Nita Ambani Honored with Doctorate & Humanitarian Award in Odisha

Earlier, Nita Ambani was conferred the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) campus.

The award was presented by Nobel Laureate from Sri Lanka, Mohan Munasinghe, on Monday, in the presence of the founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, Achyuta Samanta. Senior functionaries of the institutions and a large number of students and dignitaries attended the function.The award recognised Ambani's outstanding humanitarian initiatives and her significant contributions to social development through education, healthcare, rural transformation, women empowerment and sports promotion through the Reliance Foundation.

Nita Ambani, in her acceptance speech, said that Samanta has built two modern temples of education -- KIIT and KISS. These two institutions are a matter of pride for our country. She said that she feels proud to receive the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award and added that the honour is not hers alone, but belongs to the entire team of Reliance Foundation.

Addressing the 40,000 students of KISS, she said, "I will never forget the love and affection you have given me here." She further said that it was truly a privilege for her to visit the two remarkable institutions, KIIT and KISS.

She expressed that she was overwhelmed to come to the pious land of Lord Jagannath. She also added that Odisha has a rich culture, traditions and values, and that the people of Odisha share a deep and strong connection with nature.

She added that there is no difference between boys and girls and that whatever boys can do, girls can do as well. Advising the students, she said, "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 advised the students never to leave the path of righteousness. "I see the future of India here in KISS. After seeing the children here, I am confident that the future of India is bright," she added.

The KISS Humanitarian Award, initiated in 2008 by Samanta, is the highest honour of KISS, dedicated to recognising individuals and organisations that embody the spirit of humanitarian work worldwide. The award consists of a citation scroll and a gold-plated trophy.

The trophy symbolises the golden heart of a humanitarian, representing the virtues of purity, kindness, prosperity and hope. It features a pair of hands uplifting a heart textured with shapes resembling waving hands, signifying how dedicated efforts can transform the lives of the underprivileged and make the world a better place.

In the welcome speech, Samanta said, "Success doesn't mean achieving things only for yourself; true success is bringing light into the lives of others."

Giving an example of Nita Ambani, he added, "Great initiatives never go in vain if you try with dedication." He further praised Nita Ambani for her multi-dimensional social work, for which she is loved and respected by one and all. In this materialistic world, earning love and respect is not easy. However, Mrs Ambani has earned immense love and respect from people for her noble social and humanitarian work," Samanta thanked Nita M Ambani for graciously accepting the KISS Humanitarian Award.

Meanwhile, KIIT University conferred an Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt. Honoris Causa) upon Nita M Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, in recognition of her transformative philanthropic work and contribution to social development.

Sarabjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor of KIIT, deemed to be University and Achyuta Samant, Founder of KIIT University, were also present during the felicitation ceremony held at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.

- ANI