I feel very happy to share that the FIVB–KIIT–KISS Centre of Excellence for Volleyball at KIIT has been elevated to an International Centre of Excellence for Volleyball and Beach Volleyball by FIVB. This announcement was made at the FIVB Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, in the presence of FIVB President Dr Fabio Azevedo and the FIVB leadership. This is a proud moment for KIIT, KISS, Odisha and India. What started as a centre to support Indian volleyball players will now become a global platform for players, coaches and sports professionals from different countries. It will also give international athletes the opportunity to study at KIIT and KISS while receiving world-class volleyball and beach volleyball training. I am thankful to Dr Fabio Azevedo and the entire FIVB leadership for their trust and encouragement. My dream is to see India represented in Volleyball and Beach Volleyball at the Olympic Games. I believe this International Centre of Excellence will help us identify, train and prepare young talents for the future, including our long-term aim towards Brisbane Olympics 2032.

We were honoured to interact with Prof. Nguyen Phong Dien, Vice President, along with other esteemed faculty members of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, in the presence of our Directors & Deans from @KIITUniversity during our visit to Vietnam. #KIITUniversity #HUST

Day 2 at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. After yesterday’s beautiful programme, I felt very happy to see my 20 lovable KIIT and KISS students once again performing Shakespeare’s plays in Santali language after their return from Romania. The programme was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, two Hon’ble Members of Parliament and many respected dignitaries. I felt very happy that all of them appreciated the performance of our children.

I feel very happy and emotional as Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) enters its 20th year of service to society. On this special occasion, we felicitated our doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, technicians, paramedics, administrative staff, support staff and all members who have been part of the KIMS family since the beginning days of 2006. This was a small gesture to recognise their contribution, dedication and silent service, and ax noble journey with the same commitment. I am deeply indebted to all doctors, staff, healthcare workers, patients, well-wishers and every member of the KIMS family who have tremendously contributed to the growth of KIMS. KIMS is not only a hospital. It is a place of hope, healing and humanity.

The 17th KIIT International Chess Festival 2026 concluded today with the final prize distribution ceremony at KIIT campus. This year, KIIT had the honour of welcoming more than 4,000 players and officials from over 40 countries. The presence of 25 Grandmasters, 50 International Masters, many international title-holders and around 2,000 parents made the festival very special. It gives me great happiness to see KIIT becoming a global meeting place for chess players and chess lovers. With a record prize pool of ₹1.31 crore, this festival was not only a competition, but also a celebration of talent, patience, discipline and friendship through chess. My heartiest congratulations to GM Boris Savchenko, winner of Category A, along with GM Aleksej Aleksandrov, IM Aronyak Ghosh, IM Mayank Chakraborty and GM Nguyen Duc Hoa, who secured the top positions. I also congratulate all prize winners and every participant who played with dedication and sportsmanship. I sincerely thank FIDE, AICF, Odisha Chess Association, all arbiters, officials, coaches, parents, volunteers and the entire KIIT-KISS family for making this festival successful. At KIIT, we always believe that education and sports must go together. Chess teaches concentration, planning and patience. My best wishes to all the players. May they continue to shine and bring pride to their families, states and countries.

Proud to see my 20 KIIT & KISS students performing Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Hamlet in Santali language in Romania. They are carrying the soul of Odisha, the beauty of Santali language and the pride of tribal culture to the world.

Happy and proud to congratulate my lovable KIITian, Mr Priyanshu De, a Computer Science student of KIIT, for qualifying to represent India at the prestigious WorldSkills Competition 2026 to be held in Shanghai, China. He had earlier won the Bronze Medal at the IndiaSkills Competition, and through his hard work, dedication and skill, he has now earned this great opportunity to represent our country on the global stage. My best wishes are always with him. May he continue to work hard and bring more glory to KIIT, Odisha and India.

KIIT KAVACH (Security Team) emerged as champions of the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Cup at @KIITUniversity after an exciting tournament filled with passion & true sportsmanship. Honoured to have Cosmos Lakra, CHRO, Tata Power as Chief Guest for grand finale. #KIITUniversity

Official event at Craiova City Hall to celebrate recognition of @achyuta_samanta, Founder- @KIITUniversity & @kissfoundation, by the Univ of Craiova.vMayors,Prefects & public admin officials from multiple cities joined to meet Amb. @manojifs-strengthening 🇮🇳🇷🇴 edu, cul & ins ties

The 17th KIIT International Chess Festival 2026 has started at KIIT with a record prize pool of Rs. 1.31 crore, the highest prize money offered by any university in India. This year, more than 4,000 players and officials from over 40 countries, including 25 Grandmasters, 50 International Masters and many international title holders, have come to KIIT. Around 2,000 parents are also here with them. It gives me immense happiness to see KIIT becoming a global meeting place for chess lovers. What started in 2011 with a prize fund of Rs. 16 lakh has today grown into one of the most respected international chess festivals. This has been possible because of the continued support of FIDE, AICF, Odisha Chess Association, organisers, players, parents and all well-wishers. I was also touched to be felicitated by the chess players and parents from Odisha, AOCA and AICF. I have always believed that sports and academics should go together. KIIT & KISS will continue to support chess and all sports with full dedication. My congratulations to all participants and winners of the BLITZ OPEN. My best wishes to every young player. May this festival give them good exposure, confidence and inspiration to achieve greater success in life.

Happy and humbled to receive such a warm and grand welcome at the University of Craiova, Romania. On my arrival, I was welcomed by my 20 lovable KIIT and KISS students, who performed our traditional tribal dance, just like they do at KISS. Though I was far away from Odisha, for a moment I felt I was at home among my own children. It was a very touching moment for me. I was also honoured in the presence of the Hon’ble Mayor of Craiova, Deputy Mayor, provincial leadership, mayors and vice mayors of nearby cities, councillors and officials, along with the gracious presence of the Hon’ble Ambassador of India to Romania. Such love and respect from the dignitaries and from my students is not for me alone. It is for the work of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, and for the journey of education, service and humanity carried forward for the last 30 years. It gives me immense happiness that 10 students from KIIT and 10 students from KISS are here under the Erasmus KA171 Student Mobility Programme, learning, performing and representing India at the International Shakespeare Festival in Craiova. For two months, they are getting a beautiful opportunity to understand a new culture, new people and a new academic environment.

Among all the 13th Anniversary of Art of Giving Day celebrations happening in many parts of the world, I felt special happiness to see Art of Giving being celebrated at The Achyuta Samanta India Initiative of CUNY CREST, a research centre opened in my name at the City University of New York (CUNY), USA. I never thought in my life that a small thought of giving, which came from my own struggle, would one day reach such a respected institution in America. My sincere thanks to the students, faculty, staff and all friends there for celebrating Art of Giving with so much love and respect. My special thanks to Hon’ble Consul Shri Tsewang Gyaltson Ji, Consulate General of India, New York, and Dr Milton Santiago, President, Bronx Community College, CUNY, for their kind presence, support and good wishes. This affection gives me more strength to continue working for society. Art of Giving is only about peace, happiness, friendship and harmony. My good wishes to all. @CUNY @BCCcuny

We are thrilled to announce the grand inauguration of the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup- Intra University Cricket Championship at @KIITUniversity- fostering team spirit, sportsmanship & a healthy competitive environment among our staff members. #KIITUniversity #CricketChampionship

Today, on the 13th Anniversary of the International Day of Art of Giving, I feel very happy to see the love and participation of people across the world. This year, Art of Giving was celebrated at 50,000 locations across 6 continents and over 190 countries. In India, it was celebrated in all prominent cities, and in Odisha alone, it reached 20,000 locations. Internationally, celebrations were held in around 1,000 places and cities. I also feel happy that through the support of FIDE and FIVB, the message of Art of Giving reached their member countries. This year, more than 50 lakh people participated, and over 25 million people were impacted through different activities of giving, sharing, service and kindness. I am also happy that we have set a Best of India Records for Most Volleyball Sets Distributed over Three Days. As part of this, 9,006 volleyballs and 3,002 nets were distributed at 3,002 locations across India. This will encourage many young children and youth to play, stay healthy and grow with discipline. Art of Giving started as a simple thought from my life. Today, seeing it spread so widely gives me inner happiness. My heartfelt thanks to all my fan-followers, well-wishers, volunteers, office bearers, institutions, sports bodies and every person who celebrated Art of Giving in their own way. Let us continue to Share to Shine and spread peace, happiness, friendship and harmony. Happy International Day of Art of Giving.

Glimpse of celebration of 13th International Day of Art of Giving at Koradakanta. #ShareToShine #ArtOfGiving #AchyutaSamanta

Today, on the 13th Anniversary of the International Day of Art of Giving, I feel very happy and blessed. Art of Giving came from my own life and from the simple thought that whatever little we have, we can still share with others. Today, this simple thought has reached over 190 countries, all states of India and every district, town and panchayat of Odisha, impacting over 25 million people worldwide. This is only because of the love of my fan-followers, well-wishers and all people who believe in giving. This year’s theme is Share to Shine. When we share food, time, knowledge, love or even a small help, someone becomes happy and we also shine from inside. This is the real happiness of life. On this day, my humble request to everyone: give something to someone in your own simple way. Let us spread peace, happiness, friendship and harmony through Art of Giving. My good wishes to all. Happy International Day of Art of Giving.

This year’s Art of Giving theme feels so close to the heart. Share to Shine is such a simple but powerful message. The more we give, the brighter the world becomes. Let us all celebrate International #ArtOfGiving Day with love, smiles and kindness. #ShareToShine #AchyutaSamanta

Happy and humbled to receive three significant honours during my visit to Bozeman, Montana, USA. Received a special recognition from the Department of Native American Studies at Montana State University for my work in the field of tribal and indigenous empowerment through KISS. I was also spiritually honoured by the Native American tribal community with their sacred tribal blanket, which is a very special mark of respect in their tradition. I also received the Global Visionary Award from the Montana World Affairs Council. The occasion was also graced by Hon’ble Governor of Montana, Mr. Greg Gianforte, which made the moment more special. I feel humbled to know that I am among the first Indians and non-Americans to receive such a distinguished recognition in Montana for humanitarian and educational leadership. This honour is very special to me, as it connects the tribal children of India with the indigenous communities of America through love, respect and shared human values. My sincere thanks to Montana State University, Montana World Affairs Council, the Native American tribal community, the Hon’ble Governor of Montana, the Hon’ble Consul General of India in Seattle, Mr Prakash Gupta, and all friends in Montana for their affection and blessings.

During my short visit to Seattle, USA, I was happy to meet and interact with three distinguished personalities. I shared about KIIT, KISS and our small efforts for tribal children, healthcare and society. We also had meaningful discussions on education, health, inclusive development, and future academic and research collaboration. I met Shri M. Hari Menon Ji, President, Global Growth & Opportunity, Gates Foundation. He has been closely associated with the Foundation’s work in India for many years. I was also happy to meet Mr David A. Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs & Legal Officer of Amazon, at the Amazon Corporate Headquarters. He had earlier visited our KIIT and KISS campuses and appreciated our work. He was kind enough to personally take me around the Amazon Headquarters with much affection. I also met Ms Colleen Ferguson, Hon’ble First Lady of Washington State. She gave her good wishes for KIIT and KISS with much love and affection. My special thanks to Shri Prakash Gupta Ji, Hon’ble Consul General of India in Seattle, for his warmth and support. I also thank all the distinguished personalities for their time, affection and good wishes for KIIT & KISS.

I feel very happy to see my lovable KISS children doing so well in Romania. My tribal children from KISS are performing Santali dance and Shakespeare in Santali on a foreign land, and I have been told that everyone there is appreciating them with so much love. This gives me great happiness. This is the best way to give good exposure to our tribal children from India, particularly Odisha. When our children go to another country and receive love for their talent and culture, it gives them more confidence in life. My blessings and best wishes to all my students in Romania. They are bringing a good name to Odisha, India, KIIT and KISS, and presenting the tribal language and culture of India and Odisha with pride on a foreign land.