THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
MAY 14, 2026
Eminent educationist,
philanthropist, and Founder of KIIT & KISS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, has been
conferred with a special honour by the Department of Native American Studies at
Montana State University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to
tribal empowerment through KISS. Dr. Samanta is the first Indian and
non-American individual to receive such an honour in Montana in the fields of humanitarian
service and educational development.
Dr. Samanta was
honoured at a special event held on the campus of Montana State University
titled ‘A Legacy of Compassion: Honoring Achyut Samanta and the Art of Giving.’
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Consul General of India Prakash Gupta,
Executive Director of the Montana World Affairs Council Nikki Geisler, and
other distinguished dignitaries presented him with this honour in the presence
of Montana State University President Dr. Waded Cruzado. The Department of
Native American Studies at Montana State University is regarded as one of the
leading institutions in the United States for research on Native American
communities.
Montana is a tribal
state of the United States, and Dr. Samanta was honoured there in accordance
with traditional tribal customs. The Native American community bestowed a
spiritual honour upon him by presenting their sacred tribal blankets — a
gesture considered a unique mark of respect in their tradition. Notably,
several scholars and intellectuals from Montana had visited KIIT & KISS
earlier this year and highly appreciated Dr. Samanta’s work. Following their
visit, they recommended that he be conferred with the state’s highest honour.
Similarly, in
recognition of his efforts towards the development of indigenous youth through
education and empowerment, promotion of the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam,’ and strengthening cultural and educational ties between India and
the United States (Montana), the Montana World Affairs Council conferred upon
Achyuta Samanta the ‘Global Visionary Award.’
During the ceremony, Dr. Samanta’s work in transforming the lives of thousands of indigenous youth through education and empowerment was widely appreciated.
In his response, Dr. Samanta expressed gratitude to the authorities of Montana State University and the Montana World Affairs Council, stating that such recognition would further inspire him to continue working for the development of India’s indigenous communities.
