A Catholic priest in India has been named honorary colonel of the Indian Army, said a report from Matters India.
Carmelite of Mary Immaculate priest Abraham Mani Vettiankal has been named Colonel Commandant in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) by the Ministry of Defense on February 26, said the report.
The priest serves as vice chancellor of the Christ University in Bengaluru.
Lt. Gen. Gurbirpal Singh, director general of NCC, said the recognition was conferred to Father Vettiankal for introducing the NCC as a credit course in the university and for promoting the Indian Defense Service.
“The Christ University has promoted NCC as a priority program,” said the military official, adding that many students have joined the armed and paramilitary forces.
Father Vettiankal told Matters India that the recognition was for Christ University.
“Over the past years, we have given top priority to prepare our students for the administrative or defense services, rather than encouraging them to go abroad,” said the priest.
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