Sampurnanand Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Prof Bihari Lal Sharma was conferred the honorary rank of Colonel by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) during a felicitation and investiture ceremony held at the university’s main building on Wednesday.
The ceremony was organised by NCC Group Headquarters, Varanasi ‘B’. The honorary rank was conferred in recognition of Prof Sharma’s contribution to education and his continued support for promoting NCC activities, objectives and nation-building initiatives at the university.

Group Captain Vikas Kumar Panjiyar of NCC Group Headquarters, Varanasi ‘B’, formally presented the honorary rank to Prof Sharma during the ceremony. He highlighted Prof Sharma’s leadership, discipline, dedication to national service and contribution towards the character-building of young people.
Speaking on the occasion, Panjiyar said the NCC was not merely a platform for military training but also played an important role in developing discipline, leadership, self-confidence, moral strength and a spirit of service among the youth.

He emphasised that NCC activities help cadets develop a sense of responsibility towards the nation and prepare them to become confident and responsible citizens. The organisation’s emphasis on discipline and leadership also contributes to wider nation-building efforts.
The conferment of the honorary rank recognised Prof Sharma’s association with and support for these objectives at the university. His efforts towards encouraging NCC activities were acknowledged as contributing to youth development and the promotion of national service values among students.

Following the investiture, NCC cadets presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour to Prof Sharma, marking the formal conclusion of the rank conferment ceremony.
The event highlighted the role of educational institutions in supporting NCC initiatives and creating opportunities for students to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork and a sense of service to the nation.
