D K Rout

Happy and humbled to receive such a warm and grand welcome at the University of Craiova, Romania. On my arrival, I was welcomed by my 20 lovable KIIT and KISS students, who performed our traditional tribal dance, just like they do at KISS. Though I was far away from Odisha, for a moment I felt I was at home among my own children. It was a very touching moment for me. I was also honoured in the presence of the Hon’ble Mayor of Craiova, Deputy Mayor, provincial leadership, mayors and vice mayors of nearby cities, councillors and officials, along with the gracious presence of the Hon’ble Ambassador of India to Romania. Such love and respect from the dignitaries and from my students is not for me alone. It is for the work of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, and for the journey of education, service and humanity carried forward for the last 30 years. It gives me immense happiness that 10 students from KIIT and 10 students from KISS are here under the Erasmus+ KA171 Student Mobility Programme, learning, performing and representing India at the International Shakespeare Festival in Craiova. For two months, they are getting a beautiful opportunity to understand a new culture, new people and a new academic environment.

73rd Honorary Doctorate Deeply humbled to receive my 73rd Honorary Doctorate from the University of Craiova, Romania, one of the oldest, largest and most respected public universities, established in 1947. This honour was conferred after careful consideration of my work and achievements during the last 30 years in education, research, social inclusion and service to humanity, and after approval through different academic committees and finally by the Senate of the University. This honour will remain very special in my heart. I have received many recognitions in different parts of the world, but this is the first time I received an Honorary Doctorate on a foreign land in the presence of my lovable KIIT & KISS students. Seeing them there, far away from Odisha, doubled my happiness. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the University of Craiova, its leadership, Hon’ble Rector, President, Senate and all respected members for this love, honour and recognition. KIIT & KISS are two institutions born from the soil of Odisha. Today, when they carry the message of education, tribal empowerment, compassion and inclusion to the world, I feel very happy that the small work started 30 years ago is bringing pride to the soil of Odisha.

On International Tea Day, my good wishes to all. It reminds us of the hard work of our farmers, tea garden workers and all those who bring this simple gift of nature to every home. Tea has been my favourite since childhood. It is a small part of our daily life, but it brings people together with warmth and affection. A cup of tea has its own place in every home, office and journey.

Happy to share that my lovable KISS children have done very well in the +2 CHSE examinations this year. A total of 1,847 students from KISS appeared in the examination, and 98% of them passed. Most of the students secured first division in Arts, Commerce and Science. Five students each in Arts and Commerce scored above 90%, while seven students in Science secured above 90%. I am also happy that our girl students have once again performed better than the boys. Most of our children come from very remote tribal communities, where getting higher education is still not easy. At KISS, they are studying, growing and building their future through education. This gives me real happiness. Year after year, our tribal children are proving that with care, proper guidance, discipline and hard work, they can do very well in life. My heartfelt congratulations to all my lovable KISSians, faculty members and staff of KISS for this success.

Among all the 13th Anniversary of Art of Giving Day celebrations happening in many parts of the world, I felt special happiness to see Art of Giving being celebrated at The Achyuta Samanta India Initiative of CUNY CREST, a research centre opened in my name at the City University of New York (CUNY), USA. I never thought in my life that a small thought of giving, which came from my own struggle, would one day reach such a respected institution in America. My sincere thanks to the students, faculty, staff and all friends there for celebrating Art of Giving with so much love and respect. My special thanks to Hon’ble Consul Shri Tsewang Gyaltson Ji, Consulate General of India, New York, and Dr Milton Santiago, President, Bronx Community College, CUNY, for their kind presence, support and good wishes. This affection gives me more strength to continue working for society. Art of Giving is only about peace, happiness, friendship and harmony. My good wishes to all. @CUNY @BCCcuny

Wishing all a joyful celebration of the 13th Anniversary of the International Day of Art of Giving. May the spirit of “Share to Shine” inspire kindness, compassion and meaningful acts that bring happiness and positive change to every community. Let’s celebrate the spirit.

Our International students celebrated the International Day of Art of Giving with a vibrant programme that promoted unity, compassion and cultural harmony. Inspired by the Art of Giving and our Founder’s humanitarian initiatives, the students embraced sharing, kindness and togetherness. In the presence of International Relations Office officials, they showcased their cultural spirit through a soulful Hindi song performance, which received warm applause. The programme brought together students from diverse nationalities, creating a positive, friendly atmosphere of mutual understanding. It concluded with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony, symbolising unity and the shared spirit of humanity beyond borders.

I am deeply saddened to know about the passing away of Shri @Leander Paes Ji’s mother. Mother is the greatest strength in everyone’s life, and losing her is a very painful moment. My heartfelt condolences to Leander Ji and his family. I pray to god to give them strength and peace during this difficult time. May the departed soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.

Glimpse of celebration of 13th International Day of Art of Giving at Koradakanta. #ShareToShine #ArtOfGiving #AchyutaSamanta

This is the result of Art of Giving and doing good work for people with a pure heart. I felt very happy to meet my dear friend Mr Jonathan Granoff, President, Global Security Institute, USA, again during my visit to Montana, USA. He had recently visited KIIT & KISS and had seen our work and the philosophy of Art of Giving very closely. I felt humbled that he came all the way from New York to Montana just to meet me and say a few kind words about our work at the evening gathering. When work is done with love, sincerity and service, people remember it with affection. Mr Granoff is a very respected person and a good human being with a kind heart. My sincere thanks to him for his love, affection and good wishes for KIIT, KISS, KIMS and Art of Giving.

Today, on the 13th Anniversary of the International Day of Art of Giving, I feel very happy to see the love and participation of people across the world. This year, Art of Giving was celebrated at 50,000 locations across 6 continents and over 190 countries. In India, it was celebrated in all prominent cities, and in Odisha alone, it reached 20,000 locations. Internationally, celebrations were held in around 1,000 places and cities. I also feel happy that through the support of FIDE and FIVB, the message of Art of Giving reached their member countries. This year, more than 50 lakh people participated, and over 25 million people were impacted through different activities of giving, sharing, service and kindness. I am also happy that we have set a Best of India Records for Most Volleyball Sets Distributed over Three Days. As part of this, 9,006 volleyballs and 3,002 nets were distributed at 3,002 locations across India. This will encourage many young children and youth to play, stay healthy and grow with discipline. Art of Giving started as a simple thought from my life. Today, seeing it spread so widely gives me inner happiness. My heartfelt thanks to all my fan-followers, well-wishers, volunteers, office bearers, institutions, sports bodies and every person who celebrated Art of Giving in their own way. Let us continue to Share to Shine and spread peace, happiness, friendship and harmony. Happy International Day of Art of Giving.

Light plays a transformative role in science, communication, and everyday life. We at KIIT recognise its impact in advancing knowledge and innovation.

I feel very happy to share that a special Art of Giving song, sung by renowned singer Shri Shaan Ji, will be released on 17th May on the occasion of the 13th Anniversary of International Day of Art of Giving. Art of Giving is a small philosophy, but it gives so much happiness. This song carries the same feeling of love, kindness, sharing and humanity. My heartfelt thanks to Shri Shaan Ji and Durdarshini Digital for joining this noble thought through music. Let us all celebrate 17th May by doing at least one small act of giving. #ArtOfGiving #ShareToShine

Inaugurated a photo exhibition at Montana State University, USA, showcasing Incredible India and especially the rich heritage, culture and tourism places of Odisha. I was very happy and surprised to see the memories of their India Trek visit being presented so beautifully on a foreign land. We had brought them to Odisha to experience what they called the “best kept secret of India”, and they have carried back those memories with so much love. Seeing Odisha’s temples, sea, culture and people being shown with such respect in the USA made me very happy. The photographs of Puri, Konark, Chilika and many other places of Odisha were also showcased across 9 states in the north-western part of the USA. My sincere thanks to Montana State University and photographer Sam Horine for presenting Odisha and India so nicely before the people of the USA.

During my short visit to Seattle, USA, I was happy to meet and interact with three distinguished personalities. I shared about KIIT, KISS and our small efforts for tribal children, healthcare and society. We also had meaningful discussions on education, health, inclusive development, and future academic and research collaboration. I met Shri M. Hari Menon Ji, President, Global Growth & Opportunity, Gates Foundation. He has been closely associated with the Foundation’s work in India for many years. I was also happy to meet Mr David A. Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs & Legal Officer of Amazon, at the Amazon Corporate Headquarters. He had earlier visited our KIIT and KISS campuses and appreciated our work. He was kind enough to personally take me around the Amazon Headquarters with much affection. I also met Ms Colleen Ferguson, Hon’ble First Lady of Washington State. She gave her good wishes for KIIT and KISS with much love and affection. My special thanks to Shri Prakash Gupta Ji, Hon’ble Consul General of India in Seattle, for his warmth and support. I also thank all the distinguished personalities for their time, affection and good wishes for KIIT & KISS.

I feel very happy to see my lovable KISS children doing so well in Romania. My tribal children from KISS are performing Santali dance and Shakespeare in Santali on a foreign land, and I have been told that everyone there is appreciating them with so much love. This gives me great happiness. This is the best way to give good exposure to our tribal children from India, particularly Odisha. When our children go to another country and receive love for their talent and culture, it gives them more confidence in life. My blessings and best wishes to all my students in Romania. They are bringing a good name to Odisha, India, KIIT and KISS, and presenting the tribal language and culture of India and Odisha with pride on a foreign land.

Plant health is essential for sustaining life and ensuring food security. We at KIIT support awareness and practices that promote environmental sustainability.

I feel very happy to share that KIIT has entered into a Pathway Programme Agreement with Newcastle University, United Kingdom. Newcastle University is a historic institution whose origins go back to 1834. It is also a founding member of the Russell Group and is ranked 137th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is a matter of happiness that such a respected university has joined hands with KIIT for this academic partnership. From Newcastle University, I am happy to mention Professor Chris Day CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and President, Sanjana Medipally, Acting Head of International Relations and Partnerships, Professor Stephanie Glendenning, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Professor Ian Head. From KIIT, Vice President International Relations, Mr. Dwiti Aditya exchanged the MoU with Professor Chris Day. This is a good step for the future of our students. My best wishes to all who will benefit from this agreement.

KIIT has entered into a Pathway Programme Agreement with Newcastle University, United Kingdom, a historic university with origins dating back to 1834, a founding member of the Russell Group, and ranked 137th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The agreement was exchanged between Professor Chris Day CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and President, Newcastle University, and Mr. Dwiti Aditya, Vice President – International Relations, KIIT, in the presence of Sanjana Medipally, Acting Head of International Relations and Partnerships; Professor Stephanie Glendenning, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Science and Engineering; and Professor Ian Head from Newcastle University. This collaboration will open new academic pathways for KIIT students and further strengthen KIIT’s global engagement in higher education, research and student mobility. KIIT looks forward to building this meaningful partnership with Newcastle University for the benefit of its students and the larger academic community.

On National Technology Day, my good wishes to all scientists, researchers, innovators and young minds. Technology becomes meaningful when it serves people. May our youth use science and innovation for education, healthcare, society and nation-building. #NationalTechnologyDay