Mangaluru: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, has added another feather to its cap with its Vice Chancellor, Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, being conferred the prestigious rank of Honorary Colonel and appointed Colonel Commandant in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) by the Government of India.
The appointment was officially conferred on June 25, 2026, vide Reference No. UN/NOTICE/2026/102*, and is recorded in the Official Gazette of India dated May 2, 2026. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, will hold the honorary rank for the duration of his tenure as Vice Chancellor.
Prestigious national recognition
The honour is a significant recognition of Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ’s leadership and his contribution to promoting discipline, character-building, civic responsibility and youth leadership through the National Cadet Corps.
He is scheduled to receive the honorary rank formally from senior officials of the Indian Armed Forces and the National Cadet Corps during a ceremony to be held in July 2026.
The appointment also highlights St Aloysius University’s longstanding commitment to fostering leadership, patriotism and community service among students through its NCC programmes.
University community celebrates achievement
The management, faculty, staff and students of St Aloysius University expressed pride over the national recognition bestowed upon their Vice Chancellor. They lauded Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, which have contributed significantly to the institution’s academic growth and overall development.
The University also conveyed its gratitude to the NCC Headquarters, Mangalore Group, for recommending Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, for this distinguished honour.
The conferment of the Honorary Colonel and Colonel Commandant rank stands as a proud milestone for both the Vice Chancellor and St Aloysius University, further strengthening the institution’s legacy of excellence in education, leadership and nation-building.