Bhubaneswar, Oct. 5 (UDN): Seven distinguished personalities from the fields of education, public service and social development were honoured with the KIIT-KISS ‘Is One’ (KKIO) Lifetime Achievement Award at a special ceremony held at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar.
The event brought together eminent national and international guests, who visited KIIT and KISS and interacted with students, sharing insights on education, leadership and social responsibility.
Seven Eminent Personalities Recognised
The prestigious lifetime achievement honours were conferred on:
Padma Shri Phoolbasan Bai Yadav, founder of Maa Bamleshwari Janhitkari Samiti, Chhattisgarh
Dr Brock Tessman, President, Montana State University, USA
Lia Olguța Vasilescu, Mayor of Craiova, Romania
Vasile Cărăre, Mayor of Milișăuți, Romania
Dumitru Boroș, Mayor of Bârlad, Romania
Eric Federico Pérez Vega, Rector, APEC University
Jorge Calzoni, Rector, National University of Avellaneda
The awardees were recognised for their contributions and achievements across their respective fields.
Education as a Force for Change
Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, who attended the programme as the chief guest, said education should go beyond the acquisition of knowledge and become a means of personal transformation.
He urged students to remain committed to society and remember their responsibilities towards the community even after completing their education.
US Congressman Michael Baumgartner praised KIIT and KISS as significant educational institutions and highlighted the potential of education to further strengthen ties between India and the United States.
Celebrating Global Contributions
KIIT and KISS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests and award recipients for their presence and contribution to the occasion.
The ceremony highlighted KIIT and KISS’s growing international engagement while providing students with an opportunity to interact with accomplished personalities from different parts of the world.