THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 31, 2026

Eminent educationist and founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, was conferred an honorary doctorate by Maharaja Ganga Singh University (MGSU), Bikaner, Rajasthan, marking the 75th such distinction in recognition of his contributions to education-driven social transformation and inclusive development.

The honorary doctorate was presented during a special ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan (Lok Bhavan) in Jaipur by Rajasthan Governor and Chancellor of MGSU, Haribhau Bagde. The event was attended by Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, MGSU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manoj Dixit, Registrar Prof. Yashpal Ahuja, besides ministers, legislators and other dignitaries.

The university said Dr. Samanta was selected for the honour after an extensive assessment of his lifelong work in expanding access to quality education and empowering underprivileged communities. The recognition acknowledges his sustained efforts in leveraging education as a catalyst for social and economic development.

With this conferment, Dr. Samanta's tally of honorary doctorates has reached 75, reflecting growing national and international recognition of his contributions to the education and social development sectors.

Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), was also conferred an honorary doctorate during the ceremony.

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Samanta thanked Governor Haribhau Bagde and MGSU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manoj Dixit for inviting him from Odisha and recognising his work. He described the honour as one of the most cherished moments of his life.

Recalling that the 10th death anniversary of his mother, late Nilimarani, will be observed on August 2, Dr. Samanta dedicated the honour to her memory and prayed for the eternal peace of her soul.

Maharaja Ganga Singh University, one of Rajasthan's oldest government universities, is regarded as a premier institution of higher learning in the state and has honoured several distinguished personalities for their contributions to society.