Art of Giving Day Unites 190 Nations in Global Philanthropic Wave

BHUBANESHWAR, India – May 19, 2026 – A global movement rooted in the simple philosophy of sharing has culminated in an unprecedented display of international solidarity. The 13th International Art of Giving Day, a humanitarian initiative inspired by Indian educationist and philanthropist Dr. Achyuta Samanta, was celebrated this week across 190 countries, directly impacting an estimated 25 million people worldwide.

From the bustling cities of India to remote villages across six continents, events were held in approximately 50,000 locations, uniting diverse communities under this year's theme, 'Share to Shine'. The theme encapsulates the movement's core belief that personal growth and happiness are amplified by sharing with others. The week-long celebration concluded with a mega-event in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, drawing luminaries from sports, spirituality, and public life to honor the spirit of selfless giving.

The Visionary Behind a Global Phenomenon

At the heart of this expansive movement is the remarkable life story of its founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta. Born into extreme poverty in rural Odisha and having lost his father at the age of four, Dr. Samanta's early life was a struggle against immense hardship. This experience forged a deep-seated desire to alleviate the suffering of others. Starting his career as a university chemistry teacher, he took a leap of faith in 1992, using his modest savings of Rs. 5,000 (approximately $60) to establish two educational institutions.

Those humble beginnings have since blossomed into the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), a world-class university hosting 40,000 students from 65 nations, and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS). KISS is a revolutionary concept, providing free, comprehensive education from kindergarten to post-graduation, along with lodging, food, and healthcare, to tens of thousands of indigenous children. It now stands as the world's largest residential educational institution for tribal communities and has been granted the status of a Deemed to be University.

Dr. Samanta's philosophy, which he credits for his own success, is what he termed the 'Art of Giving.' He formally launched the movement on May 17, 2013, to spread this idea globally. "What I am today is because of the concept of 'Art of Giving'. I have received the warmth, love, and affection of people because of this movement," Dr. Samanta stated during the celebrations.

A Global Embrace of Compassion

The movement's growth into a global force is a testament to its universal appeal. Operating through a decentralized network of volunteer coordinators, the Art of Giving Day is marked not by a single, monolithic event but by a tapestry of localized actions. Reports from across India and the world paint a picture of widespread community engagement.

In West Bengal, volunteers organized programs to honor elderly citizens and distributed educational materials to orphaned children. Across Odisha, which served as the epicenter with observances in 20,000 locations, activities ranged from blood donation camps and tree plantation drives to community kitchens serving free meals. In the Telugu-speaking states, health awareness meetings and the distribution of saplings were common sights. The movement's reach even extended to all 222 member nations of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), reflecting a strategic partnership to promote its message through sports.

More Than a Slogan: 'Share to Shine' in Action

This year, the 'Share to Shine' theme was translated into a powerful, tangible initiative focused on youth and sports. Recognizing the power of sport to foster harmony and friendship, the movement undertook a massive distribution of volleyball equipment. Across Odisha, 9,100 volleyballs and accompanying nets were distributed at over 3,000 locations, aiming to bring the sport to grassroots communities.

This initiative culminated in a new world record. The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) officially achieved the record for the "Distribution of Most Volleyball Sets," distributing over 7,500 complete sets—each containing three volleyballs and a net—to clubs, schools, and universities throughout India. The effort, which surpassed a previous record of 6,816 sports balls distributed in 2011, aims to strengthen the volleyball culture in a nation where cricket often dominates the sporting landscape. This focus on volleyball is deeply connected to Dr. Samanta, who previously served as the President of the Volleyball Federation of India.

Celebrating Heroes and Inspiring a New Generation

The flagship event in Bhubaneswar was a vibrant celebration that brought together influential figures to champion the cause. Among the distinguished guests were Indian tennis legend and Padma Bhushan awardee Leander Paes, Tibetan Buddhist master Getrul Jigme Rinpoche, Member of Parliament Rabindra Narayan Behera, Baba Ram Narayan Das, and Femina Miss India Nikita Porwal. The event also featured the unveiling of the Art of Giving theme song, performed by renowned Bollywood playback singer Shaan, further embedding the movement's message in popular culture.

A cornerstone of the annual celebration is the presentation of the AOG Hero Awards, which recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to social service. This year, the prestigious awards, which include a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, were presented to noted medical expert Dr. Bidyut Das, dedicated Rotarian Ajay Agrawal, and KIIT professor Kumar Debadatta. By honoring these unsung heroes, the movement aims to inspire others to engage in acts of kindness within their own communities.

As the 13th iteration of the event concludes, the Art of Giving movement demonstrates a unique model of global philanthropy—one that combines a universally resonant philosophy with highly localized, practical actions, proving that the simple act of sharing can indeed create ripples of positive change across the world.