Nita M. Ambani Honored with KISS Humanitarian Award 2025
On March 18, 2026, Nita M. Ambani, the founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, received the esteemed KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 on the campus of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar, India. The award was presented by Sri Lankan Nobel Laureate Professor Mohan Munasinghe, alongside Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and KISS. The ceremony was attended by distinguished officials, students, and dignitaries who gathered to celebrate Ambani's remarkable humanitarian endeavors.
Ambani was recognized for her outstanding contributions to social development through initiatives in education, healthcare, rural transformations, women's empowerment, and the promotion of sports via the Reliance Foundation. In her acceptance speech, she commended Dr. Samanta for establishing such prestigious educational institutions and expressed pride in receiving the honorary award. Ambani emphasized that this achievement reflects the collective efforts of her entire team at the Reliance Foundation rather than her individual contributions.
In addressing the crowd, Ambani shared, "I will never forget the love and affection you have shown me here." She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to visit the KISS and KIIT, describing her experience in Odisha as overwhelming. She praised the region for its rich culture, traditions, and values, and acknowledged a profound bond that the people of Odisha possess with nature.
With a strong message of equality, Ambani stated that there is no distinction between boys and girls, emphasizing that both can achieve whatever they set their minds to. "This is just the beginning, not the destination. One should have big dreams, and to realize these dreams, one must work hard and dedicate themselves," she advised the students. She further encouraged them to always pursue the path of righteousness, expressing confidence in India's bright future by saying, "I see the future of India here at KISS. Having seen the children here, I am optimistic that India has a shining future ahead."
Established in 2008 by Dr. Samanta, the KISS Humanitarian Award is the highest honor given by the institution to individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of humanitarian work on a global scale. The award consists of a certificate and a gold-plated trophy.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Samanta stated, "Success is not just about achieving something for yourself; true success involves bringing light into the lives of others." He noted that great initiatives are never in vain when pursued with dedication. Praising Ambani for her extensive social commitment, he remarked, "In this materialistic world, earning love and respect is not easy. Yet, through her noble social and humanitarian work, she has gained the love and respect of the people."
The ceremony concluded with a shared sense of appreciation for Ambani's impactful contributions to society, illustrating her commitment to humanitarian values and community development. The KISS Humanitarian Award serves as a reminder of the importance of selfless service and the potential for positive change through dedicated efforts.
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