Bhubaneswar: Seven distinguished persons were conferred with the KKIO (KIIT-KISS Is One) Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of outstanding contributions in their respective fields during a special programme held at KISS on Saturday.
The seven recipients of the award were — Padma Shri Phoolbasan Bai Yadav, founder of Maa Bamleshwari Janhitkari Samiti, Chhattisgarh; Dr Brock Tessman, president of Montana State University, USA; Lia Olguta Vasilescu, Mayor of Craiova, Romania; Vasile Karare, Mayor of Milisauti, Romania; Dumitru Boras, Mayor of Birlad, Romania; Erik Federico Pérez Vega, Rector of APEC University; Jorge Calzoni, Rector of National University of Avellaneda (UNDAV).
Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, who was the chief guest, said education is not merely a means of acquiring knowledge but also a powerful instrument of personal transformation. He urged students not to forget society after completing their education, emphasising that society plays a pivotal role in shaping their lives and contributing to their success.
Several other eminent personalities, including Nagaland Governor Shri Nand Kishore Yadav, visited KIIT and KISS, and interacted with students.
Michael James Baumgartner, Congressman and Member of the US House of Representatives, said KIIT and KISS have emerged as among the world’s largest educational initiatives. He observed that education could play an important role in further strengthening the relationship between India and the United States.
Phoolbasan Bai spoke about the unparalleled joy of bringing smiles to others. She urged students not to be deterred by poverty and advised them to move forward with determination and confidence.
Senior journalist Chitra Tripathi of ABP News said the dream of a Viksit Bharat could be seen taking shape at KISS. Advising the students, she said they need not look elsewhere for role models, as their ideal role model was right among them — KIIT and KISS founder Dr Achyuta Samanta.
Motilal Oswal, co-founder, Group Managing Director and CEO of Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, urged students to remember three principles throughout their lives — learn, earn and return (to society).
Dr Samanta expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests for visiting KIIT and KISS and interacting with the students.