Bhubaneswar: Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Nita M. Ambani was conferred the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) campus here on Monday.
Sri Lankan Nobel Laureate Prof. Mohan Munasinghe presented the award in the presence of KIIT, KISS and KIMS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta.
The award recognises Nita’s outstanding humanitarian initiatives and her significant contributions to social development through education, healthcare, rural transformation, women empowerment and sports promotion through the Reliance Foundation.
In her acceptance speech, Nita said she felt proud to receive the KISS Humanitarian Award, and that the honour is not hers alone, but belongs to the entire team of Reliance Foundation.
“Dr Samanta has built two modern temples of educati
on — KIIT and KISS. These two institutions are a matter of pride for our country,” she said, adding that it was a privilege for her to visit the two remarkable institutions.
Addressing the 40,000 students of KISS, Nita said, “I will never forget the love and affection you have given me here.”
She advised the students not to ever leave the path of righteousness. “I see the future of India here in KISS. After seeing the children here, I am confident that the future of India is bright,” Nita said.
She said there is no difference between boys and girls, and that whatever boys can do, girls can do as well. “This is just the beginning, not your final goal. You should dream big, and to achieve those dreams, you must work hard with dedication.”
Overwhelmed to visit the pious land of Lord Jagannath, Nita said Odisha has a rich culture, traditions and values, and that the people of Odisha share a deep and strong connection with nature
Dr Samanta said in his welcome speech that “Success doesn’t mean achieving things only for yourself; true success is bringing light into the lives of others.”
Citing the example of Nita Ambani, he said great initiatives never go in vain if you try with dedication.