a very memorable day. Today, you become an integral part of the Navy or the Coast Guard. This equally applies to the two cadets from Benin and Tanzania. From today onwards, it will be your prime duty to serve the nation with utmost dedication, loyalty, and integrity. In doing so, Firstly; you have to be patriotic. You should love your country. You should protect it by sacrificing your life. Secondly, you should be professionally competent. The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard are introducing state-of-the art ships, air craft and submarine. You should learn how to handle them. You have the best technical knowledge and foundation with a BTech Degree. The third and most important aspect is, you have to be honest, and fair. Your highest integrity is very important as naval officers.

3 3 If you can focus on these three aspects, no one can stop you becoming a truly respected leader. Never forget the men you command. If they like you, they will always be loyal to you and will always respect you. They will even follow you to death in battle. I have seen with my own eyes my own sailors sacrificing their life to protect me in the battlefield against terrorists. As an officer you will command men. You should always consider it as an honour. Never forget the Chetwode Motto when you perform your duties, the wise words uttered by Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode, in the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun when it was started in I quote; The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare, and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort, and safety come last, always and every time. I unquote.

4 4 In the present context, the Indian Navy is not only serving as the key strategic tool that governs India s maritime power; it is also one of the leading maritime arms in the entire Indian Ocean Region that ensures the safety of ocean affairs. As many of you are aware, the Indian Navy s task and role is not anymore Indian centric. It is in this context that many view the Indian Navy as a net security provider. On the other hand, the geostrategic location of India and connectivity to trade and energy arteries in the Indian Ocean are some of the major areas that have a direct bearing on India s future. Maintaining a peaceful maritime environment is therefore crucial to India and countries like Sri Lanka. The Indian Coast Guard too holds a very prominent place in our region as a leading Maritime Law Enforcement Agency. These are some of the reasons why the Midshipmen and Cadet Officers who are passing out today should really feel proud of. It will be true to say that the destiny of India lies in the hands of those who are passing out today. You will be commanding bases, establishments, and ships in the future.

5 5 The training heaped on you and the professional competencies imparted to you by this prestigious training academy would ensure, that you may perform your duty with utmost dedication, honouring the core values of the Navy and the Coast Guard. Only then this academy, your parents, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the entire nation can be proud of you. I wish all the Midshipmen and Cadet officers passing out today a very bright future. May the Lord Varuna, God of Sea and St. Anthony; the Saint of seafarers protect you always! Thank you!