Mangaluru: Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, was conferred the honorary appointment of Honorary Colonel and Colonel Commandant by Air Commodore Kamal Chadha, Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate Karnataka and Goa, at a ceremonial function held on July 16, 2026.
The prestigious honour recognises Rev. Dr. Martis’s significant contributions to education, youth empowerment, leadership development, and nation-building. In his honorary capacity, he is expected to strengthen the partnership between the University and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) while motivating students to actively participate in NCC training, community service, and programmes promoting national integration.
NCC and educational institutions share a common mission
Addressing the gathering, Air Commodore Kamal Chadha highlighted the shared responsibility of educational institutions and the NCC in shaping disciplined, confident, and socially responsible citizens. He said NCC training equips young people with leadership qualities, courage, teamwork, discipline, and a strong sense of duty towards the nation.
He also outlined the extensive presence of the Mangalore NCC Group, which operates across 239 educational institutions in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu, and Shivamogga districts, with a combined strength of over 15,700 cadets.
Mangalore NCC Group records notable achievements
The Mangalore NCC Group has earned recognition through its outstanding performance at national-level events. Its cadets have represented the group at the prestigious Republic Day Camp, secured second place in the Inter-Group Championship, and won accolades in national competitions, including drone technology, All India Nau Sainik Camp, and Idea and Innovation contests.
NCC training has also enabled many young men and women from the region to join the Indian Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces, reflecting its role in preparing disciplined and capable future leaders.
University-NCC collaboration to benefit students
The growing popularity of NCC among educational institutions was also highlighted during the programme. As more colleges seek to include NCC as part of their academic and co-curricular framework, such collaborations are expected to play a crucial role in nurturing responsible, patriotic, and service-oriented youth.
The conferment of the honorary rank on Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ further strengthens the University’s commitment to leadership development, character formation, and nation-building through active engagement with the NCC.
