In a landmark ceremony, the Government of India has bestowed the honorary rank of Colonel in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) upon 19 distinguished Vice Chancellors (VCs) from various Indian universities, symbolizing their commitment to nation-building and academic leadership.
Among the esteemed recipients is Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, who is the first woman to hold this prestigious position at the university.
Earlier this month, in an interaction with Press Trust of India editors in Delhi, Prof. Pandit said “I grew under the influence of the RSS.”
“I do not want to hide it. Those who are Maoists they do not hide it so why should I hide it. I have not done anything that is anti-national and I think the RSS in the south is not as politicised as it is here. I have a lot to do with the Sangh and most of my values come from there. I think everybody has different affiliations. For me Sangh has been a very positive influence,” Pandit said.
The conferment of honorary military ranks upon civilians, such as these eminent educationists, underscores their exceptional contributions to society and their dedication to advancing the nation’s educational landscape. This recognition not only honors their achievements but also serves to enhance the visibility of the armed forces and bolster national pride.
Honorary military ranks have historically been awarded to individuals for their outstanding performance and significant contributions in various spheres, ranging from sports to academia. Renowned sports personalities like MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev, and Abhinav Bindra have been honored with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, highlighting their exemplary sportsmanship and national representation.
Similarly, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was appointed as Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, marking a historic first for the service. These honorary appointments not only recognize the individuals’ achievements but also foster a strong bond between civilian achievers and the armed forces.
The conferment of the honorary rank of Colonel upon Vice Chancellors is a testament to their leadership and dedication to nurturing academic excellence. This gesture, recommended and appointed by the Ministry of Defence, emphasizes the vital role of educationists in shaping the future of the nation and fostering a sense of patriotism among the youth.
The practice of conferring honorary ranks within the NCC is not new, with past recipients including Vice Chancellors from esteemed institutions such as IP University, Palampur University, and Sharnbasva University. This tradition continues to recognize and honor the pivotal role of education in nation-building.
The ceremony, held under the auspices of the respective NCC directorates, saw the Vice Chancellors being formally presented with the honorary rank of Colonel, along with official gazette notifications and ceremonial batons. This significant event not only celebrates their individual achievements but also underscores the collective commitment of educators towards shaping a brighter future for the nation.
The conferment of honorary military ranks upon Vice Chancellors represents a symbolic union between academia and the armed forces, emphasizing the shared values of leadership, discipline, and dedication to the nation. As these esteemed educationists assume their roles as Colonel Commandants of their respective universities, they embody the spirit of service and excellence, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness in both education and national service.
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