Educationist and social activist Dr. Achyuta Samanta has been honored with MGR Ratna Award for Lifetime Contribution to Education for Tribal Children from the Government of Sri Lanka on 19 September 2018. Shri Karu Jaisurya, Hon'ble Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka presented the award. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, the Minister of Education, Sri Lanka was also present at the award ceremony. Dr. Samanta is unwell and was not physically present to receive the award.

Achyuta

A well-wisher from KIIT and KISS, Dr. K. Abdul Ghani received the award on his behalf. Earlier too, Prof. Samanta has been decorated with 3 civilian Awards and over 200 International awards for his relentless contribution to eliminating poverty and Hunger through Education in particular and social service in general.