By Alistina Shrestha
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the National Institute of Technology Warangal (NITW), India, have formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish a Dual Master’s Degree Program in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (RSGIS). The signing took place on 5 August 2025 during an online ceremony held at the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) Meeting Room. On this occasion, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions was also renewed, reaffirming their long-standing academic partnership.
The ceremony began with a welcome and introduction of the members of delegation by Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs, who remarked that the renewed MoU and the new Dual Degree Program reflect the strong and growing partnership between AIT and NITW.
Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, welcomed the participants on behalf of AIT President Prof. Pai‑Chi Li. He emphasized the significance of launching the Dual Master’s Degree Program with a focus on RSGIS, describing it as a milestone that will open new pathways for academic collaboration and innovation. He also expressed his vision to see this partnership flourish and expand to other programs and departments within SET, creating broader opportunities for students and faculty alike.
Representing NITW, Prof. Bidyadhar Subudhi, Director of NITW, highlighted the significance of this partnership in fostering stronger academic linkages between the two institutions. He expressed his anticipation for an active student exchange and faculty exchange, enabling both sides to share expertise, enhance teaching and research capabilities, and provide students with enriched academic and cultural experiences. He expressed confidence that the Dual Degree Program in RSGIS would serve as a foundation for further collaborative programs in the future.
Prof. Nitin K. Tripathi, Executive Director of the Office of Special Degree Program (OSDP), expressed his joy in signing this MoA with his alma mater, NIT Warangal. He remarked that he looked forward to a fruitful collaboration on the Dual Degree in RSGIS and hopes that, as Dean Sangam envisioned, this initiative will expand to other programs within SET in the years ahead.
Following the discussion, the MoA was officially signed, marking a significant milestone in the academic partnership between AIT and NITW. The ceremony concluded with a group photo to commemorate the occasion.
This collaboration is expected to provide students with broader academic exposure, access to diverse learning environments, and increased opportunities for research and networking in their chosen fields. The AIT–NITW Dual Master’s Degree Program will further strengthen academic cooperation between the two institutions and contribute to the development of highly skilled graduates prepared for global challenges.
Delegation from AIT included Ms. Alistina Shrestha, Manager – Marketing, Recruitment & Digital Strategy (Dean Office, SET), Mr. Arthur Lance Gonzales, Program Officer (OSDP) and Mr. Ranadheer Mandadi, Program Officer (OSDP).
Delegation from NITW included Prof. Venkaiah Chowdary, Dean (Academic), Prof. P. Rathish Kumar, Dean (Planning and Development), Prof. Sonawane Shirish Hari, Dean (Research and Development), Prof. K. Kiran Kumar, Dean (Student Welfare), Shri Sunil Kumar Mehta, Registrar, Prof. K. Venkata Reddy, Head (Civil Engineering), Dr. M. Shashi, Associate Professor (Civil Engineering) and Dr. Manali Pal, Assistant Professor (Civil Engineering).
