Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, was founded in 1992-93. Source: KIIT
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar has won the Leadership and Management Team of the Year award from The Times Education (THE) for its various philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The award was announced during the 2021 THE Awards Asia held virtually on December 14.
KIIT is the only university in Asia to get an award from THE for two years in a row. It was declared Workplace of the Year 2020 last year.
KIIT got this recognition for its readiness to react to uncertainties, reach out to needy people and endeavour to serve the society. The institute’s efforts included setting up free COVID hospitals, distributing masks and sanitisers, and food and essentials. The institute also launched various scholarship programmes, encouraged community education and aided the adoption of orphans during the global crisis triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Staff and faculty members of the institution have attributed this feat to founder Achyuta Samanta.
Expressing his happiness, Samanta said, "This is an award for each and every staff and student of KIIT and KISS. We at KIIT never delay in giving back to society. The institution’s ethos is one of humanitarianism and compassion. It is a matter of pride for Odisha as KIIT is the only university in India as well as in Asia to get such a prestigious award."
The Times Higher Education’s panel of jury evaluated the work of KIIT during the pandemic and also gave importance to the growth and development of KIIT across the globe, leading to its selection for the award.
THE is a UK-based magazine, which primarily covers news and issues related to higher education, and acknowledges the contribution of educational institutions from across the globe.
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar is among India's most sought-after universities, attracting students from all over India and more than 53 countries to pursue professional and technical courses. It has built its reputation as one of the most student-friendly universities. Founded in 1992-93 as a modest vocational training centre by eminent educationist and social activist Prof. Achyuta Samanta, it took shape as a centre of higher learning in 1997. Since then, KIIT has grown exponentially, setting a high benchmark in each area of education.