Bhubaneswar: In a big honour for Dr Achyuta Samanta, City University of New York on Friday announced the establishment of a research institute in his name.
The centre, to be known as ‘The Achyuta Samanta India Initiative of The CUNY CREST Institute (ASIICCI)’ at City University of New York, will provide US students the opportunity to research Odisha’s rich art and heritage, as well as explore Dr Samanta’s contributions to the socio-economic development of indigenous communities and his success in the field of education.
The announcement was made by President of Bronx Community College, City University of New York Dr Milton Santiago, who extended an invitation to Dr Samanta to inaugurate the research institute next month.
The City University of New York (CUNY), a public institute, has under its fold 25 colleges in which students from 122 countries study.
The idea of setting up the institute in Dr Samanta’s name emerged following a visit by CUNY officials to KIIT and KISS, where they were inspired by his achievements in education and commitment to serving marginalised people.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr Samanta said, “This institute is a testament to the work we’ve done at KIIT and KISS. I believe it will encourage more research and understanding of Odisha’s culture and my journey.”
Dr Santiago highlighted the City university’s mission, saying, “Education is the key to lifting people out of poverty, and we strive to never turn anyone away.”
Alexander McLaren, Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate General in Hyderabad noted the importance of fostering educational ties between America and India.
Prof Peter Groffman, a leading researcher at CUNY with 66,000 citations to his credit, stressed the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges like climate change.
Sita Raiter, Public Diplomacy Officer, US Consulate General Mumbai; Prof. Paramita Sen and Prof. Neal Phillip from Bronx Community College, City University of New York; Salil Kader, Advisor- Strategic Planning & Public Engagement Public Diplomacy Section, US Consulate General Hyderabad; Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT DU also spoke on the occasion.
