KIIT and KISS hosted the Board of Directors from the Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Limited, led by Shri Vasudev Meng Gaunkar, Hon’ble Chairman, as part of their study tour on 17th October 2024. The delegation visited the facilities at KIIT and KISS following a meeting at KISS-DU.
Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar, KISS-DU, and Mr. W. Easwar, Chief Finance Officer & HR Head, KISS, welcomed the delegation at the KISS campus and facilitated visits to various facilities.
During an interaction following the visit, Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice Chancellor of KISS-DU, shared the innovative steps taken at KISS-DU to promote the institution as a holistic and inclusive learning space. He highlighted the induction of Professors of Practice and Professors Emeriti, which has made the institutional approach more dynamic. Additionally, he emphasized how a strong focus on sports has yielded significant results, with students from KIIT and KISS participating in the Olympics. A special video was screened, showcasing KISS-DU’s mission of providing free education to tribal students, led by its visionary founder, Prof. Achyuta Samanta.
In his address, Shri Vasudev Meng Gaunkar shared that the day was an auspicious one for him, as he witnessed the remarkable work being done by KISS and KIIT. He described Dr. Achyuta Samanta as a “living god” who has devoted his life to the betterment of tribal children. He further mentioned that, being from a tribal community himself, he has faced many challenges on his path to success in public life. However, he emphasized how the opportunities provided at KISS have truly helped students excel in their lives. Shri Gaunkar highlighted the dedication and commitment of the 20,000 staff members, who work like a single family to transform the lives of underprivileged tribal children. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the entire KIIT and KISS family and conveyed his willingness to emulate the KISS model by establishing a small school with the support of KISS.
Mr. W. Easwar, Chief Finance Officer & HR Head, KISS, presented a brief overview of the sustainable financial model of KISS. He elaborated how the KISS model is functioning from the beginning and the future roadmap of KISS to diversify the sustainable financial model. He also shared about the innovative feedback mechanism and community stakeholder participation in the functioning of KISS. He briefly shared about daily life at KISS, such as food, student’s participation in different activities, etc.
Mr. Vishal Gaonkar, Director, shared that the entire delegation was fortunate to see the KIIT and KISS and how both the institutions together have transformed the lives of millions and shaping the future of our country. He also shared that, after seeing KISS, he called Hon’ble Speaker of Goa and requested him to visit KISS. Mr. Gaonkar said that they would bring the Hon’ble Speaker of Goa Assembly here and conceptualize the establishment of the KISS model in Goa. He also appreciated the inclusive environment at KISS. Other members of the delegation also shared their views and experiences on how the real change is happening at KISS. The meeting concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Mr. W. Easwar.