A Special Evening of Inspiration with Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta Focusing his Extraordinary Contributions to Education and Humanity

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EDUCAST ,  A special dinner themed “Honoring the Spirit of Giving” was held at the Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu on Sunday, 8th September 2024, to celebrate the exceptional contributions of Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, a visionary educationist and humanitarian. The event paid tribute to his unwavering commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities and his relentless efforts to achieve Zero Poverty, Hunger, and Illiteracy, while also fostering stronger ties between Nepal and India.

The evening was graced by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including Ministers, Chief Ministers, Politicians, Ambassadors, Members of Parliament, Vice Chancellors, Doctors, Esteemed Educationists, Principals, Revered Spiritual Leaders, and Business Leaders, reflecting the far-reaching impact of Prof. Samanta’s work in education and social service.

The event opened with a warm welcome address by Bishwo Parajuli, Former UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP/WFP Representative, who set the tone by acknowledging Prof. Dr. Samanta’s tireless efforts in transforming lives through his initiatives. Special emphasis was placed on his founding of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), and Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), which provide quality education and support to marginalized communities.

Guruji Jigme Rinponche lauded Prof. Dr. Samanta’s deep compassion and selfless dedication, highlighting how his Art of Giving philosophy reflects the interconnectedness of humanity. Guruji commended Dr. Samanta’s significant contributions to empowering underprivileged and tribal communities, emphasizing his role in promoting social harmony and peace.

Swami Anand Arun Ji shared his admiration for Dr. Samanta’s leadership in driving social change, particularly through his focus on tribal upliftment, education, science, and sports.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta himself, who shared personal anecdotes and the inspiration behind the Art of Giving philosophy, which advocates sharing and caring for those in need. He highlighted the success of KISS, which received the prestigious UNESCO International Literacy Prize in 2022, and spoke about the impact of his initiatives in uplifting millions. Dr. Samanta’s vision has earned him over 250 awards and 56 honorary doctorates globally.

A moderated Q&A session followed, providing guests the opportunity to engage with Prof. Samanta, ask questions, and gain deeper insights into his work. His responses reflected his passion for education and his unwavering commitment to fostering a more compassionate world.

A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of a memento to Prof. Dr. Samanta by Sudip Nayak, Founder of WRC Nepal, and the WRC team, honoring his outstanding contributions to social betterment.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Sadichha Shrestha, who expressed gratitude to the participants and summarized the evening’s key moments. The dinner highlighted Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta’s life as a testament to the transformative power of education, vision, and compassion, inspiring individuals across the globe to contribute toward a more inclusive world.