The 1/97 Batch of the Indian Navy comprises sailors who joined as MER (equivalent to today's SSR) in January 1997. We began our journey with rigorous basic training at INS Chilka, before advancing to premier professional training establishments — INS Valsura, INS Shivaji, INS Dronacharya, and others. From there, we were posted to ships and shore establishments across the length and breadth of India's maritime domain.
Over decades of service, batchmates have served in every arm of the Navy — surface fleet, submarine arm, aviation, and ashore — acting as the highly skilled technical and operational backbone of the fleet. Many of our shipmates rose to the highest supervisory ranks, including Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO).
The bond forged during training at Chilka, and strengthened at sea, has outlasted our service. The 1/97 Batch remains a family — bound not by rank, but by shared experience, enduring brotherhood, and mutual respect.
"Together in Service. Together for Life."
We served India at sea, in the air, and ashore. That commitment to service doesn't end at retirement — it defines who we are.
The bond of shared hardship and shared pride. Every batchmate is a shipmate — someone you'd trust with your life, because once, you did.
The Navy set the standard, and we carried it forward — into second careers, families, communities, and everything we do beyond uniform.