In a historic first, City University of New York has established a premier research institute named after noted Indian educationist and social reformer Dr. Achyuta Samanta, founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Odisha.
The newly established ‘Achyuta Samanta India Initiative CUNY Crest Institute’ (ASIICCI) was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of distinguished academics and dignitaries from across the United States.
This historic move is the first time a research centre in the United States has been named after an Indian, making it a moment of immense pride not only for Dr. Samanta but also for the people of Odisha and the global KIIT and KISS community, according to a media release.
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The newly established institute will provide American students with opportunities to research on Odisha’s rich art and heritage. It will also focus on Dr. Samanta’s contribution to the socio-economic development of tribal communities and his achievements in the field of education.
Dr. Samanta was also conferred the highest honour of CUNY — the Presidential Medal — acknowledging his transformative contributions to education, tribal upliftment, and humanitarian service. His grassroots work through KIIT and KISS has positively impacted over 80,000 tribal children, offering them quality education, dignity, and opportunity.
“The Achyuta Samanta India Initiative will help American students from diverse backgrounds understand and engage with India’s tribal communities, cultural roots, and one of the world’s most impactful educational models,” said Dr. Milton Santiago, President of Bronx Community College under CUNY.
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Dr. Samanta described it as a moment of great pride and honour for him as an Odia and Indian to have a U.S. research institute named after him. He noted that it was not only a personal recognition but also a matter of pride for Odisha, KIIT, and KISS. He hoped that the institute would encourage greater research and understanding of Odisha’s art, literature, and culture, as well as his own work.
Founded 175 years ago, CUNY is a prestigious U.S. public university system encompassing 25 colleges and over 300,000 students from 122 countries.