Nita Ambani Conferred with Prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 in Bhubaneswar
Smt. Nita M. Ambani, the esteemed Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, was honored with the distinguished KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 during a significant ceremony held at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) campus in Bhubaneswar on Monday. The award was presented by Nobel Laureate Prof. Mohan Munasinghe from Sri Lanka, with the event graced by the presence of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the visionary Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS. The function attracted senior officials from these institutions, alongside a substantial gathering of students and dignitaries, all celebrating this momentous occasion.
Recognition of Humanitarian Excellence
The KISS Humanitarian Award, established in 2008 by Dr. Samanta, stands as the highest accolade from KISS, dedicated to acknowledging individuals and organizations that exemplify the essence of humanitarian efforts on a global scale. This prestigious award comprises a citation scroll and a gold-plated trophy, symbolizing the profound impact of the recipient's work. In her acceptance speech, Smt. Ambani expressed immense pride in receiving this honor, emphasizing that it is not solely her achievement but a testament to the collective efforts of the entire Reliance Foundation team. She highlighted Dr. Samanta's remarkable contributions in building KIIT and KISS, describing them as modern temples of education that are a source of national pride.
Inspiring Address to Students and Reflections on Odisha
Addressing an audience of 40,000 students at KISS, Smt. Ambani shared heartfelt words of encouragement and wisdom. She stated, "I will never forget the love and affection you have given me here," and described her visit to KIIT and KISS as a true privilege. Reflecting on the cultural richness of Odisha, she noted the state's deep traditions, values, and strong connection with nature, as well as the pious significance of the land of Lord Jagannath. In her speech, she advocated for gender equality, asserting that there is no difference between boys and girls, and that girls are equally capable of achieving any goal.
Offering guidance to the students, she advised, "This is just the beginning, not your final goal. You should dream big, and to achieve those dreams, you must work hard with dedication." She further urged them to always stay on the path of righteousness, expressing confidence in their potential by saying, "I see the future of India here in KISS. After seeing the children here, I am confident that the future of India is bright."
Dr. Samanta's Praise and the Essence of True Success
In his welcome speech, Dr. Achyuta Samanta lauded Smt. Ambani for her extensive and impactful social work, which has earned her widespread love and respect. He remarked, "Success doesn't mean achieving things only for yourself; true success is bringing light into the lives of others." Using Smt. Ambani as an exemplar, he added, "Great initiatives never go in vain if pursued with dedication." He acknowledged the challenges of earning admiration in a materialistic world but praised her for achieving this through her noble humanitarian endeavors. Dr. Samanta concluded by expressing gratitude to Smt. Ambani for accepting the award, underscoring the significance of her contributions to social development through initiatives in education, healthcare, rural transformation, women's empowerment, and sports promotion via the Reliance Foundation.
