KISS Deemed to be University hosted Induction Programme in blended mode for admission batch 2021-22 on 8th November 2021. It was organized with a view to introducing the students to the range of facilities available at KISS-DU. The event was attended by nearly 300 students and staff members, including the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Deans, Senior Functionaries and Faculty Members.
A documentary on the institution greeted the students. It focused on the life and personality of Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS and his vision of a comprehensive residential model of education from K.G to P.G. and Ph.D. It also contained snapshots of the numerous empowering initiatives currently undertaken at the institution and testimonies from the successful alumni as regards the contribution of KISS to their success.
Prof. Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice-Chancellor of KISS-DU, formally welcomed the students. He said that the induction was an opportunity for students to gather useful information about the ensuing academic programmes. He also informed the students of the curricula of KISS that have been designed in conformity with the mandate of the latest National Education Policy (NEP-2020) and the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). He drew their attention to a series of innovative measures lately put in place with the objective of protection, promotion and preservation of tribal heritage, such as the establishment of a Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) and appointment of a number of resident Professors of Practice.
TAC consists of eminent members from various tribal communities to formulate policies and plans of action for the protection, preservation and promotion of indigenous culture and heritage. Professors of Practice, who are to be appointed following recommendation of TAC, are distinguished bearers and practitioners of such heritage. They are to be hosted by the University as resident scholars from time to time, and they would share their skills and knowledge with the students, sensitizing and training the latter to carry forward the indigenous knowledge and practices. Prof. Behera reminded the students of the distinctive KISS-DU ethos that must not rest with becoming successful professionals, that they ought to contribute to the family and society at large. He also added that this Induction Programme will be followed by Orientation Programmes at the School level for the newly admitted students. Professor Behera impressed on the students their obligation and commitment to the tribal community and society, particularly to the most vulnerable among them.
Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar, KISS-DU presented a list of recent achievements of KISS as an institution. Of these, a hundred percent success rate in school leaving examinations, impressive performance of KISSians in the medical entrance tests, successful updating of the curriculum, incorporating the elements of innovation in the syllabi as desired by regulating authorities and the introduction of the mentor-mentee system were some. He concluded by encouraging the students to take full advantage of the latest additions in the resource inventory of the university, and emphasized the distinctive man making ethos of the institution.
Dr. Kanhu Charan Mahali, Director General of KISS-DU and former IPS officer, who himself came from a tribal background, spoke about the great challenges before the teachers, given the wide variety in linguistic and cultural backgrounds of the students. At the same time, he highlighted the importance of dedicated resources-libraries, laboratories, academic and extra-curricular opportunities-freely made available to the students. Advising the students never to lose confidence in their potential, he encouraged them to follow the rules and develop a culture of productive teamwork.
In his address, Mr. Pramod Patra, Deputy Registrar, KISS-DU, explained to the students the core values of KISS-DU such as the culture of collective responsibility, optimization of available resources, ethos of hard work and a sense of commitment to the community and society at large. He urged the students to set their goals high and conduct themselves in a befitting manner, reminding them that they are to act as the future ambassadors of this glorious institution.
Some of the newly enrolled students spoke about their background and aspirations in future. Some wanted to be professors, while others nursed an ambition to serve the nation as bureaucrats.
Dr. Harischandra Sahoo, who holds the distinguished Bhima Bhoi Research Chair, offered a vote of thanks, summarizing the proceedings and calling upon the students to live up to their own aspirations and the expectations of the university at the same time.