The 7th edition of the Bengal Global Business Summit witnessed a luminary presence that left an indelible mark on the minds of attendees. Prof. Achyuta Samanta, an esteemed educationist, philanthropist, and social worker took the stage as a keynote speaker during the sectoral session on Education. Founder of the globally recognised Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Prof. Samanta shared his experiences, challenges, and vision for the future.
A Journey From Adversity to Inspiration
Born into poverty, Prof. Samanta's early struggles ignited a lifelong commitment to catalyse positive change in society. Rising from the ashes of personal adversity, he envisioned bringing solace to the vulnerable tribal communities. Venturing into uncharted territories untouched by government initiatives or NGOs, Prof. Samanta fearlessly pursued his mission to uplift the forgotten hearts and spirits. His audacious endeavour led to the establishment of KIIT, focusing on quality professional education, and KISS, the world's largest fully free and fully residential institution for tribal children, educating 40,000 students with an impressive alumni base of 40,000.
Impact Beyond Academics
Prof. Samanta's journey from humble beginnings to leading internationally acclaimed institutions has become a beacon of inspiration. KIIT and KISS, not just academic institutions, but lighthouses of hope, have impacted 80,000 lives directly and millions indirectly. Beyond academics, both institutions have significantly contributed to sports, art, culture, literature, media, and spiritualism. The global recognition of KIIT and KISS has been affirmed by visits and endorsements from ambassadors, Nobel laureates, world leaders, and UN representatives. In 2022, KISS was honoured with the UNESCO International Literacy Prize, followed by the Green Gowns International Award in 2023.
Awards and Recognitions
Prof. Samanta's relentless efforts have garnered numerous accolades, including Civilian Awards from Mongolia and Bahrain, the National Award for Child Welfare in 2017, "Khel Protsahan Puraskar" for sports promotion in 2022, and 60 Honorary Doctorate Degrees from universities worldwide. Serving as a Member of Parliament since 2018, first from Rajya Sabha and now from Lok Sabha, he continues to be a driving force in shaping policies for education and social welfare.
As Prof. Achyuta Samanta continues to break barriers and empower dreams, his journey stands testament to the transformative impact one individual can have on society.