CUNY Launches India's First Focused Research Initiative Honouring Achyuta Samanta
New York, USA – In a landmark development reflecting the strengthening academic ties between the United States and India, the City University of New York (CUNY) inaugurated 'The Achyuta Samanta India Initiative of the CUNY CREST Institute' (ASIICCI) on 20 May 2025, marking one of the few times a U.S. institution has named a dedicated research initiative after a contemporary Indian figure.
The initiative, launched in the presence of Dr. Milton Santiago, President of Bronx Community College, and other eminent academicians, aims to deepen scholarly understanding and research focused on India's cultural, educational, and social sectors, specifically spotlighting the state of Odisha. It represents a notable move by CUNY—a prestigious 175-year-old public university system serving over 300,000 students from 122 countries—to enhance international collaboration and academic exploration.
Achyuta Samanta, after whom the initiative is named, is a renowned Indian educationist and philanthropist, celebrated for his extensive contributions to education and tribal empowerment. He is the founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), two institutions located in Odisha, India, which collectively educate over 80,000 students, primarily from tribal and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. His pioneering work in ensuring free quality education and holistic development to marginalised communities has earned him global recognition.
In explaining the decision to name the initiative after Samanta, CUNY officials highlighted his unique contribution to education and social upliftment, stating, "Dr. Samanta’s model of educational empowerment and social reform through KIIT and KISS is an inspiration for academia worldwide."
The ASIICCI is designed as an interdisciplinary platform, offering scholars opportunities to research and engage deeply with the rich traditions, cultural heritage, and educational advancements from India. Additionally, it will facilitate an in-depth exploration of Samanta’s educational model that has successfully integrated academic excellence with social impact.
While there are other U.S. institutions linked to Indian cultural figures—such as the Ambedkar International Center in Maryland named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—ASIICCI stands out as unique, being directly named after a living Indian educator.
This initiative not only acknowledges Samanta’s extraordinary contributions but also represents a significant academic bridge, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration between India and the U.S., fostering academic dialogues that resonate globally.