Manipal, DHNS: A street in the US state of Mississippi has been named after Dr Sampat Shivangi, an alumnus of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, for his service to the community

The ‘Dr Sampat Shivangi Lane’ was formally named on Saturday in recognition of Dr Shivangi, an eminent Republican from the state, PTI reported from Washington.

Dr Shivangi conveyed the news to the Chancellor of Manipal University, Dr Ramdas M Pai, who was quick to send him a congratulatory note, “I am glad to have your e-mail of 24th instant and to know that a street in Mississippi has been named after you. It is indeed a great recognition of your services to the community. My congratulations to you.” He continued, “It is indeed a joyous moment for Manipal University. All of Manipal is proud of the great work Dr Shivangi is doing in the US.”

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant also reappointed Dr Shivangi to the governing board of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for a seven-year term. In June 2014, Dr Shivangi became the first Asian-American to become chairman of the board which has close to a billion dollar budget and a staff strength of over 8,500.

From 2005 to 2008, Dr Shivangi was advisor to the US Secretary of Health and Human Services.

He is the founding president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian-origin in Mississippi and a former president and chair of the India Association of Mississippi.