The International Relations Office of KIIT Deemed to be University organized a heritage walk to the Dhauli Shanti Stupa on 22nd and 29th of December 2023, with 175 international students of KIIT accompanied by officials from the International Relations Office, including Mr. Surya Kanta Tripathy, Senior Administrative Officer; Mr. Sidharth Roy, Administrative Officer; Mr. Bijaya Panda, Manager; and Ms. Mami Kimura, Visiting Faculty (Japanese).
The Dhauli Shanti Stupa is one of India’s most prominent and beautiful Buddhist Heritage Sites. Internationally known as the “Peace Pagoda,” it was built by the ardent followers of Buddhism to mark the conversion of Great Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism after the Battle of Kalinga. Erected on the site where the famous Kalinga War was fought, the Dhauli Stupa commemorates the mission of peace achieved by the Kalinga War.
The students were enthralled to see the dome-shaped structure of the Dhauli Shanti Stupa, embellished with various rock edicts, stone panels, inscriptions, and carvings. Mr. Bijaya Panda narrated the magnificent history behind the Shanti Stupa, fostering an understanding of the uniqueness of the Stupa among the students.