![In a first, Passing out Parade of Agniveervayu Women held at Belagavi](http://media.assettype.com/defencewatch%2F2023-12%2F0bc23b02-d761-4ed8-ba72-f7279c3c5986%2FIMG_20231202_WA0046.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
New Delhi: Creating a new landmark in the gender empowerment in the armed forces, the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the maiden intake of Agniveervayu (Women) along with second intake of Agniveervayu (Men), was held at Airmen Training School Belagavi on December 2, 2023 after completion of their Ab- initio training. This day would be etched in the history of Indian Air Force as the first batch of 153 Agniveervayu (Women) marched shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. A total of 2280 Agniveervayu (Men and Women) trainees successfully completed 22 weeks of training.
Air Marshal R Radhish, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Indian Air Force, reviewed the parade and witnessed the scintillating display of Drill and March Past by the trainees.
The Air Marshal congratulated and felicitated the award winners who had performed exceedingly well in different fields. The RO lauded the Agniveervayu for their excellent effort to make the parade impressive and magnificent. He exhorted that new challenges were emerging from the global security scenario. Hence, the combat training and military preparedness acquired during the 22 weeks should be used in deliverance of military objectives. He also impressed upon the Agniveervayu to continue enhancing their knowledge, skill and conduct themselves in exemplary manner at all times.
The RO also expressed his appreciation to the parents of the Agniveervayu, acknowledging their contribution to the country and for raising men and women of honour, who are all set to be part of the fourth largest Air Force of the world.
This intake of Agniveervayu was inducted into the IAF on 28 June 2023 under the Agnipath scheme. The passing out parade marked the culmination of their basic military and stream based training that not only imparted physical training but also enhanced intellectual and moral capabilities of Agniveervayu, essential to the ethos of an air warrior.
It was a momentous occasion for the families of young men and women who were present to witness the impressive passing out parade function.
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