English: Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala organised two concurrent training camps named ‘Samudra-Manthan’ and ‘Varuna’ for IV th and VII th term cadets from 07 – 10 September 2016. A total of 295 cadets participated in these camps spread over four days. The camp was aimed to develop esprit-de-corps, sense of camaraderie, leadership qualities, physical endurance as well as mental strength in cadets under stressful environment.

The cadets as part of the exercise undertook endurance runs, obstacle courses, whaler pulling and sailing in Kavvayi backwaters and high seas. The cadets as part of Camp Varuna were divided into groups and pulled competitively from Indian Naval Academy to Madakara in Kavvayi backwaters and continued sailing in the Arabian Sea off Madakara harbour in 19 whaler boats. On the concluding day of the grueling four days camp, the cadets participated in a highly challenging triathlon where the trainees had to participate in a difficult multi terrain run of over 20 kilometers in full battle gear followed by long distance swimming and an obstacle course run.

The four day camp culminated with a camp fire at INA. Rear Admiral MD Suresh, NM, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor, INA in his address to the cadets during the camp fire reiterated the fact that no matter which branch a Naval trainee chooses, the basic training would always be an intense experience. The combination of physical training, field exercises andacademic instructions makes an individual a strong and capable leader. It is a tough but at the same time a rewarding experience that every trainee would value and cherish for life.