Bhubaneswar: Eminent educationist, social activist, Founder of KIIT & KISS and Lok Sabha MP from Kandhamal, Dr Achyuta Samanta has been conferred the honorary D.Litt degree by Utkal University in recognition of his immense contribution to the field of education and social service. This is the 50th honorary degree conferred on him.
Utkal University, which is also Dr. Samanta’s alma mater, presented the honour to him at its 52nd convocation held December 23. He received the degree from the University Chancellor and Governor of Odisha Prof Ganeshi Lal in the presence of Former Chief Justice of Supreme Court Justice V Gopala Gowda, Utkal University Vice Chancellor Prof Sabita Acharya and Higher Education Principal Secretary, Govt of Odisha, Bishnupada Sethi, among others.
Addressing the august gathering, the Governor made a special mention about Dr Samanta while beginning his address and described him as a ‘leading legend of the convocation’. Lal said that Dr Samanta embodies key human attributes such as simplicity, humility, gratitude, courage, perseverance, generosity, equanimity, peace and goodness.
Dr Samanta expressed his deepest gratitude to the Chancellor for the honour, besides the VC and the University Syndicate. “All are aware of my life that is dedicated to the service of others. As a recognition of my life, work and accomplishments, I have been conferred many accolades and awards. However, some awards are extra special, like this one. I am elated that Utkal University, my own alma mater is conferring Honorary D.Litt. Degree on me, thereby making it my 50th Honorary Doctorate, the highest for any Indian,” Dr Samanta said.
“I dedicate this award to my hero, my mother, and all her struggles and sacrifice. It is the Almighty’s blessings and good wishes of the people that have helped me reach where I am today. Their wishes continue to give me strength to dream more for the betterment of society,” Dr Samanta added.
Dr Samanta was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Birla Global University and also received an honorary degree from Berhampur University.