Eminent educationist, philanthropist and founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Dr Achyuta Samanta, was conferred with the honorary doctorate degree by the RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, at the 9th convocation of the university on Saturday.

He was awarded for his contributions to the field of tribal empowerment through quality education to tribal children, healthcare and rural development, and to art, culture, and literature.

He was also the guest of honour at the convocation ceremony. This is the 48th honorary doctorate for Dr Samanta, the KIIT in a press release said.

Earlier, he has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from many reputed institutions for his contributions in the fields of education and social work. Dr Samanta thanked the university, its Chancellor, Dr T. R. Desai, and President, Khodidasbhai Patel for conferring him with the honour.