The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University celebrated 4th Foundation Day on 25th August 2021. It is a red-letter day in the history of the university to have marked four glorious years of existence. The event was graced by senior management, functionaries, faculty members and project staff from KISS and KIIT group of institutions following the Covid-19 guidelines. Books on The Philosophy of Bhima Bhoi & Mahima Dharma; Manaswee Gopabandhu: Sikhya O Sahitya, a publication by IQAC KISS-DU on One-day Workshop on NAAC Accreditation Process in the Context of NEP-2020, statues of two tribal heroes Birsa Munda and Laxman Naik were unveiled in the KISS-DU premises on this momentous occasion.
Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar, KISS-DU in his welcome address greeted all the in-house dignitaries and presented a brief report on the genesis and journey of the university from 2017 till date. In his address he said: “KISS as a young university has come a long way and this has been possible due to the efforts of Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder KISS and KIIT and team spirit of all the staff members. We hope to achieve more milestones in the years to come.”
Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder KISS and KIIT in his address said: “I am elated to unveil the books and statues of two tribal heroes Birsa Munda and Laxman Naik in the university campus. It is a pleasure to learn that many research articles have been published under the aegis of all the Research Chairs instituted in the university. I am glad to share in this forum that we are going to start KISS-TBI in KISS-DU and achieve a new pinnacle of success. KISS-DU should set goal posts by initiating NAAC accreditation work and translate into a research university. These are my dreams and desires for KISS-DU in the coming years”, concluded, Prof. Samanta. Shri R. N. Dash, Secretary, KISS and KIIT in his address said: “KISS is unique and second to none. I congratulate each one of you for your big day and may we keep growing and rising every year.”
Prof. Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice-Chancellor, KISS-DU in his deliberation shared that in addition to four Research Chairs, two new Research Chairs in the names of Birsa Munda and Laxman Naik have been instituted. In his address he said: “We have inked two MoUs with Gangadhar Meher University and University of Delhi and more are in the pipeline. New courses (Tribal Performing Art, Tribal Physical Education and Tribal Food Science Technology)have been introduced. KISS-DU has infused new blood into the system by introducing Professor of Practice, Professor Emeritus, Think Tank, Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) who will impart traditional indigenous knowledge, expertise, guidance and consultancy from time to time. We have tightened our belts for the upcoming visit of NAAC and UGC.”
Prof. Sasmita Samanta, Pro-Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU in her address said: “KISS transformed its picture in front of the world by becoming a university and the lives of all the staff members were transformed through KISS. In the last few years, KISS has transformed into a revolution. KISS is the human face of KIIT, connecting souls and hearts through compassion and humanism. I have seen the university grow and the objective of KISS of transforming lives stands out from the rest of the universities and institutes. I wish that KISS-DU is recognized as a university and leaves a mark in the field of education and social sector and aspires to become a centre for research and innovation in social sciences.”
Prof. Pitabasa Sahoo, Pro-Vice Chancellor, KISS-DU said: “It is my pleasure to share with you that Dr. Ambedkar Chair has been established. The efforts and initiatives of KISS and KISS-DU towards women empowerment, Sustainable Development Goals are commendable and we have to keep up the good work to achieve new milestones. KISS has developed a model and the same has been emulated by other states also. Let us all work together in taking KISS-DU to new heights by 2030.” Dr. KanhuCharan Mahali, IPS (Retd.), Director General, KISS-DU in his deliberation said: “The statues of Birsa Munda and Laxman Naik will definitely inspire our students. I am happy to share the objectives of Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) with this forum: staying connected with tribal heritage, language and culture, Professors of Practice will impart traditional knowledge, music, language and dance to the students, establishing tribal art gallery and museum, preparing exclusive calendar for tribal festivals and earmarked space for displaying tribal musical instruments.”
The students performed tribal dance and played musical instruments during the unveiling of the statues in KISS-DU. Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder showered his blessings on the entire KISS fraternity by distributing sweets on the auspicious occasion.
Mr. Pramod Kumar Patra, Deputy Registrar, KISS-DU delivered the formal vote of thanks on the occasion.