JAMMU, May 16: The Volleyball Association of Jammu and Kashmir celebrated the 13th Foundation Day of Art of Giving (AOG), an NGO founded by Prof. Achyuta Samanta, at MA Stadium, Jammu, ahead of the official celebration falling on May 17.
Prof. Achyuta Samanta, A noted educationist, and philanthropist is the founder of 2 world-class institutions. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology KIIT that provides technical education to 30000 students across India and overseas and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences KISS, which is a home to 80000 poor indigenous tribal children who are provided with free education from kindergarten to post-graduation besides free lodging, boarding, healthcare, vocational and life skill empowerment. Prof. Achyuta Samanta is also represent the country as the former President of Volleyball Federation of India.
On the occasion, an awareness camp on drug abuse was organised to promote the “Share to Shine” concept advocated by the founder of AOG, alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s campaign against drug addiction. The programme was aimed at sportsmen in general and volleyball players in particular.
Office bearers of the Volleyball Association of Jammu and Kashmir and officials of the Sports Authority of India spoke on the importance of sports in ensuring physical fitness, overall personality development, and nation-building activities.
To strengthen the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan in Jammu and Kashmir, players were administered the Nasha Mukt Pledge and encouraged to work towards keeping society free from drug addiction.
The speakers also highlighted the contributions of Prof. Achyuta Samanta, former President of the Volleyball Federation of India. They emphasised this year’s AOG theme, “Share to Shine,” which promotes peace, harmony, and happiness through the sharing of knowledge and positive values among youth for building a progressive and vibrant society.
The Volleyball Association of Jammu and Kashmir has planned special programmes across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate the foundation day in a befitting manner through sports meets, awareness camps, and related activities. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were V.K. Magotra, Subash Shastri, Mulkh Raj Sharma, and officials from the Sports Authority of India.