KATHMANDU, Sept 12: Prof Dr Achyuta Samanta, founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in India, is determined to expand his educational mission by opening a KIIT branch in Nepal. His aim is to provide free education to underprivileged communities, including tribal groups and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Speaking at an event organized by KIIT alumni in Kathmandu, Dr Samanta expressed his desire to establish an institution in Nepal. "I aspire to open a KIIT branch here, offering free education from early childhood to high school for children from economically, socially, and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, including marginalized, tribal, Dalit, and Madheshi communities," he stated.
While acknowledging the legal complexities involved, Dr Samanta committed to providing free tuition at KIIT for Nepali students from these communities. “KIIT offers programs in social sciences, medicine, and engineering. We will extend free education to disadvantaged Nepali students in these fields,” he added.
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Dr Samanta’s initiative stems from his personal experiences and his dedication to uplift disadvantaged communities. His Kalinga Educational Institute currently provides free education to 80,000 tribal students in India, with 40,000 receiving free education at KIIT.
Globally, through the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Dr Samanta aims to support tribal and economically disadvantaged children. Recounting his own hardships, he shared, “My father died in a train accident when I was four. My mother faced immense difficulties raising us seven children. These experiences deeply influenced my commitment to education.”
Dr Samanta has dedicated his life to providing free education, incurring annual costs of Rs 7 billion. His efforts have enabled 600 Nepali students to graduate from KIIT, with 1,000 currently studying there. “Nepali students are hardworking and capable, and given the shared cultural ties between Nepal and India, they easily adapt at KIIT,” he remarked.
He also noted that over 2,000 students from 65 countries are currently enrolled in his institutions. "In 1997, we welcomed the first Nepali student to KIIT. This connection is a source of pride for me,” he said. Dr Samanta’s first visit to Nepal was in 1995, where he met Swami Anand Arun, recognizing the shared values between the two nations.
At the event, Swami Anand Arun praised Dr Samanta’s efforts in uplifting tribal communities. “I visited KIIT and witnessed the tremendous impact. It costs about Rs 20,000 per month to support each child, with Rs 7 billion spent annually on their education, food, and accommodation,” Swami Arun remarked. He also highlighted Dr Samanta’s global recognition, noting his honorary degrees from 60 universities and his consideration for a Nobel Prize.
