Noted educationist, social entrepreneur and KIIT and KISS founder Dr Achyuta Samanta has been elected as president of Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA).
He is the President Elect for the year 2016-17 and will assume office for the year 2017-18.
Dr Samanta is only the second person from Odisha to be elected president of the prestigious science body in its 102 years history, after a gap of 55 years. On last occasion, Prof Prana Krushna Parija, eminent Odia scientist, had officiated as president of the 47th Session of the ISCA in 1960 held in Bombay.
Many eminent personalities, including former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr Manmohan Singh have held this office in the past.
Dr Samanta has been the member of Executive Council of ISCA since 2011. He made an example by organising 99th Session of the Indian Science Congress in 2012, which was held in KIIT University. He has also been the member of many prestigious educational and other national level apex bodies, including UGC (2008-2014), AICTE, National Coir Board, CAPART, NCTE and members of academic councils of two Central Universities. He was the only person from Odisha to be the member of both UGC and AICTE.
Expressing happiness over his election, Dr Samanta said, “It is a good news for Odisha and he will work to highlight the State’s achievements in the fields of science and technology in India and abroad.”
During the 103rd Session of the Indian Science Congress in Mysuru, Dr Samanta was the Chief Guest of National Children’s Science Congress. Former President of India late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam used to grace the occasion as the chief guest for past many years.
In a related development, Prof PP Mathur, VC, KIIT University has been elected as general secretary of the ISCA for 2016-19.