Accepting the award, Gates expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and appreciated the transformative work of KISS….reports Asian Lite News
Co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates was conferred the KISS Humanitarian Award 2023 for his philanthropic work on Wednesday.
The award was presented by KIIT and KISS Achyuta Samanta to Gates at a special event here in acknowledgement of his unparalleled contributions to enhancing global health and education, and addressing climate change through innovative technology solutions aimed at reducing inequality.
Accepting the award, Gates expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and appreciated the transformative work of KISS. “KISS is an inspiring story. It is empowering thousands of boys and girls from indigenous roots. It is incredible to think 80,000 young people getting quality education and achieving success in life. It is always exciting to get a great education,” he said and advised students to think about how they can give back to the society.
He lauded Samanta’s vision and dedication to providing quality education to indigenous communities and highlighted the importance of civic engagement and a community-first approach to education.
Samanta said, awarding Bill Gates with the KISS Humanitarian Award, instituted in 2008, not only honours his exceptional contributions but also elevates the prestige of the recognition. “His acceptance sets a new benchmark for humanitarian work globally. It is a profound honour for us that Gates is joining the esteemed roster of our awardees,” he said.
Among others, Minister Counsellor Graham Mayer, US Embassy New Delhi, Frank Talluto, political officer Hyderabad, Ananth Sukesh, political advisor, US Embassy New Delhi and Srimali Kari, political specialist US Consulate, Hyderabad were present.
Mandaviya presents Gates model of BHISHM Arogya Maitri Cube
Meanehile, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, met Gates and presented him with a model of the BHISHM ‘Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube.’
This cube is a part of the broader initiative named “Project BHISHM” – Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri, and is tailored to treat up to 200 casualties, emphasizing rapid response and comprehensive care.
The Aid Cube is equipped with several innovative tools designed to enhance disaster response and medical support during emergencies.
It integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
Mandaviya thanked Gates for his “positive feedback” on BHISHM.
The Union Minister noted that BHISHM was conceptualied to harness India’s expertise in areas like digital technologies, pharmaceutical commodities, medical devices and design.
The aim was to come up with a solution that can take quality healthcare to people living in difficult areas including those affected by conflict, health emergencies and other challenges. The solution was showcased at the G20 Health Minister’s meeting last August and “was very well received”.
“We wish the world to be free of conflict and a solution like BHISHM can help provide relief to people living in these difficult settings – including global hotspots in the Middle East and Europe currently affected by conflict,” he said.
“India, led by PM Modi’s vision, is focused on research and innovation and national capabilities are increasing. It is blessed with man power and brain power and now also has the added support of Bill power, which will help Indian innovation get to the next level,” the minister added.
He also appreciated Bill Gates’ comments about Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, anemia-free India and campaigns to get rid of TB and sickle-cell anemia.
Officials said Health Ministry has a strong working relationship with the Gates Foundation and looks forward to strengthening its partnership with it and other international institutions to help contribute solutions to global health problems.
Bill Gates also invited Mandaviya to visit Seattle on his next trip to the United States.
Two Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube-BHISHM, revolutionary mobile hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology, were deployed in Ayodhya to bolster medical readiness and response capabilities during the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony last month.
Advanced medical equipment, RFID-tagged for efficient repacking and redeployment, is a key feature of the ‘Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube. The state-of-the-art BHISHM software system integrated into a provided tablet allows operators to locate items quickly, monitor their usage and expiry, and ensure readiness for subsequent deployments.
Gates to attend ‘good nutrition’ event
Gates will attend a Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) event emphasising ‘good nutrition’ here on Thursday. Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), who is on an India tour, will attend the Poshan Utsav, along with Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani.
Poshan Utsav aims to serve as a platform to disseminate important messages on the value of good nutrition. During the event, the ‘Poshan Utsav Book’ would be released and a Cartoon Coalition would announce its support for the cause of Poshan through collaboration with the ministry.
The programme promises to be a milestone event in the efforts to combat malnutrition and foster healthier lifestyles among children. It aims to leverage popular cartoon characters to advocate holistic nutrition among children through collaboration between the ministry and Amar Chitra Katha.
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