In a ceremony blending military tradition with academic distinction, Dr JPS Gill, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, was formally conferred the honorary rank of Colonel and appointed Colonel Commandant of the NCC.The ceremonial “Pipping-In” ceremony was held at the University Auditorium today, honouring his leadership and contribution to 1 Punjab Remount and Veterinary Squadron.The honour was conferred by Chief Guest Major General Narinder Singh, Sena Medal, Additional Director General, NCC Directorate, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, in the presence of senior military officers, university officials, NCC cadets and distinguished guests, including Brigadier P.S. Cheema, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Group Commander, NCC Group Headquarters.The ceremony commenced with a mounted guard salute by NCC horses escorting the dignitaries.The highlight of the event was the formal “pipping” of Dr Gill’s ranks, followed by the presentation of a commemorative folder and framed certificate by Maj Gen Narinder Singh. Dr Gill reciprocated with a memento, symbolising the enduring partnership between the veterinary university and the NCC.Under Dr Gill’s leadership, the university’s equestrian tradition has achieved notable success. NCC cadets secured four gold, three silver and four bronze medals at Republic Day equestrian events between 2024 and 2026, contributing significantly to the Punjab Directorate topping the overall equestrian medal tally.Maj Gen Narinder Singh commended Dr Gill’s commitment to the NCC and lauded the university for treating the R&V Squadron NCC as an integral part of the university family by providing infrastructure, veterinary expertise and resources for horse management and training. He described the appointment as a landmark step towards strengthening institutional ownership of the NCC.Expressing gratitude for the honour, Dr Gill reaffirmed his resolve to take the NCC at the university to greater heights. He also commended Commanding Officer Col AS Rao for inspiring cadets to uphold discipline, leadership and excellence in service to the nation.The ceremony concluded with the NCC Song and the National Anthem.