An afternoon centered on kindness, service and global connection brought together students, faculty, and international partners at BCC for The Art of Giving: A Luncheon Celebration of Service and Humanity on Monday May 18, 2026. 

Hosted by the Achyuta Samanta India Initiative of CUNY (ASIIC) at Bronx Community College, the event celebrated the growing relationship between CUNY and India’s KIIT, KISS, and KIMS institutions, as well as the educational and cultural exchange opportunities those partnerships have created for students across the University. Professor Paramita Sen and Professor Neal Phillip of the BCC Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences department serve as Director and Associate Director, respectively, of ASIIC and organized the program. 

Founded by Indian educator and philanthropist Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the global “Art of Giving” movement encourages people to practice compassion and service through everyday actions. Throughout the gathering, speakers reflected on Dr. Samanta’s lifelong work supporting underserved and tribal students through free education and community-based initiatives in India. Mr. Dwiti Vikramaditya, the Vice President for International Relations at KIIT/KISS/KIMS, represented Dr.Samanta at the event and conveyed warm greetings on his behalf and deep appreciation for the strong CUNY and KIIT/KISS/KIMS partnership. 

Since 2024, more than 50 CUNY students and nine faculty members from eight campuses – including BCC – have traveled to India to participate in study abroad programs focused on sustainability, environmental research, service learning and cross-cultural engagement in the CUNY-India Trek program hosted by KISS, KIIT and KIMS. 

Prof. Sen and Prof. Phillip delivered remarks highlighting the history of BCC/CUNY’s engagement in India, dating back to the inaugural study abroad program in 2019. They also underscored the significant scientific and philanthropic contributions made by CUNY students through their involvement in these initiatives and most recently with Dr. Samanta and KISS/KIIT/KIMS. 

BCC Provost Dr. Luis Montenegro praised the initiative as an example of service-centered leadership and emphasized the importance of creating global learning opportunities for community college students. 

Former BCC President, Dr. Milton Santiago was in attendance and shared reflections from his two visits to India, describing the impact of Dr. Samanta’s institutions and their commitment to education and humanitarian work. “This is not just cultural exchange,” Santiago said. “It’s also an exchange of ideas, research, service, and innovation.” 

Consul General Hon. Lauren Williams of the U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad, India, delivered video greetings highlighting the remarkable contributions of Dr. Samanta and his inspiring vision. She emphasized how acts of kindness can create lasting change across communities and transcend national borders. She also expressed her pride in the strong partnership between CUNY and KIIT/KISS/KIMS, noting its important role in advancing U.S. priorities in India. 

Hon. Tsewang Gyalson, Consul for Community Affairs at the Consulate General of India in New York, spoke about the importance of Dr. Samanta’s work in uplifting disadvantaged communities in India and highlighted the strong and growing relationship between these humanitarian efforts and international partnerships such as those with CUNY.  Students and faculty members who have participated in the CUNY – India trek Program at KIIT/KISS/KIMS spoke about their experiences ranging from environmental cleanup efforts and climate research projects to community outreach initiatives supporting rural schools. Several students described the trips as life-changing opportunities. 

The event concluded with a community luncheon and messages of appreciation for the partnerships, as well as the faculty and staff helping to make international experiences more accessible to BCC students. 

This year, an additional 25 CUNY students and 8 faculty and staff members, representing six campuses, will participate in the CUNY–India Trek program at KIIT/KISS/KIMS. Through this experience, they will continue to embody and advance acts of kindness and service, further strengthening this impactful partnership with Dr. Samanta and KIIT/KISS/KIMS.