#Romania #KIIT #Achyuta Samanta #KISS #Milișăuți

Dr. Achyuta Samanta Awarded Honorary Citizenship and International Honors

On September 21, 2026, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, a renowned educator and founder of KIIT and KISS, was honored with the honorary citizenship of Milișăuți, Romania. This remarkable recognition comes as a testament to his lifelong commitment to education, social development, and humanitarian service. The ceremony was marked by emotions, reflecting the heartfelt gratitude that the people of Romania have for Dr. Samanta's contributions.

A Day of Recognition

During his visit to Romania, Dr. Samanta was greeted with warmth and kindness, especially at the primary school in Milișăuți, where he expressed profound gratitude for the reception he received. "The affection and hospitality shown by the people in both cities will always hold a special place in my heart," he shared. The honorary citizenship is the highest accolade a city in Romania can confer, while the key to the city of Bârlad, also presented to him, symbolizes a historic tradition of trust and honor.

International Honors

In addition to the honorary citizenship, Dr. Samanta was also recognized as the "Executive of the Year" at the CEEMAN Champions Awards 2026, held during the 34th Annual Conference in Romania. His efforts in education, social development, and institution building were pivotal in receiving this award, which was accepted on his behalf. CEEMAN, an international association based in Slovenia, boasts approximately 180 members from around 50 countries, underscoring the global impact of Dr. Samanta’s work.

Furthermore, he was presented with the "Education Philanthropic Award" by the FIDE during the Chess in Education summit in Uzbekistan on September 24, 2026. This award highlighted his lifelong dedication to both sports and education, reinforcing his influence in multiple spheres of society. The award ceremony was graced by Viswanathan Anand, FIDE's current president, and Dana Reizniece, Vice-Chair of the FIDE Board, and attended by representatives from 120 nations.

Expanding Initiatives

At the same summit, a memorandum of understanding was signed among FIDE, KIIT, and KISS to enhance their initiatives around chess in education, further showcasing Dr. Samanta's forward-thinking approach to learning. His effort to intertwine the game of chess with education reflects a broader understanding of developing cognitive skills and fostering a strategic mindset among students.

Additional Accolades

Dr. Samanta's achievements do not stop there. During the World Congress of Poets, held in Pristina, Kosovo, he was awarded multiple honors, including the prestigious "Mother Teresa Award," an honorary professorship from AAB University College, recognition from the city of Peja, and the "Medal of the President of the World Congress of Poets." These accolades affirm his lifelong commitment to social betterment and education across various regions.

Through these significant recognitions, Dr. Achyuta Samanta continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide, illustrating the power of education as a driver of societal change and development. His endeavors exemplify how one person's dedication can lead to transformative impacts on communities locally and globally.