Air Commodore Kamal Chadha (third from left), Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate Karnataka and Goa, honours Praveen Martis, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, by conferring on him the honorary rank of Colonel and appointing him Colonel Commandant on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Air Commodore Kamal Chadha, Deputy Director General, National Cadet Corps (NCC) Directorate Karnataka and Goa, conferred the honorary rank of Colonel and the appointment of Colonel Commandant on Praveen Martis, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, on Thursday.The conferment recognises the vice-chancellor’s contribution to education, youth empowerment, leadership, and nation-building, a release said. In his honorary role, he is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the university and the NCC and inspire students to participate actively in NCC training, community service, and national integration.Speaking on the occasion, Air Commodore Chadha emphasised that educational institutions and the NCC share a common responsibility in developing disciplined, confident and socially responsible citizens. He noted that NCC training equips young people with leadership, courage, teamwork, and a strong sense of duty towards the nation.The Mangalore NCC Group has a substantial presence across 239 educational institutions in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu and Shivamogga districts, with a total strength of over 15,700 cadets.Cadets of the group have achieved distinction through strong representation at the Republic Day Camp, securing second place in the Inter-Group Championship and winning honours in national-level drone, All India Nau Sainik Camp, and Idea and Innovation competitions. NCC training has resulted in the induction of several young men and women into the Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces, the release added. Published - July 17, 2026 08:41 pm IST
