Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates conferred KISS Humanitarian Honour in Odisha
Bhubaneshwar (Odisha): Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was honored with the ISS Humanitarian Award 2023 for his social work. The ceremony took place in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha on February 28, 2024, acknowledging Mr. Gates’ unique contribution in addressing climate change through innovative technology solutions aimed at enhancing global health and education and reducing inequality. .
The felicitation ceremony was virtually attended by alumni as well as staff and students of KIIT and KISS. A notable moment of the event was Mr. Gates’ participation in a meaningful conversation on gender equality, inspired by a question from a KISS alumnus.
Professor Achyut Samant, Founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, said that conferring the KISS Humanitarian Award on Bill Gates not only honors his extraordinary contributions but also enhances the prestige of this recognition. Their acceptance sets a new benchmark for humanitarian work globally. It is a matter of great honor for us that Bill Gates is joining our honored list.
On this occasion, Bill Gates expressed his gratitude for the honor and said that the transformative work of Dr. Samant and KISS is praiseworthy. Gates said, “Thank you very much for this wonderful honor and for welcoming me here.” However, I must congratulate you on what you have achieved. He lauded Dr. 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.
Established in 2008 by Professor Achyuta Samanta, the KISS Humanitarian Honors is KIIT and KISS’s highest honor dedicated to recognizing individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of humanitarian work around the world. The award consists of a citation and a gold plated trophy depicting a great social message delivered at a public function at KISS. The gold plated trophy symbolizes the golden heart of a humanitarian with the virtues of purity, kindness, prosperity and hope. It depicts a pair of hands raising a heart, designed with waving hand-like shapes, symbolizing how a pair of dedicated hands can make a significant difference in the lives of helpless people and Can make the world a better place to live. Previous recipients of this prestigious award include a diverse group of global leaders, Nobel laureates and notable figures from various fields, reflecting the wide international appeal and respect of the award.
Some of the prominent personalities who have previously received the KISS Humanitarian Award include Madam Edna Bomo Molewa, former Prime Minister of the North-Western Province of South Africa, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Ham-Ki-Sun, President of Hanseo University, an outstanding ophthalmologist from South Korea, Mr. Aniruddha Jugnauth, President of the Republic of Mauritius, Rt. Honorable. Lord Justice Nicholas Addison Phillips, President of the Supreme Court of the UK, Lyonchhen Jigmi Thinley, Prime Minister of Bhutan, Madame Albina du Boisrouvere, Founder FXB International, Switzerland, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Spiritual Leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 2005, Professor Muhammad Yunus , Founder, Grameen Bank, Bangladesh and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Mr. Dansa Kourouma, Chairman of the National Transition Council of Guinea and Mama Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya.
Pro. Amareshwar Galla, Pro-Chancellor, KISS Deemed University and UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museum and Sustainable Heritage Development, expressed gratitude on behalf of KISS to Mr. Gates and the wonderful people who have benefited from his philanthropy.
