Bhubaneswar, May 14: Eminent educationist, philanthropist and Founder of KIIT & KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta has been conferred with a special honor by the Department of Native American Studies at Montana State University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to tribal empowerment through KISS. Dr Samanta is the first Indian and non-American individual to receive such an honor in Montana in the fields of humanitarian and educational development.
Dr. Samanta was honoured at a special event held on the campus of Montana State University titled—‘A Legacy of Compassion: Honoring Achyut Samanta and the Art of Giving.’ Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Consul General of India Prakash Gupta, Executive Director of the Montana World Affairs Council Nikki Geisler, and other distinguished dignitaries presented him with this honour in the presence of Montana State University President Dr. Waded Cruzado. The Department of Native American Studies at Montana State University is regarded as one of the leading institutions in the United States for research concerning Native Americans.
Montana is a tribal state of America, and there, Dr. Samanta was honoured in accordance with traditional tribal customs. The Native American community bestowed a spiritual honour upon Dr. Samanta by presenting him with their sacred tribal blankets—a gesture that, within their tradition, serves as a distinct mark of honour. Notably, numerous scholars and intellectuals from Montana visited KIIT & KISS earlier this year and highly acclaimed Dr. Samanta’s work. Upon returning from their visit, they recommended that Dr. Samanta be conferred with the state’s highest honour.
Similarly, in recognition of his efforts to foster the development of indigenous youth through education and empowerment, to promote the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and to strengthen cultural and educational ties between India and the United States (Montana), the Montana World Affairs Council has conferred upon Achyuta Samanta the ‘Global Visionary Award’.
During this ceremony, Mr. Samanta’s work in transforming the lives of thousands of indigenous youth through education and empowerment was highly lauded.
In his response, Dr. Samanta expressed his gratitude to the authorities of Montana State University and the Montana World Affairs Council, stating that such an honour would inspire him to work even more towards the development of India’s indigenous communities.
