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The Ripple Effect of Giving

Updated on: 09 May,2025 06:18 PM IST  |  Mumbai
Buzzfeed | sumit.zarchobe@mid-day.com

KIIT has emerged as a leading institution in higher education, offering world-class academic programs to students from across India and more than 60 countries.

The Ripple Effect of Giving

Dr. Achyuta Samanta

In an era where the world often feels fractured by self-interest, competition, and inequality, initiatives grounded in empathy and compassion are more crucial than ever. One such initiative, The Art of Giving, is quietly and powerfully reshaping lives, communities, and the very spirit of service in India and beyond.


Founded by Dr. Achyuta Samanta-visionary educationist, humanitarian, and social reformer-The Art of Giving is more than a charitable effort. It is a philosophy, a way of life rooted in the belief that even the smallest act of kindness can spark profound change. This movement, now embraced by countless individuals, has become a symbol of hope, especially in times when society is grappling with emotional and moral uncertainties.

Dr. Samanta’s belief in inclusive development led to the establishment of two of India’s most remarkable institutions: KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) and KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences). These institutions are not just centers of education-they are centers of transformation.

At KISS, the world’s largest residential institute for tribal children, over 30,000 students are provided with free education, meals, accommodation, healthcare, and vocational training. Since its inception, KISS has touched the lives of nearly a million tribal youth, empowering them to rise above generational poverty and claim their right to education, dignity, and opportunity.

“Education is the most powerful tool for social change,” says a university spokesperson. “At KISS, we see its impact every day-not just in academic results, but in how young people grow into confident, capable individuals who go on to lead and uplift their communities.”

Meanwhile, KIIT has emerged as a leading institution in higher education, offering world-class academic programs to students from across India and more than 60 countries. But what truly sets KIIT apart is its culture of compassion. Here, academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with a strong sense of social responsibility, inspired by Dr. Samanta’s lifelong commitment to service.

The Art of Giving operates at the heart of this ecosystem-instilling in students, staff, and alumni a deep-seated responsibility to give back. Whether through volunteerism, community outreach, or simply offering time and attention to those in need, the spirit of giving permeates every aspect of life on these campuses.

Beyond the institutions themselves, the ripple effects of this movement have reached villages, urban slums, disaster-hit regions, and underserved communities across the country. From organizing healthcare camps to launching rural development programs and championing women’s empowerment, The Art of Giving has become a platform for collective action rooted in kindness.

In recent times, as institutions everywhere face increased scrutiny in light of some unfortunate incidents and rising public expectations, KIIT and KISS have stood firm in their values. Rather than retreat, they have chosen to reflect, grow, and reinforce their commitment to student welfare, emotional support systems, and inclusive development.

“It’s in difficult moments that the true character of an institution is revealed,” says a community leader closely associated with the initiative. “Despite challenges, KIIT and KISS continue to lead with purpose, grounded in decades of genuine service.”

Dr. Samanta’s journey from a small village in Odisha to global recognition is itself a testament to the power of resilience and altruism. Raised in poverty and having experienced immense hardship, he built these institutions not as monuments to personal success, but as living, breathing expressions of gratitude and service.

Under his leadership, The Art of Giving has evolved into a civic movement-uniting people across caste, class, and culture in a shared mission to build a kinder, more inclusive society. “When we give, we don’t just help others,” he often says. “We also heal ourselves, our communities, and our collective spirit.”

In a time when despair can often feel overwhelming, initiatives like The Art of Giving remind us that hope is never out of reach. As individuals, as institutions, and as a society, we all have the capacity to create change-one act of kindness at a time.

 

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