The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, October 3, 2024 (TBB Bureau): The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), and Jhpiego, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, today expanded their partnership by launching a new initiative called Tribal Health Research Innovation & Vocational Empowerment (THRIVE). A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of KIIT and KISS Founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor of KIIT; Prof. Deepak Behera, Vice Chancellor of KISS; and Dr. Somesh Kumar, Country Director of Jhpiego India.
The THRIVE initiative will establish two groundbreaking centres—The Centre for Tribal Health and Research (CTHR) and The Centre for Youth Innovation and Inclusiveness (CYII)—which will serve as hubs for indigenous-led research, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment. These centres aim to address key health and social challenges within tribal communities.
“This collaboration is being taken to the next level with a focus on meeting immediate health needs while creating a hub for indigenous-led research, fostering academic partnerships, and strengthening local capacity. This partnership will serve as a global example of what can be achieved through collaboration,” said Dr. Leslie Mancuso, President and CEO of Jhpiego, in a video message.
Building on Jhpiego’s commitment to locally-led development, the partnership with KISS and KIIT focuses on developing sustainable, culturally resonant solutions to address the unique needs of tribal communities. “Through this partnership, we are creating a model of change where youth can bring their issues, ideas, and preferences to shape their future, particularly in health and education,” said Debora Bossemeyer, Senior Vice President of Global Programs and Technical Leadership at Jhpiego.
In his address, Dr. Somesh Kumar emphasized the importance of the two Centres of Excellence in combining Indigenous knowledge with scientific innovation to foster youth leadership and knowledge. “By focusing on partnerships, positive disruption, and local capacity building, we aim to create a lasting impact and empower a healthier, more confident future for tribal communities and youth,” he said.
Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor of KIIT, expressed hope that the partnership would eventually lead to the establishment of a Johns Hopkins Chair at KIIT, while Prof. Deepak Behera, Vice Chancellor of KISS, emphasized the initiative’s potential to accelerate youth and women’s empowerment in marginalized communities.
