The
prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award 2015 was presented to His Excellency Dr.
Alejandro Toledo, Former President of Peru, at Kalinga Institute of Social
Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar on October 22, 2015. Smt. Saswati Bal, President,
KIIT & KISS, and Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, presented the award in the
august presence of Madam Eliane Karp-Toledo, His Excellency Mr. J. J. Guillermo
Betancourt Rivera, Ambassador of Peru to India, Mr. Carlos Jimenez Gil-Fortoul,
Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Peru in India and Shri R. N. Dash,
Secretary, KIIT & KISS.
The award
citation recognized him as an "icon of hope and aspirations of millions of
poverty stricken and indigenous aborigine people around the world". Dr.
Toledo was the first South American President of indigenous descent to be
democratically elected when he became President of Peru in 2001. During his
five-year term, his central aim was the fight against poverty through
investment in healthcare and education. As a result of social policies directed
to the poorest of the poor, extreme poverty was reduced by 25 per cent in five
years, and employment rose at an average rate of 6 per cent during his term.
He grew up
in extreme poverty in a family of 16 siblings. However, he worked his way up
against all odds, obtained higher education from top universities of the U.S.
and went on to be elected the President of Peru. Education is the most
effective weapon to slay poverty and inequality, Dr. Toledo said in his
acceptance address. Speaking to 25,000 tribal boys and girls of KISS, he said,
"I invite you to dream in order to be successful, but dream with your eyes
open. Don't get truncated by the impossibility of your dreams. We have a lot of
things in common."
"Dr. Achyuta Samanta is changing the lives of millions of people. We give you tribute. I was
born in a poor family in the high mountains of Andes of Peru. I grew up in
extreme poverty. Seven out of 16 of my siblings died within the first year of
birth. They died as they didn't have access to health care, nutrition and
sanitation, and the visionary Dr. Samanta. We didn't have Dr. Samanta in my
country and my continent," the Former President of Peru stated.
Recounting
the story of his life, he said his father decided to migrate from the mountains
to the seaport when he was four-and-half-years old. "I am of short stature
due to malnourishment, but I could save my mind. From shining shoes and selling
newspapers to supplement the daily income, we share the same background. The
challenge is the same, even though the language and religion are different. You
are lucky to be at KISS," he told the students.
It is an
emotional and happy experience to be amongst 25,000 indigenous children, said
Madam Toledo, adding that it is a great learning as Peru also has a sizeable
indigenous population. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rivera stated, "Dr.
Toledo's life gives the message that one can achieve any success by studying
hard and being gentle to others. This award is recognition to an extraordinary
life who is committed to work for the poorest for the poor."
In her
presidential address, Smt. Bal said, "Presenting KISS Humanitarian Award
2015 to Dr. Toledo was a great honour for the institute. His words will be a
source of great inspiration for the students of the institute."
Welcoming
the former President of Peru and the visiting dignitaries, Dr. Samanta said,
"The recipient is a beacon of light to the aborigines of South America and
his concern for the common man and indigenous people is well known all over the
world."
About KISS
Humanitarian Award
The KISS
Humanitarian Award was instituted by Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences
(KISS), Bhubaneswar in 2008 to honour and recognize individuals with
exceptionally high contribution to the society in various fields relating to
social issues and who have distinguished themselves as true humanitarians. The
award is presented annually and its recipient is chosen by a high-level jury.
KISS Humanitarian Award is being presented every year since its inception to
great compassionate leaders of vision and concern for human values from
different parts of the world.
Dr.
Alejandro Toledo is the eighth KISS Humanitarian Laureate. Previous recipients
of this prestigious award are: Ms. Anne F. Stenhammer, Former Regional
Programme Director, UN Women, South Asia Regional Office (2014); Madam Albina
Du Boisrouvray, Founder, FXB International, Switzerland (2013); His Excellency
Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley, Hon'ble Prime Minister, The Royal Government of
Bhutan (2012); Rt. Hon. Lord Nicholas Addison Phillips, President (Chief
Justice) of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (2011); Rt. Hon. Sir
Anerood Jugnauth, Eminent Social Worker & His Excellency the President of
Mauritius (2010); Dr. Ham Kee-Sun, Eminent Educationist & Physician and
Hon'ble President & Founder, Hanseo University, South Korea (2009); Ms.
Edna Bomo Molewa, Noted Social Worker & Hon'ble Cabinet Minister, Social
Development, South Africa National Assembly, South Africa (2008).
About Dr.
Achyuta Samanta:
Dr.
Achyuta Samanta is the founder of globally visible KISS (Kalinga Institute of
Social Sciences), a one-of-its-kind home for 25,000 poorest-of-the-poor
indigenous aborigines, which provides free accommodation, food, healthcare and
education from kindergarten to post-graduation (KG to PG) with vocational
training. Dr. Samanta has been honoured with numerous national and
international recognitions for his noble work, including Gusi Peace Prize
International in 2014 and Isa Award for Service to Humanity. He is the Founder
and propagator of 'Art of Giving' (philosophy of life), a concept aimed at
bringing peace to human mind around the globe.
