Bhubaneswar: Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was on Wednesday honoured with the KISS Humanitarian Award 2023.
The award is a recognition of Gates’ philanthropic work across the globe and acknowledges his significant contributions towards enhancing global health and education, and addressing climate change through innovative technology solutions aimed at reducing inequality.
“Awarding Bill Gates with the KISS Humanitarian Award not only honours his exceptional contributions but also elevates the prestige of this recognition. His acceptance sets a new benchmark for humanitarian work globally. It is a profound honour for us that Bill Gates is joining the esteemed roster of our awardees,” said KIIT, KISS & KIMS Founder Prof. Achyuta Samanta.
Expressing his gratitude, Gates said, “Thank you so much for this wonderful award, and for welcoming me here. Though I should be the one congratulating you on all you have accomplished.”
Gates lauded Dr Samanta’s vision and dedication to providing quality education to indigenous communities and highlighted the importance of civic engagement and a community-first approach to education.
The staff and students of KIIT and KISS, along with alumni participated in the award ceremony virtually.
A notable moment was Gates’ engagement in a meaningful conversation on gender equality, prompted by a question from a KISS alumna.
Minister Counsellor Graham Mayer, US Embassy New Delhi; Frank Talluto, Political Officer Hyderabad; Ananth Sukesh, Political Advisor, US Embassy New Delhi; and Srimali Kari, Political Specialist US Consulate Hyderabad were present on the occasion.
The KISS Humanitarian Award, initiated in 2008 by Prof. Samanta, is the highest honour of KIIT and KISS which recognises individuals and organisations that embody the spirit of humanitarian work worldwide.
The award consists of a citation scroll and a gold-plated trophy that depicts a golden heart of a humanitarian with virtues of purity, kindness, prosperity and hope. It features a pair of hands uplifting a heart, which is textured with shapes resembling waving hands that symbolize how a pair of dedicated hands can make a significant difference in the lives of the helpless and make the world a better place to live in.
Some of the previous recipients of this award are Madam Edna Bomo Molewa, former premier of the North-western state of South Africa Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment; Dr Ham-Kee-Sun, president of Hanseo University and outstanding ophthalmologist of South Korea; Anerood Jugnauth, President of Mauritius; Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Nicholas Addison Phillips, president of Supreme Court of the UK; Lyonchhen Jigmiy Thinley, Prime Minister of Bhutan; Madam Albina Du Boisrouvray, Founder of FXB International, Switzerland; Dalai Lama, Spiritual Leader and Nobel Peace Laureate 2005; Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Laureate and Founder of Grameen Bank, Bangladesh; Dansa Kourouma, president of National Transition Council of Guinea; Mama Rachel Ruto, first lady of Kenya.
