Rajat Kumar Behera

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Having lived through poverty since childhood, I know how helpless a mother feels when she has nothing to feed her children. I also know how much it means to a child when someone cares, offers support and gives them a chance to study.

These memories have stayed with me throughout my life. They are the reason I find my greatest happiness in seeing my lovable KISSians grow up with food, care, education and the confidence to dream. When they become self-reliant and support their families, I feel grateful that we could play a small part in their journey.

On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, my humble appeal is to help someone in whatever way we can. Help a child continue their education. Stand beside a family facing hardship. Let them feel that they are not alone.

No child should have to give up a dream because of poverty.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

On Maha Ashtami, my good wishes to everyone. I pray to Maa Mahagauri for the health and happiness of all.

Even on a festival morning, my day begins with KIIT & KISS. I spent the early hours doing fieldwork with our development team, visiting the campuses and discussing what needs to be done next. Afterwards, we sat together for a cup of coffee. I always enjoy this time with the people who work alongside me every day.

There is always something more we can do for our students. Being there with my team, seeing the work for myself and planning the next steps gives me much happiness.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

On Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, we offer our prayers to Maa Mahagauri. May she bless everyone with good health, peace and happiness.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

On Maha Saptami, the seventh day of Navratri, we offer our prayers to Maa Kalaratri. May she protect us from harm and give us courage through difficult times.

[Naveen Patnaik @Naveen_Odisha]

Humble tributes to former President and Bharat Ratna awardee Dr #APJAbdulKalam on his birth anniversary. An eminent scientist, beloved teacher, noted author and eloquent speaker, he shared a deep bond with #Odisha. His pioneering role in India’s missile programmes to build a self-reliant country and his vision to ignite young minds will forever remain a guiding light.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

On Day 6 of Navratri, we seek the blessings of Maa Katyayani. May she give us the courage to stand by others and help those in need.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

On Day 4 of Navratri, we offer our prayers to Maa Kushmanda. May she bless everyone with good health, strength and happiness.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Congratulations to my lovable KIITians and their teachers from the 5G Use Case Lab at the School of Electronics Engineering on winning the Best Innovation Award at the 5G Innovation Hackathon 2026, organised by the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India.

7 teams represented KIIT, and 2 made it into the top 35 out of 1,455 teams from institutions across India. They presented their ideas at India Mobile Congress 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. I am very happy to see their hard work recognised and wish all our young innovators the very best.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

On day 3 of Navratri, we offer our prayers to Maa Chandraghanta. May she bless everyone with courage, peace and happiness.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

On day 2 of Navratri, we offer our prayers to Maa Brahmacharini. Her devotion reminds us to keep faith and carry on with patience, even when life is difficult.
May Maa bless everyone with strength and peace.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

I am grateful to have been unanimously elected the first President of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF) at its inaugural Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, in recognition of my tremendous contributions in sports in different capacities, particularly through KIIT & KISS.

This is the first time a federation like IUSF has been formed in India and recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Its objectives are to encourage students from government and private universities across India to take up sports, provide them with good training and prepare them to compete at international events, particularly the World University Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics.

At our first Annual General Meeting, we decided not to charge students any fee to participate in the Federation’s sports events. We also decided to reduce the fees for both government and private universities by 50 per cent.

I have earlier served as President of the Volleyball Federation of India and worked with other sports bodies to promote sports in India. I am grateful to Hon’ble Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya ji for his support for this new Federation, and to the Ministry for recognising it. I hope IUSF will help our young athletes fulfil their dreams and contribute to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision for sports in India.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

As Navratri begins, I offer my prayers to Maa Shailputri. May she give us the strength to face life’s difficulties and keep our families well. My warm wishes to everyone.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to the legendary Bollywood superstar, Amitabh Bachchan ji (@SrBachchan), with heartfelt prayers from 40,000 KISS students! May your special day be filled with good health, happiness, and prosperity.

I feel fortunate to have spent nearly two hours with you on two occasions in my life — first at the Cleanathon and then on Kaun Banega Crorepati. I will always cherish that time with you.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

ପବିତ୍ର ମହାଳୟା ଅବସରରେ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ମୋର ଅନେକ ଅନେକ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା ଓ ଶୁଭକାମନା!
ମା' ଦୁର୍ଗାଙ୍କ ଆଗମନ ଆପଣଙ୍କ ଜୀବନରେ ସୁଖ, ଶାନ୍ତି, ସମୃଦ୍ଧି ଏବଂ ଉତ୍ସାହ ଭରିଦେଉ। ଆଗାମୀ ଦୁର୍ଗାପୂଜାର ସମସ୍ତ ଦିନ ଆପଣଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ଆନନ୍ଦମୟ ହେଉ।
ଶୁଭ ମହାଳୟା!

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

A letter from someone far away can bring so much happiness. For generations, our postal workers have carried such messages to homes across India, including our most remote villages.

On #NationalPostDay, my heartfelt thanks to everyone who works to keep our postal services running. Let us appreciate the care and dedication they bring to their work each day.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Good mental health needs care every day. Getting enough sleep, staying active, spending time with family and friends, and making room for rest are habits we can all try to follow.

On #WorldMentalHealthDay, I hope we all give our minds the same care we give our bodies. If you are finding things difficult, please speak to someone you trust and seek help when you need it.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

We have started a new initiative at KIIT called ‘Earn While You Learn’ for my lovable KIITians.

I have seen students at universities abroad take up work alongside their studies, gain experience, and earn their own pocket money. I wanted our students to have that opportunity too.

The response has made me very happy. Over 1,000 students applied, and we have begun with our first group of 100. They will help with the work of the university, learn from the experience and earn while they study. They will also gain the confidence to speak, lead and take responsibility. These are lessons a classroom alone cannot give.

My good wishes to all of them. I hope this is the beginning of something useful for many more KIITians.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

76th Honorary Doctorate

I am grateful to the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for conferring an honorary doctorate on me on its 15th Foundation Day. This is my 76th honorary doctorate, and I receive it with humility.

My heartfelt thanks to the Governing Body and the entire IAR family for this honour.

[Achyuta Samanta @achyuta_samanta]

Heartfelt greetings to our air warriors, veterans and their families on the 94th #IndianAirForceDay. Whether protecting our skies or helping people during disasters, they serve India with courage and dedication. I thank them for their service and pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our country.
Jai Hind.

[Rajat Kumar Behera @rajat_behera]

@achyuta_samanta Many congratulations sir.