KIIT honours Bill Gates with KISS humanitarian award for philanthropic work

NEW DELHI: Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University honoured Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for his contributions to global well-being. Bill Gates received the KISS humanitarian award 2023 at a ceremony held on February 28, 2024, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The institute said that the award acknowledges Bill Gates' dedication to improving global health, and education and addressing climate change through innovative technology solutions aimed at reducing inequality. The ceremony included virtual participation from KIIT and KISS staff, students, and alumni.

As per the institute, the KISS humanitarian award stands as the highest honour of KIIT and KISS, initiated by Achyuta Samanta in 2008. It is dedicated to acknowledging individuals and organizations worldwide who exemplify the essence of humanitarian efforts.

Speaking about the event, founder of KIIT, Achyuta Samanta, said, "This award elevates the prestige of our recognition, and his acceptance sets a new benchmark for global humanitarian efforts."

Bill Gates expressed his gratitude and commended Samanta's vision and dedication to providing quality education to indigenous communities and highlighted the importance of civic engagement and a community-first approach to education.

Also read Bill Gates encourages IIT Delhi students to leverage technology for social good

Other recipients of KISS award

The KISS humanitarian award has been conferred upon a diverse group of global leaders, Nobel laureates, and prominent figures from various sectors in the past, the institute said.

Some of the notable recipients are Madam Edna Bomo Molewa, former premier of the North-western state of South Africa Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment; Ham-Kee-Sun, president of Hanseo University; Anerood Jugnauth, president of the Republic of Mauritius; Justice Nicholas Addison Phillips, president of the Supreme Court of the UK; Lyonchhen Jigmiy Thinley, Prime Minister of Bhutan; Albina Du Boisrouvray, founder of FXB International, Switzerland; Dalai Lama; Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank, Bangladesh; Dansa Kourouma, president of the National Transition Council of Guinea; Rachel Ruto, the first lady of the Republic of Kenya.

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