National Institution for Quality & Reliability (NIQR) conferred NIQR – Bajaj Auto Outstanding Quality Man Award 2016 on Founder of KIIT & Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Dr. Achyuta Samanta at its biennial National Convention in Chennai on June 11, 2016.  The award seeks to recognize individuals who have excelled in their sphere of activities. NIQR, a premier organization devoted to the promotion of quality and reliability awareness among Indian industries, presented awards to organizations and individuals in seven different categories.He received the award from Mr. Vinod K. Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland Ltd. in the presence of high level dignitaries at the glittering award function, held on the sidelines of the 15th NIQR National Convention, at the Hyatt Regency Chennai.Mentioning Dr. Samanta as a “visionary social architect”, the award citation recognized his immense contribution in eradicating poverty using education as the strategic medium. Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) – world’s largest fully-free residential KG-PG institute for the poorest-of-the-poor indigenous aborigine (Scheduled Tribe) children – fulfills the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as envisaged by global leaders, it observed. “As a social reformer you have been propagating ‘Art of Giving’ (philosophy of life), a concept aimed at bringing peace to human mind around the globe”, the citation noted.In another honour, Youthink Foundation conferred ‘Pride of India Award’ to Dr. Samanta for his outstanding contribution towards upliftment of tribal community of the country through education, at a special presentation ceremony in Chennai on June 12. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. R. Bhagwan Singh, Executive Editor, Deccan Chronicle and attended by Mr. Rajendran Rathnoo, IAS, Managing Director, Poompuhar Shipping Corporation Ltd., Md. Shakeel Akhtar, IPS, ADGP, Chairman & Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation, Actor Mr. Vishal, General Secretary, Nadigar Sangam and Mr. K. Abdul Ghani, Founder, Youthink Foundation.