This blog shares Dr. Achyuta Samanta – An Inspiring Biography, a story of how a boy from poverty became the founder of KIIT & KISS. When we think about people who changed the world through education, the name. He is a visionary educationist, philanthropist, and social reformer from Odisha, India. From losing his father at the age of four and growing up in abject poverty, he went on to build world-class institutions like KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) and KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences). His story is not just about personal success, but about transforming the lives of millions of underprivileged children.
This biography of Dr. Achyuta Samanta tells the inspiring journey of a man who proved that “education is the strongest weapon to fight poverty.”
Early Life and Struggles
- Born: January 20, 1965
- Place: Kalarabanka village, Cuttack district, Odisha
- Family Background: He lost his father at a very young age and was raised by his mother along with six siblings.
Growing up in rural Odisha, life was extremely tough. His family lived in a small mud hut without electricity, proper clothing, or sufficient food. Many nights were spent hungry. Despite this, his mother instilled in him the values of honesty, compassion, and education.
Young Achyuta walked several kilometers barefoot to attend school. He did not have money to buy textbooks or notebooks, yet he continued to study with dedication. These struggles became his motivation to do something extraordinary for society in the future.
Education and the Seed of a Dream
Dr. Achyuta Samanta completed his Master’s in Chemistry from Utkal University. Instead of running after a high-paying job, he chose to dedicate his life to social service and education.
With just ₹500 in hand and a big dream in his heart, he started working on creating institutions that could provide quality education to everyone – especially poor and tribal children. This was the beginning of his remarkable journey.
Founding KIIT – A World-Class University from Scratch
In 1992, Dr. Samanta founded KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) in Bhubaneswar. Starting with only two rented rooms, a handful of students, and almost no resources, he worked day and night to grow the institution.
Today, KIIT is:
- Recognized as an Institute of Eminence by the Government of India.
- Home to over 30,000 students from across India and more than 65 countries.
- Offering education in engineering, medical sciences, law, management, fashion, film studies, and many other disciplines.
- Ranked among the top private universities in India with world-class infrastructure and global recognition.
KIIT stands as a symbol of Dr. Samanta’s determination – proving that even impossible dreams can come true with vision and hard work.
KISS – A Revolution in Tribal Education
In 1993, Dr. Achyuta Samanta established KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) with the vision of “Education for All.” His dream was to uplift tribal children, who often drop out of school due to poverty.
KISS provides:
- Free education from kindergarten to university level
- Food, accommodation, healthcare, clothing, and skill development
- A safe environment where tribal children can dream of a brighter future
- Impact of KISS:
- Currently educates and supports 60,000 tribal children.
- Recognized by the United Nations (UN) and UNESCO as the world’s largest tribal residential school.
- Thousands of its alumni are now doctors, engineers, teachers, and government officers – breaking the cycle of poverty in their families. Dr. Achyuta SamantaDr. Achyuta Samanta
Political and Social Contribution
Apart from education, Dr. Achyuta Samanta has also contributed as a Member of Parliament:
- Served as a Rajya Sabha MP (2018–2019).
- Elected as a Lok Sabha MP from Kandhamal, Odisha (2019 onwards).
He uses his political platform to advocate for education, tribal welfare, healthcare, and rural development.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta has also transformed his native village Kalarabanka into Odisha’s first Smart Village, showing that sustainable rural development is possible when vision meets action.
Awards and Global Recognition
According to his official website, Dr. Achyuta Samanta has received numerous prestigious national and international honours, including but not limited to (selection):
FIVB Grand Cross (International Volleyball Federation) – 2024
Lifetime Achievement Award, World Academy of Art and Culture (UNESCO-recognized) – 2024
Rabindra Nath Tagore Award – 2024
Iconic Healthcare Leader, AHPI Leadership Summit – 2024
Life Time Achievement Award, Indian Society for Technical Education – 2024
Lifetime Membership, International Society of Groundwater for Sustainable Development – 2024
Odisha State Energy Conservation Award (OSECA) – 2023
Brainfeed Lifetime Achievement Award, ET TECH X – year unspecified
Odia Asmita Samman – year unspecified
Sports Leadership Award, CII – year unspecified
Legendary Humanitarian Award, Governor of Odisha – 2023
Ramachandra Mardaraj Samman – 2023
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar, Government of India – 2022
Ananya Samman, Zee Media – year unspecified
The MacJannet Prize for Art of Giving initiative – 2021
Sandipani Maharshi Samman – 2020
Green Activist Award – year unspecified
Personality of the Year, FICCI Higher Education Awards – 2019
Gandhi Mandela Peace Award – 2019
Businessline Changemaker Award (Social Transformation) – 2019
NCST Leadership Award – 2019
Golden Gavel, WAAC – 2018
National Award for Welfare of Children by the President of India – 2017
Kautilya Award, Indian Economic Association – 2017
GOPIO International Award, Malaysia – 2017
Silver Medal, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Czech Republic – 2017 (approx.)
ISA Award for Service to Humanity (Kingdom of Bahrain) – 2015
World of Difference Awards, TIAW (USA) – 2013
Gusi Peace Prize International (Asia’s Peace Prize) – 2014
Qimpro Platinum Standard Award – 2011
Certificate of Excellence, Government of Cambodia – 2010
Asia’s Best Social Entrepreneur, World HRD Congress (Singapore) – 2010
Humanitarian Award, Johannesburg – 2004
Recognized as one of the 15 best social entrepreneurs, Skoll Foundation – 2007
Hall of Fame Award, World CSR Congress – 2015
Economic Times Award (Top 50 Entrepreneurs in India) – 2015
NIQR Bajaj Outstanding Quality Man Award – 2016
Pride of India Award, Youthink International – year unspecified
Dr. Pinnamaneni and Smt. Seetha Devi Foundation Award – 2014
Education Entrepreneur of the Year, ASSOCHAM – 2014
Jawaharlal Nehru Award, Indian Science Congress – 2012
Mahaveer Award, Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation – 2012
Godfrey Phillips Bravery Award (Social Bravery) – 2011
ICON of Odisha, Times of India – 2011
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Samman – 2011
India Pride Award, Dainik Bhaskar – 2011
International Award, Certificate of Excellence, Muscat – 2010
Swami Vivekananda National Award (Govt. of Karnataka) – 2010
National Young EDGE Award – 2010
Gandhi Seva Medal – 2009
Priya Odiya (Most Endearing Personality of Odisha) – 2007 Achyuta Samanta
The Wikipedia page also highlights several notable recognitions:
Mahatma Award for Social Good – 2024
Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award – 2025
ISA Award for Service to Humanity – 2015
Gusi Peace Prize – 2014
FIVB Grand Cross – 2024
Iconic Healthcare Leader Award – 2024 Wikipedia
Honorary Doctorates (Honoris Causa)
Dr. Achyuta Samanta has been conferred an impressive total of 60+ honorary doctorates, with the count rising to 63 as of December 2024. Key milestones include:
First Honorary Doctorate (PhD) — Cambodia National University, 2009 KIIT University News & EventsAchyuta Samanta
50th Honorary Degree — D.Litt. from Utkal University (his alma mater), December 23, 2022 Achyuta SamantaKIIT University News & Events
54th & 55th Doctorates — Conferred by the Rural University of Guatemala and Maya Kaqchikel University during his August 2023 visit KIIT University News & EventsAchyuta Samanta
60th Doctorate — Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, September 25, 2024 KIIT University News & EventsOrissa Diary
61st Doctorate — UPES, Dehradun, November 26, 2024 KIIT University News & Events
63rd Doctorate — Awadhesh Pratap Singh University, Rewa, December 12, 2024 KIIT University News & Events
An extensive list of 67 institutions awarding him honorary doctorates (by institution and year) is documented on his official site, spanning universities across Asia, Europe, and Latin America—ranging from OIU, Colombo to Koyasan University (Japan), University of Buckingham (UK), and multiple institutions in Taiwan, Russia, Central Asia, and India—particularly between 2002 and 2025 Achyuta Samanta.
Summary
Awards & Honours: Dr. Samanta’s contributions in education, social service, tribal development, sports, and humanitarian work have earned him 50+ highly prestigious awards, both within India and internationally.
Honorary Doctorates: He has been conferred over 60 honorary doctorates, marking him as one of the most celebrated educationists globally in terms of academic recognitions.Dr. Achyuta Samanta
Personal Traits and Philosophy
Despite his global recognition, Dr. Achyuta Samanta lives a simple and humble life. He has never married, dedicating his entire life to society. He believes in zero personal wealth, maximum social wealth.
Some of his guiding philosophies are:
- “Education is the third eye of a child.”
- “Where others see problems, I see opportunities to serve.”
- “Transforming lives through education is the highest form of service.”
Legacy and Vision for the Future
Dr. Achyuta Samanta’s work has already impacted lakhs of lives, but his mission is far from over. His dream is to make KISS a model replicated globally, ensuring that no child remains uneducated due to poverty.
With KIIT reaching global academic excellence and KISS empowering tribal children, his vision is creating a better India and a better world.
FAQs on Dr. Achyuta Samanta
1. Who is Dr. Achyuta Samanta?
He is an Indian educationist, philanthropist, and founder of KIIT & KISS, dedicated to providing education to lakhs of students, especially from tribal communities.
2. What is KIIT famous for?
KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) is a world-class university in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, offering top-quality education in engineering, medicine, law, and more.
3. What is KISS?
KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) is the world’s largest residential school for tribal children, providing free education, food, and shelter.
4. What awards has Dr. Achyuta Samanta received?
He received the Padma Shri in 2011 and more than 50 honorary doctorates, along with recognition from UN and UNESCO.
5. What is his philosophy in life?
He believes in “Education for All” and lives a life of simplicity, dedicating himself entirely to social service.
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