In reply to his civic reception organised here by the Rourkela Vikash Manch on Saturday evening, KIIT and KISS founder Achyuta Samanta said eradicating poverty through education is his passion.
Citing the example of the KISS, where at present 20,000 tribal students are pursuing their education with free accommodation, food and cloth, Dr Samanta said his effort is on to open 20 more residential institutions in 20 districts where the students of BPl families irrespective of their caste and religion can pursue their education and achieve their goals.
He assured that in the next 10 years, about 2 lakh poor students will be provided with education by his initiative. He informed that by July next, he will start his Sundargarh project work.
Earlier, while Rourkela Vikash Manch president gave the welcome address, Brajendra Das read out the citation and Meenakhi Dhar and Sudhansu Rout managed the stage. Noted poet Ashok Mohapatra gave the vote of thanks. Koel Club organising secretary Dilip Mohanty and Rourkela MlA Sarada Nayak, among others, spoke.
More than fifty social, cultural and sports organisations of the city felicitated Dr Samanta. Many intellectuals, politicians, activists, writers, sportsmen and scribes were present.