About Founder
Dr. Achyuta Samanta's life is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and giving back. Born into poverty in a small village in Odisha, he lost his father when he was just four years old. What followed was a tough 15-year struggle for food and education. But despite these hardships, he started teaching at 22. By the time he was 25, with only Rs. 5000 in hand, he founded KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) and KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) in two rented houses, a step that would go on to change thousands of lives.
Today, KIIT is one of India's top universities, with around 40,000 students from 65 countries. Meanwhile, KISS provides free education and vocational training in a fully residential setting to over 80,000 underprivileged tribal students (including alumni). KISS isn't just about education, it's helped reduce issues like Naxalism, harassment, trafficking, malnutrition, illiteracy, and superstition by giving these communities a better future through knowledge and support. KISS is also the only university in the world exclusively for tribal students, offering them opportunities that were once unimaginable.
Dr. Samanta's impact doesn't stop there. He also founded the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Dental Sciences, and Nursing Sciences, along with a state-of-the-art 2600-bed hospital, a super-specialty center, and a cancer care unit. He even developed Kalarabanka, Asia's first smart village powered entirely by solar energy. His influence extends to art, culture, literature, media, spirituality, and rural development. Under his guidance, 23 Olympians have emerged from KIIT's sports programs, supported by world-class infrastructure that's not only boosting physical fitness but also strengthening national unity and social harmony.
Despite earning over 64 honorary doctorates and 55 national and international awards, Dr. Samanta remains humble and down-to-earth. Some of his highest honors include the ISA Award for Service to Humanity from Bahrain (which came with a $1 million prize) and the 'Best Worker' Award from Mongolia. He's also a fellow of prestigious organizations like ISTE, CSI, ICA, APACH, and the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK). He served on the University Grants Commission (UGC) twice and held key roles in AICTE and NCTE. He has been the President of the Volleyball Federation of India and Democracy Without Borders (India Chapter). Elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2018, he represented Kandhamal as a Lok Sabha MP from 2019 - 2024.
Through it all, Dr. Samanta has stayed true to his roots, a man who turned his struggles into strength, changing countless lives in the process.
What is TEDx?
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection.
These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.
KIIT University
KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) is a prestigious Indian university renowned for its excellence in research and teaching. Founded in Bhubaneswar by Prof. Achyuta Samanta in 1992-1993 as an industrial training institute with just 12 students and 2 teachers, KIIT has quickly grown into one of India's top educational institutions. The university is known for its strong focus on academic excellence and for providing diverse opportunities for students through its high-quality academic programs, innovative research, and active community involvement.
In 2004, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Government of India) granted KIIT 'Deemed to be University' status under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, making it the youngest institute to receive this recognition. Currently, around 40,000 students are enrolled, including 2,000 international students. The university holds accreditation from ABET (USA) and IET (UK), has achieved the highest A++ accreditation from NAAC, ranks 15th in India according to NIRF, and is listed within the 601-800 range in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. KIIT's alumni have distinguished themselves in fields such as academia, corporate leadership, and civil services.
KIIT is deeply committed to driving social and economic empowerment through its extensive outreach programs. In recognition of its commitment to social impact, KIIT was accorded Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2024, making it the only professional university to hold this distinction. Inspired by the success of its students, both during their studies and in their professional lives, the university remains dedicated to setting new benchmarks in academic and research excellence while striving for greater global recognition.
KISS Foundation
KISS or Kalinga Institute of Social Science, est 23.5% lies in poverty, with low literacy rates and limited access to education and healthcare. During his his own struggles, Dr. Achyuta Samanta founded the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in 1993-94. Starting with 125 students, KISS now educates 60,000 indigenous children, including 30,000 at its main campus, 40,000 alumni, and 10,000 in satellite centers. It serves 62 tribal communities, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
In 2017, KISS became the world's first university exclusively for tribal students, accredited with an 'A' Grade by NAAC. KISS provides holistic education, girl child empowerment, vocational training, and healthcare, significantly reducing nutrition, hunger, child labor and trafficking. The institute has received over 400 partnerships and recognitions at national and international events. Since 2015, KISS has held Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC and collaborates with UN agencies. It has received the UNESCO Maharishi Literacy Prize 2022 and Indian Green Building Platinum Award, finalizing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals 2030, targeting to reach over 2 million children in the next decade.
TEDxKIITUniversity
Communication is the lifeblood of our daily interactions, igniting connections that breed innovative ideas with the power to reshape societies. TEDxKIITUniversity stands as a live forum for exploring these transformative concepts, dedicated to fostering progress and enlightenment. Following the resounding success of its inaugural event, TEDxKIITUniversity continues to champion groundbreaking ideas that inspire motivation while enlightening people.
The main leg focus is on inventing a united path with diverse perspectives to ensure a fertile forum for humanity's full pursuit of life. These ingenious thinkers aim to provide a community where hopes flourish, combining business, scientific resources, politics, and creativity. TEDxKIITUniversity heightens consciousness of different ideas that illuminate meaningful dialogue, offering a stage to highlight concerns ranging from sustainability to education in an endeavor to augment audience awareness. The event is a distinguished platform for individuals to share exhilarating ideas encompassing diverse arenas related to innovation and transformation.
In addition to providing a platform for sharing innovative ideas, by gathering renowned figures who share their transformative ideas, TEDxKIITUniversity fosters an environment where innovative thrives, paving the way for a brighter future built on collaboration, insight, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Celebrating the power of ideas and the impact of thoughtful communication, TEDxKIITUniversity inspires individuals to become agents of change in their communities, motivating the human that lives memories with the purpose to contribute to the greater good.
Features of TEDxKIIT
TEDxKIIT is an independently organized TEDx event at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, dedicated to sharing ideas that inspire, innovate, and ignite change.
Ideas
We curate ideas that challenge, inspire and provoke thought.
Speakers
We bring together diverse voices with unique perspectives.
Community
We foster a community of curious minds and changemakers.
KIIT
We represent the innovative spirit of KIIT University.
Join the TEDxKIIT Movement
Be part of a community that celebrates ideas worth spreading. Whether you want to attend our next event, volunteer with our team, or speak on our stage, there's a place for you in the TEDxKIIT family.