Founder KIIT · KISS
Prof. Achyuta Samanta
Visionary educator, tireless philanthropist and the guiding light behind KIIT Temple Trust — a man who turned devotion into transformation
The Man Behind KTT
A Life of Giving,
A Legacy of Grace
Prof. Achyuta Samanta is the founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) — two of India’s most respected institutions of their kind. A social entrepreneur, philanthropist and dedicated social activist, he has devoted his life to the service of humanity.
KISS, his crowning achievement in social service, provides free accommodation, food, healthcare, and education from class 1 to post-graduation with vocational training — completely free of cost — to thousands of tribal and underprivileged students each year.
He is the founder and constant supporter of KTT, helping it thrive on spirituality and good deeds — walking a path of scientific and religious liberty for the state and the nation. His spirit and hard work has given KTT the opportunity to preach the path of righteousness and holiness to all who seek it.
80K+
Students at KISS
1993
KIIT Founded
200+
Awards & Honours
“My mission is simple — educate, employ, cultivate and serve the society by the simple act of giving back to humanity.”
— Prof. Achyuta Samanta
The Triple Legacy
KIIT · KISS · KTT —
Three Pillars of One Vision
Prof. Samanta’s vision found expression in three extraordinary institutions — each serving a distinct but deeply connected purpose.
🏛️
KIIT — The University
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology — a world-class deemed university offering cutting-edge education in technology, management, law and health sciences to students from 50+ countries. The engine of intellectual and professional growth.
🎓
KISS — The Social Mission
Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences — the world’s largest institution for tribal education, providing completely free education, food, healthcare and shelter to over 30,000 tribal children. The living embodiment of selfless service.
🛕
KTT — The Spiritual Heart
KIIT Temple Trust — the spiritual soul of the campus, where Lord Jagannath resides and inspires all who enter. One acre of sacred land donated by Prof. Samanta himself, inaugurated in 2007 as a beacon of devotion and righteousness.
The Triple Legacy
A Life Recognised by the World
Prof. Achyuta Samanta’s extraordinary contributions to education, social service and humanity have earned him over 200 prestigious national and international awards.
2022
Padma Shri — Government of India
India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, awarded in recognition of his distinguished service to social welfare and education.
2020
UNHRC Special Consultative Status
KISS was granted special consultative status with the United Nations Human Rights Council for its work in tribal education.
2019
Member of Parliament — Lok Sabha
Elected as Member of Parliament from Kandhamal, bringing his vision of social welfare into the national legislative arena.
2016
UNICEF Recognition
KISS was recognised by UNICEF as a unique model institution for tribal child welfare and free education at scale.
2012
Education World Grand Jury Award
Awarded the most prestigious education award in Asia for founding and running KIIT & KISS as model institutions.
His Philosophy
The Art of Giving — A Way of Life
Prof. Samanta’s life is a living proof that one person’s unwavering devotion to service can change thousands of lives. His philosophy is built on four simple but powerful principles.
🎓
Educate
Education is the greatest equaliser — every child, regardless of caste, tribe or economic background, deserves access to quality learning that transforms their life.
💼
Education & Knowledge
Empowerment through employment — creating pathways for educated youth to find dignified livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s progress.
🤝
Serve
The ultimate purpose — selfless service to society. Giving back without expectation, finding fulfilment not in receiving but in the act of giving itself.
🌱
Cultivate
Cultivating values, character and spiritual grounding — shaping human beings who are not just skilled, but also compassionate and dharmic.
🛕
The Spiritual Dimension
The temple on the campus reminds everyone daily that true service is an act of worship, and true worship is an act of service.
Founder’s Devotion
His Devotion to Lord Jagannath & KTT
Prof. Samanta’s relationship with KTT is not merely that of a founder — it is that of a devotee. His love for Lord Jagannath and belief in the power of spiritual living drove him to donate one acre of KIIT’s prime campus land to build the temple.
His devotion towards the “art of giving” at all levels of society inspires social workers and activists throughout the globe — turning KTT from a temple into a movement.
Land Donation
Donated one full acre of prime KIIT campus land for the construction of Shree Banikshetra — an extraordinary act of devotion.
Daily Inspiration
His presence and blessings continue to inspire the entire KTT community — priests, volunteers, students and devotees alike.
Constant Support
As a constant supporter of KTT, he ensures the temple thrives in its mission of spirituality, service and cultural preservation.
Global Inspiration
His “art of giving” philosophy has inspired social workers and activists across the globe to serve humanity selflessly.
