#USA #New York #KIIT #CUNY #KISS

CUNY Establishes 'Achyuta Samanta India Initiative' Research Institute

In a historic move for both the United States and India, the City University of New York (CUNY) has inaugurated the 'Achyuta Samanta India Initiative CUNY Crest Institute' (ASIICCI). This new research institute is a significant acknowledgment of the contributions made by Dr. Achyuta Samanta, an eminent Indian educationist and social reformer known for founding the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS). The inauguration took place on May 22, 2025, marking a proud moment for the Indian state of Odisha and the global KIIT and KISS community.

During the event, which was attended by prominent academics and dignitaries, Dr. Samanta expressed his heartfelt gratitude and pride at having an institute named after him in a foreign land. He emphasized how much this honor meant not just to him but also to the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and the educational initiatives he represents.

The institute will provide American students with unique opportunities to delve into Odisha's vibrant arts and heritage, while also focusing on Dr. Samanta's extensive work towards the socio-economic empowerment of tribal communities. His initiatives have transformed the lives of over 80,000 tribal children by providing them with access to quality education, dignity, and a brighter future.

The idea for this institute emerged after Dr. Milton Santiago, the President of Bronx Community College under CUNY, visited KIIT and KISS in Bhubaneswar. Inspired by Dr. Samanta's vision and the transformative impact of his work, Dr. Santiago proposed the establishment of the institute, a suggestion that was met with enthusiastic support from the CUNY board.

Dr. Santiago highlighted the initiative's role in fostering cultural understanding, stating that it would enable students from diverse backgrounds to engage with India's tribal communities and their rich traditions. He noted that the establishment of ASIICCI is not only a tribute to Dr. Samanta but also acknowledges the global influence of Odisha’s intellectual and cultural heritage.

In addition to the institute's inauguration, Dr. Samanta was conferred with CUNY's highest honor, the Presidential Medal, during the ceremony. This distinguished accolade is reserved for those whose work has made remarkable global impacts. Dr. Samanta's grassroots efforts through KIIT and KISS have earned him this recognition due to his dedication to education, tribal upliftment, and community service.

Founded 175 years ago, CUNY is one of the largest public university systems in the United States, with 25 colleges and over 300,000 students from diverse backgrounds. The establishment of the 'Achyuta Samanta India Initiative' under its wing is a testament to the increasing global relevance of Indian educational models and the value of cross-cultural academic initiatives.

As Dr. Samanta continues his quest to empower underprivileged communities, the ASIICCI stands as a beacon of hope and a bridge between cultures. It symbolizes the potential for shared knowledge and mutual respect between the United States and India, fostering scholarly collaboration that could inspire a new generation of global citizens.