The initiative aims to promote academic research on Odisha’s cultural heritage and tribal communities. It will also examine Samanta’s model of grassroots education and social development that has impacted more than 80,000 tribal children in India through KIIT and KISS.
At the inauguration, CUNY conferred its highest honour — the Presidential Medal — on Samanta, recognizing his contributions to education, tribal upliftment, and humanitarian efforts. The medal is reserved for individuals with global impact in public service, education, or research.
The idea for the research institute was proposed by Dr. Milton Santiago, President of Bronx Community College (a CUNY affiliate), following his visit to KIIT and KISS in Bhubaneswar. The proposal received unanimous approval from the university board.
“This initiative will offer American students a window into India’s tribal cultures and educational innovations,” Santiago said at the event.
Founded 175 years ago, CUNY is one of the largest public university systems in the U.S., serving over 300,000 students across 25 campuses. The establishment of ASIICCI under its umbrella underscores growing international academic interest in India’s regional cultures and social innovation models.
Samanta said the naming of the institute is a matter of pride not just for him, but for the state of Odisha and the wider Indian academic community.
(Inputs from PTI)
