Kane first NU VC to get NCC’s honorary col commandant rank

Nagpur: SP Kane on Friday become the first vice-chancellor of Nagpur University (NU) to be bestowed with the honorary rank of colonel commandant by Maharashtra National Cadet Corps (NCC).
Major General Gajendra Prasad and NCC group commander VS Rane along with cadets were present at the ceremony organized at the university’s convocation hall.

Maj Gen Prasad handed Kane a certificate of honour and baton. The NCC cadets presented a guard of honour soon after conferrement of the rank on Kane.

Kane said the event reminded him of his days as NCC cadet 40 years ago. “In 1978, I was selected for the Republic Day parade from my college. I attended several camps before the R-Day march past at Rajpath,” Kane said.

Kane said his journey from a cadet to colonel commandant has been exciting. “NCC has been doing a commendable job by instilling valour and courage among youths. Today, the university is honoured too,” he said.

Defence officials said Kane was chosen because of his interest in NCC. “The VC had already been a cadet and represented his college at different levels. The rank to the top education officer would motivate youths to join the forces,” they said.

They added that famous and well-known personalities are given such ranks across the country with the sole purpose of attracting youths towards defence services.

“Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev too were bestowed with honorary ranks. Same way, several VC across the country have been awarded such ranks,” they said.

Earlier, acting registrar Neeraj Khaty made introductory remarks. Different units of NCC, their commandants, NU HoDs, professors, officers and employees were present. The event concluded with the recital of NCC Song ‘Hum Sab Bhartiya Hai…’