Dr. Achyuta Samanta Awarded Honorary Citizenship by Romanian Town, Receives Multiple International Honors

Indian educationist, social reformer, and founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, has received significant international recognition for his lifelong contributions to education, social development, and humanitarian endeavors. On September 21, 2026, he was conferred honorary citizenship by the town of Milișăuți in Romania. Additionally, he was presented with the key to the city of Bârlad by its municipal authorities, marking him as the first Odia to receive such civic honors from two Romanian communities.

The honorary citizenship is the highest award a town can bestow in Romania, while the key to the city is an ancient European tradition symbolizing trust. Dr. Samanta visited Bârlad accompanied by Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, the Indian Ambassador to Romania. He expressed his deep gratitude for the warm reception and affection shown to him in both towns.

Further recognizing his impact, Dr. Samanta was honored as "Leader of the Year" at the CEEMAN Champions Awards 2026 for his contributions to education, social development, and institution building. He also received the "Education Philanthropic Award" from FIDE at the "Chess in Education" summit in Uzbekistan, held alongside the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad. This award acknowledges his enduring commitment to sports and education.

In addition to these accolades, Dr. Samanta was presented with four other awards: the "Mother Teresa Award," an "Honorary Professorship" from AAB University College in Pristina, Kosovo, "Recognition from the City of Peja," and the "Medal of the President of the World Congress of Poets." These honors highlight his widespread influence across various sectors and his dedication to fostering knowledge and culture globally.