Dr Samanta, the founder of KIIT and KISS, was presented with the Grand Cross Award by FIVB President Dr Ary Graca at the 39th FIVB World Congress in Porto, Portugal. This prestigious recognition acknowledges Dr Samanta's outstanding contributions in promoting sports, particularly volleyball. Representatives from 222 countries praised his remarkable achievements in sports and education as he dedicated the award to Lord Jagannath and all sports enthusiasts and athletes of India.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the renowned founder of KIIT and KISS, has recently received the prestigious Grand Cross Award from FIVB President Dr. Ary Graca at the 39th FIVB World Congress in Porto, Portugal. This honor recognizes his extraordinary contributions to the promotion of sports, especially volleyball.
Dr. Samanta's unwavering dedication to sports development has manifested in the establishment of the KIIT University Volleyball Academy, which has nurtured numerous talented athletes. The academy has hosted several national and international volleyball tournaments, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills.
Beyond volleyball, Dr. Samanta's philanthropic endeavors have extended to education. Through the KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences), he has provided free education and healthcare to underprivileged children from rural areas. The institute caters to over 30,000 tribal students, offering them a transformative opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.
Background and Impact
Dr. Samanta's passion for sports and education stems from his childhood experiences. Growing up in a remote village in Odisha, India, he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Determined to make a positive impact, he founded KIIT and KISS in 1992 and 1992 respectively.
Over the years, both institutions have grown exponentially. KIIT has become a leading university in India, consistently ranked among the top institutions in the country. KISS has become the largest residential school for tribal students in the world, providing a holistic education that empowers them to become contributing members of society.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of the Grand Cross Award? *A1: The Grand Cross Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) in recognition of outstanding contributions to the sport.
Q2: How has Dr. Samanta contributed to volleyball? *A2: Dr. Samanta has established the KIIT University Volleyball Academy, hosted numerous tournaments, and supported volleyball players at the national and international levels.
Q3: What is the impact of KISS? *A3: KISS provides free education, healthcare, and vocational training to underprivileged children from rural areas, empowering them to overcome poverty and become productive citizens.
Q4: What are the achievements of KIIT University? *A4: KIIT University is a leading educational institution in India, renowned for its academic excellence, research initiatives, and focus on innovation.
Q5: What are Dr. Samanta's future plans? *A5: Dr. Samanta plans to continue expanding KIIT and KISS, providing opportunities for more students from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their dreams.
The Premier League's top-five race heats up as Newcastle United and Chelsea, currently fourth and fifth respectively, will face off in a battle for a spot in the prestigious Champions League. Both teams have 63 points each and only three fixtures remaining, making this a crucial game for their season. Adding to the stakes, an extra spot has been granted to English clubs this season, making the competition even fiercer. Stay updated with Metro's LIVE blog for all the match coverage and analysis.
In an intense welterweight title fight, Jack Della Maddalena came out on top with a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Muhammad, who was looking to defend his title for the first time, couldn't overcome the relentless striking of his opponent. Della Maddalena, riding a 17-fight winning streak, used his strikes to control the fight and emerge as the new welterweight champion.
Denver Nuggets star player, Nikola Jokic, arrived in an eye-catching outfit for Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, channeling his famous nickname "The Joker". The seven-time All-Star center wore a light blue jacket-and-pants combo with a green vest, inspired by the iconic comic book character. After a frustrating Game 2, Jokic brought out his alter-ego in hopes of leading his team to a victory and to even out the series in the second round playoffs. With this unexpected fashion statement, Jokic proves that he is well-versed in American culture and ready to take on his opponents.
Jackson Warne, the son of legendary cricketer Shane Warne, recently visited the home ground of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, where a gallery has been named after his father. Speaking about his visit, Jackson expressed his delight and gratitude towards the team for honoring his father's contribution and legacy in the cricket world. He also had the chance to meet with current head coach Rahul Dravid, who had replaced Warne as captain during his playing days with the Royals.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson praises Axar Patel's impressive performance as captain for Delhi Capitals, leading the team to a convincing win over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. Despite a slow start, Axar bowled four overs straight and finished with figures better than LSG's star spinner Kuldeep Yadav. With the bat, Axar provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 34 off 20 balls, while teammate KL Rahul sealed the win with an unbeaten half-century, also becoming the fastest player to reach 5000 runs in IPL. Watson commends both players for their composure and adaptability, highlighting their contributions to Delhi's success.
Indian cricketers expressed their support and pride for the Indian Army's retaliation against Pakistan through coordinated airstrikes on terror camps. From quoting the Mahabharata to saluting the armed forces, players like Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina stood in unison with the rest of the country in the face of cross-border tensions. Meanwhile, England cricketer Sam Billings, currently playing in Pakistan, hopes for a de-escalation of the situation.
Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah reflected on his early days with Mumbai Indians and the advice he received from legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar. Bumrah credits Tendulkar for helping him overcome the pressure and perform well for the team. He also discussed his team's performance in the ongoing IPL 2025.
In a nail-biting NBA Western Conference semifinal series opener, the Denver Nuggets pulled off a surprising upset against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. Forward Aaron Gordon's 25-foot 3-pointer with four seconds left sealed the 121-119 victory for the Nuggets, despite trailing by 14 points in the third quarter. Serbian star Nikola Jokic also contributed a career-high 42 points to the Nuggets' stunning comeback.
The Denver Nuggets started their second-round series with a solid performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite trailing by 10 points at halftime, the Nuggets were able to secure a win thanks to Aaron Gordon's game-winning shot. However, it was Nikola Jokic who led the way for Denver with another impressive stat line.
The bond between NBA stars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant started long before they were teammates on the Golden State Warriors. Back in 2010, the two formed a friendship while playing on the same FIBA World Cup team. During dinner one night, Curry revealed his plans to propose to his girlfriend Ayesha, and Durant was one of the first people to know. Now, years later, the two have reflected on that moment and how their friendship has evolved since then.