Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India, expressed his admiration during his first visit to the campuses of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Foundation in Odisha.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, highlighted the potential for academic collaboration between the French Institute in India and these esteemed institutions.
During the visit, Mathou engaged with students, witnessing their enthusiasm firsthand as hundreds of students in blue uniforms waved and cheered in a large hall. A ceremonial exchange also took place, where the ambassador was presented with a traditional piece of art, symbolizing the cultural bridge between France and India. The discussions focused on fostering academic partnerships, potentially involving student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, and programs related to Francophonie—a global community of French-speaking individuals, which includes 321 million people across five continents.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, a celebrated educationist with over 60 honorary doctorates and numerous international awards, shared his vision of global collaboration. “We are honored to host Ambassador Mathou and explore opportunities with the French Institute. KIIT and KISS have always aimed to create global citizens, and this partnership could open new avenues for our students,” he said. KIIT has a history of international engagement, having welcomed dignitaries from 70 countries, including 25 ambassadors, and collaborating with prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School Online and the University of Cambridge.
The French Institute in India, known for facilitating educational and cultural exchanges, has previously supported initiatives like scholarships for Indian students to study in France and grants for South Asian artists. This visit marks another step toward strengthening Indo-French educational ties, with both sides optimistic about future collaborations.
