Categories: Humanitarian Award|Published On: February 28, 2024|

Mr. Bill Gates: KISS Humanitarian Award 2023

Mr. Bill Gates Honoured with the KISS Humanitarian Award 2023 for His Global Philanthropic Endeavours

Bhubaneswar, February 28, 2024: In an illustrious event held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Mr. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was conferred with the KISS Humanitarian Award 2023. This accolade was in recognition of his extensive philanthropic work globally, particularly in improving healthcare, education, and his efforts to combat climate change through innovative technology, aiming to bridge the gap of inequality.

The award ceremony was marked by the virtual presence of KIIT and KISS’s faculty, students, and alumni, where Mr. Gates engaged in an insightful dialogue about gender equality, sparked by an inquiry from a KISS alumna. This interaction underscored the event’s thematic focus on inclusive and equitable progress.

Prof. Achyuta Samanta, the visionary behind KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, remarked on the occasion, “Presenting the KISS Humanitarian Award to Bill Gates is not just a recognition of his extraordinary efforts but also an affirmation of the award’s eminence. His acceptance redefines the paradigms of humanitarian excellence worldwide. We are profoundly honored to have Mr. Gates among the distinguished laureates of this award.”

In his acceptance discourse, Mr. Gates expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the honour, acknowledging the transformative initiatives of Dr. Samanta and KISS. “I am deeply thankful for this esteemed award, and for the warm reception here. The real accolade belongs to the commendable achievements of your institution,” he noted. Mr. Gates praised Dr. Samanta’s relentless pursuit of empowering indigenous communities through education, emphasizing the significance of civic participation and a community-centric educational model.

Initiated by Prof. Achyuta Samanta in 2008, the KISS Humanitarian Award stands as the pinnacle of honour by KIIT and KISS, celebrating entities and individuals exemplifying humanitarian service. The award features a citation and a gold-plated trophy, symbolizing the purity, kindness, prosperity, and hope inherent in humanitarian deeds. This trophy, showcasing hands lifting a heart, represents the impact of dedicated efforts in transforming the lives of the needy and fostering a better global community.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests such as Minister Counsellor Graham Mayer from the US Embassy in New Delhi, Frank Talluto, Political Officer from Hyderabad, Ananth Sukesh, Political Advisor from the US Embassy New Delhi, and Srimali Kari, Political Specialist from the US Consulate in Hyderabad, among others.

The KISS Humanitarian Award has been previously bestowed upon a diverse array of global leaders and Nobel laureates, underlining its widespread international acclaim and respect. Mr. Gates’s receipt of this prestigious award further solidifies its status as a beacon of humanitarian recognition worldwide.