Enviable reward: Odisha’s  social reformer and educationist Achyuta Samanta receives 75th honorary doctorate

By Swagatika Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 1: Recognition may come in different forms, but it is often the culmination of years of dedicated service, unwavering commitment and selfless work. For eminent educationist and social reformer Dr. Achyuta Samanta, another milestone in that long journey came on Friday when Maharaja Ganga Singh University (MGSU), Bikaner, conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his lifelong contribution to education and social transformation.

The honour, presented at a special convocation held at the Raj Bhavan (Lok Bhavan) in Jaipur, was not merely an academic distinction. It was an acknowledgement of decades of work that has transformed the lives of lakhs of underprivileged children through the institutions he founded—KIIT and KISS—and through his relentless efforts to make education a vehicle for social change.

With this latest recognition, Dr. Samanta has now received his 75th Honorary Doctorate, a rare achievement that reflects the consistent appreciation his work has earned from academic institutions across India and abroad. The university selected him for the honour after an extensive evaluation of his life’s work, achievements and contributions to society.

The honorary degree was presented by Rajasthan Governor and Chancellor of MGSU Haribhau Bagde in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manoj Dixit, Registrar Prof. Yashpal Ahuja, ministers, legislators and several distinguished personalities. National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar was also honoured with an Honorary Doctorate during the same ceremony.

For Dr. Samanta, however, such recognitions are milestones rather than destinations. His journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of India’s most respected educationists has been marked by an unwavering belief that education can eradicate poverty, empower communities and build a more equitable society.

The latest honour also adds to an impressive list of national and international recognitions that have come his way in recent years.