KAUSTUV DAS

Ambitious,loving and Caring.......

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

On World Environment Day, let us remember that nature gives us everything without asking anything. My humble appeal to all is to protect trees, water, air and every life around us. Caring for nature is caring for humanity.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Today, our 20 KIIT and KISS students had the privilege of meeting the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji, after their return from Romania.

She appreciated their participation and beautiful performances at the International Shakespeare Festival, where they represented India, Odisha and Santali language through Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet in Santali.

It is a very proud and emotional moment for all of us. Our children have shown that with opportunity, encouragement and confidence, they can carry their culture and talent to the world.

My heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji for her love, blessings and encouragement to our children.

@rashtrapatibhvn

[Dr. Saranjit Singh, Ph.D @Saranjit72]

@KIITUniversity and HCMC University of Technology and Engineering, Vietnam have entered into a strategic partnership to foster global learning, research excellence, faculty and student mobility.

#KIITUniversity #HCMUTE #Collaboration #Internationalization

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Very happy to see my 20 lovable KIIT & KISS students performing Shakespeare’s plays in Santali language at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, before a distinguished gathering of more than 500 people, including over 200 ambassadors, high commissioners and diplomats, after their return from Romania.

They had earlier presented Santali language and tribal culture at the International Shakespeare Festival in Romania. Today also, everyone appreciated them so much.

For me, this is a matter of great happiness. Our children are taking the language, culture and pride of our soil to such respected platforms.

[KIIT - Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology @KIITUniversity]

We are glad to partner with BSNL through a strategic MoU aimed at strengthening industry-academia collaboration. The partnership will create opportunities in internships, apprenticeships, executive education, industry projects, telecom certification programs, research, & more.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

On World Bicycle Day, I remember my childhood days when the bicycle was my simple companion. It taught me simplicity, discipline, health and care for nature.

Happy that KIIT and KISS are contributing to cycling through the international-standard Cycling Velodrome, created in honour of Odisha’s first Arjuna Awardee in cycling, Ms Minati Mohapatra.

May our youth take up cycling for good health and a better future.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

74th Honorary Doctorate

Humbled to receive my 74th Honorary Doctorate from IES, Strasbourg (France), for my contributions to society over the last three decades.

I am deeply grateful to IES, Strasbourg, its Founder, Ms Soula Kyriakou, and its Co-founder, Ms Zinaida Kyriakou, for this honour. It gives me more strength to continue working for society and humanity.

Happy that KIIT has also signed an MoU with IES, Strasbourg, to further strengthen meaningful collaboration and create new opportunities for students and faculty.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Sharing a photo with the young Bihu artiste whose graceful performance made our KIMS@20 celebration at KIIT campus more joyful and memorable.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

On International Day for Biological Diversity, let us remember that every tree, bird, animal and small living being has a role in keeping our planet healthy. Protecting biodiversity is protecting our own future. Let us care for nature with love and responsibility.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Today, I am in Kolkata to pay my humble tribute to the pure soul of Smt. Jennifer Paes, beloved mother of legendary tennis player Shri Leander Paes Ji.

A mother is always the greatest strength in one’s life. Smt. Jennifer Paes was not only a loving mother, but also a great sportsperson. She was a former captain of the Indian basketball team and inspired many through her dedication, discipline and love for sports.

Shri Leander Paes Ji, recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, has made India proud across the world. With 18 Grand Slam titles, as a seven-time Olympian and an Olympic medallist, and with many historic achievements for India, he has shown what hard work, patience and commitment can do. Behind such a great son, there is always the silent blessing and sacrifice of a mother.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to Shri Leander Paes Ji and his family. May the departed soul of Smt. Jennifer Paes attain eternal peace. My prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

Om Shanti.

@Leander

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Happy to meet H.E. Ms. Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania to India, in New Delhi today during a courtesy call.

I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to Her Excellency for her kind support and encouragement to our KIIT and KISS students, who are now in Romania under the Erasmus+ programme. A group of 20 students from KIIT and KISS are presenting Shakespeare’s great works in Santali language and also showcasing the beautiful tribal culture and Santali dance of Odisha.

It gives me immense happiness that our tribal children from KISS are carrying the culture, tradition and talent of Odisha to an international platform. Such opportunities help them gain confidence, exposure and global friendship.

I also invited Her Excellency to visit KISS and witness our tribal culture, the talent of our children, and the same Santali dance and cultural performances which our students are presenting in Romania.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Proud to see my 20 KIIT & KISS students performing Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Hamlet in Santali language in Romania.

They are carrying the soul of Odisha, the beauty of Santali language and the pride of tribal culture to the world.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

I feel very happy and emotional as Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) enters its 20th year of service to society.

On this special occasion, we felicitated our doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, technicians, paramedics, administrative staff, support staff and all members who have been part of the KIMS family since the beginning days of 2006. This was a small gesture to recognise their contribution, dedication and silent service, and ax noble journey with the same commitment.

I am deeply indebted to all doctors, staff, healthcare workers, patients, well-wishers and every member of the KIMS family who have tremendously contributed to the growth of KIMS.

KIMS is not only a hospital. It is a place of hope, healing and humanity.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Happy and proud to congratulate my lovable KIITian, Mr Priyanshu De, a Computer Science student of KIIT, for qualifying to represent India at the prestigious WorldSkills Competition 2026 to be held in Shanghai, China.
He had earlier won the Bronze Medal at the IndiaSkills Competition, and through his hard work, dedication and skill, he has now earned this great opportunity to represent our country on the global stage.

My best wishes are always with him. May he continue to work hard and bring more glory to KIIT, Odisha and India.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

The 17th KIIT International Chess Festival 2026 concluded today with the final prize distribution ceremony at KIIT campus.

This year, KIIT had the honour of welcoming more than 4,000 players and officials from over 40 countries. The presence of 25 Grandmasters, 50 International Masters, many international title-holders and around 2,000 parents made the festival very special. It gives me great happiness to see KIIT becoming a global meeting place for chess players and chess lovers.

With a record prize pool of ₹1.31 crore, this festival was not only a competition, but also a celebration of talent, patience, discipline and friendship through chess.

My heartiest congratulations to GM Boris Savchenko, winner of Category A, along with GM Aleksej Aleksandrov, IM Aronyak Ghosh, IM Mayank Chakraborty and GM Nguyen Duc Hoa, who secured the top positions. I also congratulate all prize winners and every participant who played with dedication and sportsmanship.

I sincerely thank FIDE, AICF, Odisha Chess Association, all arbiters, officials, coaches, parents, volunteers and the entire KIIT-KISS family for making this festival successful.

At KIIT, we always believe that education and sports must go together. Chess teaches concentration, planning and patience. My best wishes to all the players. May they continue to shine and bring pride to their families, states and countries.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Happy to share that KIIT has taken another small but meaningful step towards global cooperation and service. During my visit to Bonn, Germany, KIIT signed two important MoUs with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC).

We had fruitful discussions with the leadership of the United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) regarding the Special Voluntary collaboration. This will give our students and young people more opportunity to serve, learn and understand the world through volunteerism. It gives me happiness that KIIT is the first university in South Asia to open such a path with UNV for youth volunteering opportunities.

I also feel happy that KIIT’s MoU with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), through the Nelson Mandela Global Academy for Social Change, will create opportunities for young leaders to learn about social change, leadership, dialogue and service to society.

For me, education is not only about knowledge. It is about compassion, responsibility and service to humanity. I am thankful to UNV and UNSSC for their faith in KIIT. I hope these MoUs will open new doors for many young people, including my lovable KIITians and KISSians, to learn from global platforms and serve society with a good heart.

@UNVolunteers @UNV_India @UNSSC

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Happy and humbled to receive such a warm and grand welcome at the University of Craiova, Romania.

On my arrival, I was welcomed by my 20 lovable KIIT and KISS students, who performed our traditional tribal dance, just like they do at KISS. Though I was far away from Odisha, for a moment I felt I was at home among my own children. It was a very touching moment for me.

I was also honoured in the presence of the Hon’ble Mayor of Craiova, Deputy Mayor, provincial leadership, mayors and vice mayors of nearby cities, councillors and officials, along with the gracious presence of the Hon’ble Ambassador of India to Romania.

Such love and respect from the dignitaries and from my students is not for me alone. It is for the work of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, and for the journey of education, service and humanity carried forward for the last 30 years.

It gives me immense happiness that 10 students from KIIT and 10 students from KISS are here under the Erasmus+ KA171 Student Mobility Programme, learning, performing and representing India at the International Shakespeare Festival in Craiova. For two months, they are getting a beautiful opportunity to understand a new culture, new people and a new academic environment.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

73rd Honorary Doctorate

Deeply humbled to receive my 73rd Honorary Doctorate from the University of Craiova, Romania, one of the oldest, largest and most respected public universities, established in 1947.

This honour was conferred after careful consideration of my work and achievements during the last 30 years in education, research, social inclusion and service to humanity, and after approval through different academic committees and finally by the Senate of the University.

This honour will remain very special in my heart. I have received many recognitions in different parts of the world, but this is the first time I received an Honorary Doctorate on a foreign land in the presence of my lovable KIIT & KISS students. Seeing them there, far away from Odisha, doubled my happiness.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the University of Craiova, its leadership, Hon’ble Rector, President, Senate and all respected members for this love, honour and recognition.

KIIT & KISS are two institutions born from the soil of Odisha. Today, when they carry the message of education, tribal empowerment, compassion and inclusion to the world, I feel very happy that the small work started 30 years ago is bringing pride to the soil of Odisha.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

The 17th KIIT International Chess Festival 2026 has started at KIIT with a record prize pool of Rs. 1.31 crore, the highest prize money offered by any university in India.

This year, more than 4,000 players and officials from over 40 countries, including 25 Grandmasters, 50 International Masters and many international title holders, have come to KIIT. Around 2,000 parents are also here with them. It gives me immense happiness to see KIIT becoming a global meeting place for chess lovers.

What started in 2011 with a prize fund of Rs. 16 lakh has today grown into one of the most respected international chess festivals. This has been possible because of the continued support of FIDE, AICF, Odisha Chess Association, organisers, players, parents and all well-wishers.

I was also touched to be felicitated by the chess players and parents from Odisha, AOCA and AICF. I have always believed that sports and academics should go together. KIIT & KISS will continue to support chess and all sports with full dedication.

My congratulations to all participants and winners of the BLITZ OPEN. My best wishes to every young player. May this festival give them good exposure, confidence and inspiration to achieve greater success in life.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Inaugurated a photo exhibition at Montana State University, USA, showcasing Incredible India and especially the rich heritage, culture and tourism places of Odisha.

I was very happy and surprised to see the memories of their India Trek visit being presented so beautifully on a foreign land. We had brought them to Odisha to experience what they called the “best kept secret of India”, and they have carried back those memories with so much love.

Seeing Odisha’s temples, sea, culture and people being shown with such respect in the USA made me very happy. The photographs of Puri, Konark, Chilika and many other places of Odisha were also showcased across 9 states in the north-western part of the USA.

My sincere thanks to Montana State University and photographer Sam Horine for presenting Odisha and India so nicely before the people of the USA.