THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 16, 2026

The 22nd University Foundation Day of KIIT Deemed to be University evolved into a powerful platform for global thought leadership, as eminent personalities from business, media and spirituality gathered to reflect on purpose-driven growth, ethical leadership and social impact. The event, marked by a special lecture and the presentation of the KIIT Lifetime Achievement Award, underscored the institution’s rising global engagement and its emphasis on values-led development.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on four distinguished leaders: John Oppenheimer, Founder and Chairman of Columbia Hospitality (USA); Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo; K.N. Shanth Kumar, Director of The Printers (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd. and Board member of Press Trust of India; and Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of the Ripa International Center, Switzerland.

Addressing students and faculty, Oppenheimer spoke with admiration for KIIT’s scale and impact, describing the campus as “beyond imagination” and a model of purposeful institution-building. He urged students to recognise their potential contribution to society and emphasised the importance of following one’s inner calling, noting that clarity of purpose simplifies decision-making and sustains long-term success. His remarks highlighted the growing interface between global industry leadership and Indian higher education ecosystems.

Veteran media leader Shanth Kumar reflected on the transformation of journalism in the digital era while stressing that credibility, verification and ethical storytelling remain non-negotiable. He described journalism as a pillar of democracy that must remain free from manipulation and called on students to practise responsible citizen journalism. His message resonated strongly in the context of a rapidly evolving information economy where technology must be balanced with integrity.

Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero termed the occasion a “spiritual reunion of history” and praised KIIT for blending compassion, discipline and vision in its institutional culture. His observations reinforced the university’s positioning as a values-driven knowledge hub that integrates academic excellence with humanitarian outlook.

Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche spoke on humility as the true measure of success and lauded Dr. Achyuta Samanta for demonstrating that professional achievement and kindness can coexist. Emphasising “practical compassion” as a leadership principle, he said meaningful impact does not depend on complex philosophy but on the ability to empathise and give. He linked generosity with long-term prosperity, calling it a mindset essential for both personal and institutional growth.

In his welcome address, Dr. Samanta traced KIIT’s journey from a modest beginning to a globally connected university ecosystem, attributing its growth to the collective efforts of students, faculty and staff of KIIT, KISS and KIMS. His remarks positioned the institution’s expansion as a shared achievement and a model of inclusive education-led development.

Beyond the ceremonial honours, the event reflected KIIT’s strategic alignment with global leadership networks across business, media and spiritual thought. By bringing together voices from international hospitality, national media and global faith traditions, the university reinforced its role as a multidisciplinary platform preparing students for a values-oriented knowledge economy.