Biography of Achyutananda Samanta: Indian Educationist & Philanthropist
Biography of Achyutananda Samanta:
Humble Beginnings
Born in 1965 in Kalarabanka, a village in the Cuttack
District of Odisha, Samanta faced a challenging start in life. After the death
of his father when he was just four years old, he grew up in severe poverty
with his widowed mother and seven siblings.
Academic Pursuits
Determined to change his circumstances, Samanta pursued
higher education, earning an M.Sc. in Chemistry from Utkal University. His
academic journey led him to a career as a Chemistry lecturer in a college in
Bhubaneswar, marking the beginning of his professional life in education.
Achyutananda Samanta: A Pillar of Education, Philanthropy,
and National Service
A Multifaceted Contributor
Achyutananda Samanta, born on January 20, 1965, is a
distinguished Indian educationist and philanthropist known for his extensive
contributions across various fields. His work spans education, tribal
upliftment, healthcare, and rural development, reflecting his commitment to
enhancing the quality of life and promoting social progress.
Cultural and Media Ventures
Samanta has also made significant strides in art, culture,
and media. He founded Kadambini Magazine and Kuni Katha, both dedicated to
nurturing children's literature. Additionally, he established Kalinga TV and K
News Odisha, furthering his influence in media and communication.
Recognition and Honors
His contributions have been recognized with over 50
international and national awards, along with more than 200 state awards.
Notably, Samanta has received the ISA Award for Service to Humanity from the
Royal Kingdom of Bahrain and the Best Worker Award from Mongolia. His
dedication to education and social causes has earned him 55 honorary doctorates
from universities worldwide.
Leadership Roles
Samanta holds a prominent position as a Member of Parliament
(Lok Sabha) representing Kandhamal, Odisha. He also serves as the President of
the Volleyball Federation of India, demonstrating his leadership in both
political and sports domains. His role as the designated President (India) of
Democracy without Borders and the founder of Parliamentarians for Indigenous
People highlights his commitment to global democracy and indigenous rights.
Biography of Achyutananda Samanta: Indian Educationist & Philanthropist/art, culture, literature, film, media, society/MP/Journey of KIIT University
Educational and Advisory Contributions
A trailblazer in education, Samanta is the first Odia to
serve as a member of both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All
India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), showcasing his influence in
shaping higher education policies in India.
Achyutananda Samanta's diverse achievements and leadership
roles reflect his unwavering dedication to societal betterment, education, and
cultural enrichment. His impactful work continues to inspire and contribute
significantly to various facets of Indian and global society.
Founding KIIT University and Other Institutions
Establishing a Legacy in Education
Samanta's commitment to education led him to found KIIT
University, where he also served as chancellor and secretary. His vision
extended beyond KIIT University to the creation of multiple institutions,
including:
- Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS)
- KIIT International School
- Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)
- KIIT School of Management (KSOM)
- KIIT School of Rural Management (KSRM)
- KIIT School of Computer Application (KSCA)
- KIIT School of Biotechnology (KSBT)
- KIIT Law School (KLS)
- KIIT School of Languages (KSOL)
- Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS)
- KIIT Polytechnic
These institutions reflect his dedication to providing
comprehensive educational opportunities across various fields.
Role in National and International Bodies
National Contributions
Samanta has played a significant role in numerous national
and international organizations, demonstrating his influence in the education
sector and beyond. His positions include:
- Member of the University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Executive Committee Member of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
- President of the Volleyball Federation of India
- Member of the Indian Olympic Association
- President of the 39th World Congress of Poets (WAAC)
- General President of the 105th Indian Science Congress (2017–18)
- Advisor to the Ministry of Education, Government of Manipur
- Academic Council Member of Central University of Orissa
- Serving Member of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)
- Coir Board of India
- National Executive Council Member of the Indian Society for Technical Education
- Executive Committee Member of the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA)
- International Engagements
Samanta's impact extends globally through his involvement
with several international bodies, including:
- International Association of University Presidents (IAUP)
- Institute of International Education (IIE), New York City
- Association of University of Asia Pacific (AUAP)
- University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP), Bangkok
- Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health (APACPH)
- United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)
- Asia Economic Forum (AEF)
- Centre International du Film pour l'Enfance et la Jeunesse (CIFEJ), Dubai
Samanta’s extensive contributions reflect his dedication to
advancing education and fostering international collaboration.
The Legacy of Dr. Achyuta Samanta: A Journey of Honors and
Achievements
Global Recognition through Honorary Degrees
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, a distinguished figure in education and
social entrepreneurship, has received numerous honorary degrees from
prestigious institutions worldwide. His journey began with accolades such as an
Honorary PhD and a DSc from OIU, Colombo, in 2002 and 2005 respectively.
Subsequently, he was recognized by institutions across Asia and beyond,
including National University, Cambodia, and Hanseo University, South Korea, solidifying
his global impact in academia.
Expanding Influence in Higher Education
Throughout the 2010s, Dr. Samanta's contributions were
honored with degrees from institutions like Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha in
India and universities in Mongolia, Iran, and Kyrgyzstan. These accolades
underscored his commitment to advancing education and fostering international
cooperation in academia.
Continued Recognition and Awards
Dr. Samanta's dedication to social entrepreneurship and
education reform has garnered him numerous awards. Notably, he was named among
the Top 15 Social Entrepreneurs of the World by the American Edge Foundation
and featured in The Limca Book of Records as India's youngest university
chancellor. Awards such as the Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar and Personality of the
Year by FICCI highlight his profound impact on society and education.
Awards for Environmental and Humanitarian Contributions
Dr. Samanta's advocacy for green energy earned him the
Outstanding Green Activist Award, while his contributions to humanities and
education were recognized with the UC Distinguished Professorship in Humanities
and the Hall of Fame Award from the World CSR Congress. His international
accolades include the Gusi Peace Prize International and the Think India Award,
celebrating his transformative influence on global education and society.
Celebrating a Lifetime of Achievements
Dr. Achyuta Samanta's journey is a testament to the power of
education and social entrepreneurship in transforming communities worldwide.
With each honor and award, he continues to inspire future generations to pursue
excellence and make a positive impact on society.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta's story exemplifies resilience, vision,
and a relentless pursuit of excellence in education and social change. His
achievements underscore the importance of education as a catalyst for global
progress and unity.
