Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), an autonomous institution under the Indian government’s Ministry of Culture to strengthen studies in arts, culture and architecture, and promote digitisation of archival documents related to Indian history.
Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA and Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor of KIIT DU, signed the MoU in the presence of KIIT & KISS founder Dr Achyuta Samanta.
Dr Joshi expressed gratitude for the initiative and praised KIIT’s contribution to education and cultural activities.
“As KIIT is one of the best institutions in India, this initiative will benefit students pursuing arts, cultural and related studies. As Odisha is known for its rich cultural heritage, this initiative will hold new projects in documenting and archiving. We also thank Dr Samanta for his dedication and contributions to art and culture, apart from education,” said Dr Joshi.
Joshi presented a copy of his book ‘The Cultural Renaissance’ to Dr Samanta.
Prof. Soumyendu Shankar Ray, Senior Director General of KIIT said this is a historic step in the field of cultural and art studies as it will enable exchange and research programmes for students and faculty between the two prestigious institutions.
Among others present on the occasion were Dr Abhay Mishra and Shankarjeet Dey from IGNCA; Pro-Vice-Chancellors Prof. Debashis Bandyopadhyay and Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty; Padmashree Adwaita Gadanayak, Director General, KIIT Art Academy.