Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 17: Air Commodore Kamal Chadha, deputy director general, NCC Directorate Karnataka and Goa, conferred the honorary appointment of honorary colonel and colonel commandant upon Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice-chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, at a ceremonial function held on Thursday July 16.

The conferment recognises Dr Martis’s contribution to education, youth empowerment, leadership and nation-building. In his honorary role, he is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the University and the National Cadet Corps and inspire students to participate actively in NCC training, community service and national integration.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Commodore Kamal 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 position in the Inter-Group Championship and winning honours in national-level drone, All India Nau Sainik Camp, Idea and Innovation competitions. The NCC training has resulted in induction of several young men and women into the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces.

As NCC continues to groom and shape the youth of this region to become future leaders, more and more educational Institutions have expressed their desire to include NCC as part of their curriculum. The collaborations of NCC with the institutions will play a vital role in nurturing disciplined, responsible and patriotic youth committed to leadership, community service and nation-building.