Book Review: ‘Art of Giving’ by Achyuta Samanta

Book Title: Art of Giving – A Way of Life
Author: Achyuta Samanta
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 184
ISBN: 978-9361562099
Date Published: May 10, 2025
Price: INR 199

Book Review

“Art of Giving – A Way of Life” by Achyuta Samanta is far more than a memoir—it’s a quiet manifesto for a more humane world. Through the lens of his own life, Author Samanta reframes ‘giving’ not as charity, but as an instinctive, essential act that elevates both the giver and the receiver. The book unfolds in two purposeful parts: the first delves into the ‘philosophy of selflessness’, while the second offers tangible, real-world expressions of that philosophy. The foreword by ‘Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche’ adds a spiritual dimension, reminding readers that compassion and kindness are not peripheral values but central tenets of a meaningful life.

The author’s life story is not just inspirational—it’s instructive. Orphaned early and raised in the shadows of deprivation, he internalized the quiet power of kindness from those who had little yet shared much. These memories are not recounted with sentimentality, but with deep gratitude and clarity, serving as the moral bedrock of his life’s work. What emerges is a profound truth: ‘Generosity is not bound by wealth. ‘ A smile, a moment of patience, or a small gesture of help can resonate across lifetimes. In a world often fixated on material success, this message arrives as both a balm and a wake-up call.

The book gains further weight through the institutions Author Samanta has founded—’KIIT and KISS’—which stand as living embodiments of his values. These initiatives are not just acts of service; they are systemic interventions rooted in dignity and long-term impact. The book’s second half seamlessly weaves his philanthropic work with reflections from spiritual thinkers, reinforcing the idea that giving is not bound to a particular faith or tradition—it is a universal human impulse that requires nurturing and intentionality.

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Ultimately, “Art of Giving” is not just a book—it is a quiet revolution. With humility and lucidity, Author Samanta invites us to reconsider how we define success and legacy. His words encourage a shift from accumulation to contribution, from isolation to interconnectedness. In a time marked by division and individualism, this work feels essential. It reminds us that to give is not to lose, but to expand—to become more fully human.

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