Bhubaneswar, April 5 -- A controversy erupted after KIIT University founder Achyuta Samanta made remarks linking autism in children to past life sins and deeds during a public gathering on World Autism Awareness Day, drawing criticism from several quarters.

The comments surfaced after a video of his speech went viral, prompting strong reactions over such insensitive statements made at an event aimed at promoting awareness and acceptance of autism.

During his address, Samanta stated that children are born with autism due to karmic consequences of their past lives, adding that similar views are shared by spiritual leaders.

Achyuta Samanta said, "Many great spiritual leaders have also stated that children are born with autism due to ...