CH NEWS
BENGALURU
CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Vice Chancellor Dr Fr Joseph C.C. was conferred the honorary rank of Colonel of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) at a pipping ceremony held at the university’s Central Campus on Tuesday.
Dr Fr Joseph is one of two candidates from Karnataka to receive the honorary rank. Air Commodore Kamal Chadha, Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate Karnataka & Goa, conferred the rank in the presence of university officials, NCC officers, faculty members, alumni and cadets.
“The rank may be new, but the values are not,” Chadha said, highlighting the discipline, leadership and sense of duty developed through the NCC.
The honorary appointment comes against the backdrop of CHRIST’s 57-year association with the NCC. The university’s 2/9 Coy NCC was established in 1969, and its cadets have participated in national-level programmes including the Republic Day Camp, Thal Sainik Camp, NCC National Games and Youth Exchange Programme.
Around 200 CHRIST cadets have been commissioned into the Armed Forces. Between 2019 and 2026, 47 cadets became Armed Forces officers, while 21 students are currently pursuing training at military academies, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force and Armed Forces Medical College.
CHRIST has also received the Karnataka & Goa Directorate’s Best Institution Award for eight consecutive years.
Fr Joseph, who has been associated with CHRIST since 1996 and has served in several academic and administrative roles, described the uniform as carrying responsibility beyond the rank.
“I’m conscious that the uniform I received today represents much more than a rank,” he said, adding that it symbolised responsibility, tradition and commitment to NCC values.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of Vijai Theran, the annual magazine of the Karnataka & Goa NCC Directorate.
CHRIST AND NCC
- NCC association: 57 years
- NCC company: 2/9 Coy, established in 1969
- Armed Forces commissions: Around 200
- Officers, 2019-26: 47 cadets
- Currently in academies: 21 students
- Best Institution Award: 8 consecutive years
A long association
CHRIST has maintained a 57-year association with the NCC since its 2/9 Coy was established in 1969. Over the years, its cadets have participated in national camps, leadership programmes, adventure activities and community service. Around 200 cadets have joined the Armed Forces, including 47 who became officers between 2019 and 2026. The university has also won the Best Institution Award eight consecutive times.
