Warm greetings to all the Naval officers, the graduating Midshipmen of the Indian Naval Academy and all the ladies and gentlemen present here.

Thank you for the warmest welcome at the convocation ceremony for the 106th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) Spring Term 2024. It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you on this momentous occasion as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our cadets.

The morning of 24 May 2024 is indeed historic for 103 officer’s trainees of INAC as they will be conferred with BTech degree today. This grand ceremony marks the culmination of a strenuous four-year training regimen, wherein AICTE accredited BTech degree program is run simultaneously with a demanding curriculum of Navy specific subjects and a rigorous outdoor and physical training curriculum.

This day justifies the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance to achieve your goals and dreams of becoming Naval Officers. To the graduating cadets, you have demonstrated outstanding commitment and resilience, qualities that are essential for the brave men of the Indian Navy. You have been rigorously trained, tested, and prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead. Today, you stand ready to embark on a noble journey of service to our great nation.

As we celebrate this occasion, we must not forget the tremendous efforts of the faculty and staff, who have swamped to ensure that you receive the best training and education possible. Their commitment and dedication to the academy are a testament to their unwavering belief in your potential and your dreams.

The Indian Naval Academy has a rich tradition of excellence, and this Spring Term has been no exception. Our cadets have excelled not only in academics but also in physical training, leadership development, and character building. You have shown the ability to lead with integrity, to act decisively under pressure, and to work tirelessly in the pursuit of excellence. Indian Naval Academy is a unique institution, unparalleled in its reputation for producing the finest Naval officers for the nation. With its outstanding infrastructure, world-class facilities and highly qualified faculty, the academy stands as an attestation to our country’s commitment to excellence in education and military training.

The academy’s paramount mission is to develop the trainees morally, mentally and physically, to imbibe in them the high ideals of loyalty, valour and patriotism, and to create naval leaders who can serve our country with distinction. I commend the professionalism and excellence of the academy for its accomplishments and success.

Engineering, in all its forms, is the backbone of innovation and progress. Considering the same, the four year BTech curriculum at the academy is designed to equip you with a strong foundation of fundamental theoretical knowledge of academic subjects and Navy-specific matters. As graduates of the Naval Academy, you are now equipped with the technical expertise and critical thinking skills that are vital for the advancement of our Navy and our nation. You are the architects of future technologies, the problem solvers of tomorrow’s challenges, and the leaders who will steer our naval operations to new heights.

I would like to highlight the dynamic vision and transformative role of AICTE in shaping the landscape of technical education in India. At AICTE, our main focus is on:

Considering the evolving job market, AICTE is even taking numerous initiatives to inculcate the start up and entrepreneurial skills among students. I would like to mention a few of the latest initiatives we have taken to promote the start up ecosystem among students.

With respect to Artificial Intelligence, AICTE is at forefront: .

So, one can say that the integration of “AI in Education” is not just a technological shift, it’s a revolutionary change that offers a wide range of benefits. Overall, the future of Indian education in the context of AI presents exciting opportunities for innovation, personalized learning, and improved educational outcomes. However, it also poses challenges related to equity, ethics, and workforce readiness that need to be addressed proactively by stakeholders in the education ecosystem. Coming back to your important day of getting your Btech degrees, I must say that education here has prepared you not only to tackle technical problems but also to lead with integrity and vision. The principles of honor, courage, and commitment that have been instilled in you are just as important as the engineering principles you have mastered. These values will guide you as you apply your knowledge to real-world situations, ensuring that your contributions are not only innovative but also ethical and impactful.

INA has also established bridges of friendship across the oceans by training personnel from friendly foreign countries. By providing training to foreign cadets as they study in the academy, we convey the message of India being a Vishwaguru and promote our ideology of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Dear Midshipmen, you are now starting, or making a significant step ahead in your career, you have enriched your set of skills at INA, and soon time will come to implement those skill sets in practice in daily life. Soon, you will assume the leadership role in the Navy. I am telling you with my experience that being a leader implies a huge responsibility towards the people you will meet in your career. I want to delve on this issue a bit deeper. A leader is the one who cares about the people, who works to let them grow as individuals, as managers, as leaders. The path to excellence is endless, that's why it is So exciting: you will keep learning every day, and please protect this attitude all across your career, especially when you become senior officers in Navy, when your wide experience will be giving you all the answers: that is the moment when you will absolutely need to challenge yourself and look for new answers to old questions.

You are entering a profession that plays a crucial role in maintaining the security and technological superiority of our Navy. Whether you are designing advanced systems, maintaining critical infrastructure, or developing innovative solutions to complex problems, your work will directly contribute to the strength and readiness of our naval forces.

The world today is rapidly changing, with new challenges emerging on the horizon. As future leaders of the Indian Navy, you will be at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Whether it is safeguarding our maritime borders, conducting humanitarian missions, or participating in international peacekeeping efforts, you will be the torchbearers of our nation’s resolve and resilience. The Indian Navy is known to play a crucial role in ensuring India's security and asserting its strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

Feel proud to be an integral part of the Indian Navy and serve your nation with utmost intelligence, confidence and dedication. Remember, leadership is not just about commanding others but also about inspiring and empowering them. It is about setting an example through your actions, maintaining a relentless pursuit of excellence, and demonstrating unwavering integrity. Your leadership will be the cornerstone of your team’s success and the foundation of your legacy in the Indian Navy.

As you don your uniforms and take up your posts, never forget the oath you have taken and the responsibilities that come with it. Serve with honor and pride, and always keep the welfare of your sailors and your nation at the forefront of your actions. The seas will test you, the winds will challenge you, but with your training, your values, and your unwavering spirit, you will navigate through every storm.

To the families and friends of our graduates, your unwavering support and sacrifices have been the backbone of these young officers' success. Your encouragement and belief in their potential have played a crucial role in their journey. Today, we share this proud moment with you, acknowledging that their achievements are also a testament to your love and dedication.

I want to congratulate the Indian Naval Academy for its outstanding work in training and shaping future naval leaders. I wish the Midshipmen all the success in their future endeavors and encourage them to continue striving for excellence in everything they do. To all the graduating class of the 106th INAC Spring Term 2024, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. You have earned your place in the proud tradition of the Indian Navy. As you set sail on this new chapter, may you always find fair winds and following seas. My wish for you is to become great leaders, remaining good persons, humble, passionate and empathetic. Serve with courage, lead with integrity, and make your nation proud.