Bhubaneswar: The KISS-DU recently conferred KISS Lifetime Achievement Award on president of Global Security Institute (USA) Jonathan Granoff in recognition of his lifelong contribution to advancing global peace, nuclear disarmament, and the rule of law.
Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr Achyuta Samanta presented the award to Granoff, an internationally respected attorney and advocate, who has spent decades championing the cause of nuclear disarmament.
“Granoff has testified before the US Congress, the UK Parliament, and the Canadian Parliament on the existential risks posed by nuclear weapons. He serves as a Senior Advisor to the World Summits of Nobel Peace Laureates and holds positions on several notable international boards. In 2020, the American Bar Association honoured him with its Lifetime Achievement Award for transforming legal advocacy into measurable global impact,” the institute said in a release.
In his acceptance address, Granoff termed the recognition “humbling,” stating that he had only tried to live in alignment with “the integrity of conscience.” He also underscored that the ‘Art of Giving’ movement, championed by Dr Samanta, are qualities of compassion and love that comes as one develops wisdom with life.
Speaking just a day after delivering an address at the FW de Klerk Memorial in Cape Town, Granoff highlighted South Africa as the only nation to have voluntarily surrendered its nuclear arsenal. He reflected on Nelson Mandela’s leadership—his ability to overcome anger, fear and resentment after 27 years of wrongful imprisonment—and urged the audience to cultivate compassion, humility, courage, generosity, and love.
He also underscored the urgent moral challenges of the 21st century—climate crisis, environmental degradation, and weapons of mass destruction. Traditional moral teachings, he said, must evolve in light of unprecedented planetary threats.
“Treat the lives and well-being of future generations as we want to be treated,: he said, adding that this is the essence of global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and should anchor public policy, education, and institutional leadership.
He urged the KISS community to embrace dignity, respect, and generosity of spirit in their work and daily lives.
KIIT Vice Chancellor Prof Saranjit Singh and KISS CEO Prof Prashanta Kumar Routray were present on the occasion.
