Bhubaneswar: A research institute has been established in the United States in the name of renowned Indian educationist Achyuta Samanta. Inaugurated on Tuesday, the institute is named the “Achyuta Samanta India Initiative CUNY CREST Institute (ASIICCI)”. This is the first time in U.S. history that a research center has been named after an Indian citizen.
The institute will offer American students the opportunity to conduct research on the rich culture and heritage of Odisha, as well as on Achyuta Samanta’s contributions to the social and economic upliftment of tribal communities and his transformative efforts in the field of education.
During his participation in the event, Achyuta Samanta was also awarded the highest honor of the City University of New York — the Presidential Medal — for his remarkable work in education and social service.
Dr. Santiago, Interim President of CUNY CREST, stated that CUNY is a 175-year-old educational institution with over 300,000 students currently enrolled. The university comprises 25 colleges and serves student communities from 122 countries.
On this occasion, Achyuta Samanta expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the CUNY leadership.
It’s noteworthy that a few days ago, Dr. Milton Santiago, President of Bronx Community College (a CUNY constituent), visited KIIT and KISS in Odisha. After returning from India, he proposed establishing a research institute in Achyuta Samanta’s name at his university. The CUNY Board of Trustees later approved the proposal, leading to the formal inauguration of the new institute.