Christ University VC Fr Joseph CC Conferred Honorary Colonel Rank by NCC in Bengaluru

Fr Joseph CC, Vice-Chancellor of Christ (Deemed to be) University, has been conferred the honorary rank of Colonel in the National Cadet Corps at a formal pipping ceremony held at the university’s central campus in Bengaluru, in recognition of his leadership and the institution’s long association with the NCC.

The honour places Fr Joseph among only two individuals from Karnataka to have received the honorary NCC rank. The recognition was given against the backdrop of Christ University’s sustained contribution to the NCC’s youth development efforts, particularly in promoting discipline, leadership and a sense of national service among students.

Christ University’s association with the NCC spans 57 years. Its 2/9 Company was established in 1969, laying the foundation for a programme that has remained a prominent part of campus life for decades. Through that engagement, students have been given opportunities to develop leadership qualities, teamwork, discipline and a sense of responsibility towards the nation.

The university’s NCC record also reflects a notable contribution to the armed forces. Around 200 Christ cadets have gone on to receive commissions in the services over the years. Of these, 47 were commissioned between 2019 and 2026. The pipeline remains active: 21 former Christ NCC cadets are currently undergoing training at various military academies.

The institution’s performance in NCC activities has also earned repeated recognition from the Karnataka and Goa Directorate. Christ University has received the Directorate’s Best Institution award for eight consecutive years, a run that points to its continued prominence within the NCC framework in the region.

Speaking after the conferment, Fr Joseph said the NCC uniform represents responsibility, tradition and commitment to the values associated with the organisation. He stressed the need to carry those values forward through service and responsible leadership.

The ceremony also turned attention to Christ University alumni who are currently serving in the armed forces, linking the university’s campus-based NCC activities to its wider contribution to military leadership and national service.

Another feature of the event was the unveiling of Vijai Theran, the annual magazine of the NCC Directorate.

The honorary rank conferred on the Vice-Chancellor served both as a personal recognition and as an acknowledgement of the university’s longstanding institutional relationship with the NCC. It also highlighted Christ University’s role in shaping disciplined and service-oriented youth through a programme that has remained active on campus for nearly six decades.