Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) has decided to organise its annual parents’ meet district-wise for the first time, following a request made by KISS Adivasi Parents’ Association (KAPA) during a preparatory meeting held on Sunday on the KISS campus. Representatives of tribal parents from various districts of Odisha participated in the meeting called by the KISS Parents’ Association.
Every year, lakhs of parents from Odisha and outside the state visit KISS to attend its mega parents’ meet. During the preparatory meeting, members of the Parents’ Association urged KISS Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta to conduct the event at the district level instead of holding a single large gathering in Bhubaneswar. Dr. Samanta accepted the proposal and announced that district-wise parents’ meetings would be held from December to March.
The announcement was warmly welcomed by the members, who expressed happiness that the event would now take place in every district. They also praised Dr. Samanta for his long-standing commitment to tribal development. Starting at the age of 25, Dr. Samanta has devoted 33 years to the upliftment of tribal communities through education, sports, and various welfare initiatives, helping KISS grow into a major people’s movement.
Members of KAPA described Dr. Samanta as a visionary leader and a guiding force for tribal development, recalling that he stepped forward for the cause in 1992–93 when few others paid attention to tribal issues. They noted that he has never burdened any tribal parent with concerns about KISS, which has earned him their unwavering trust. Members also expressed joy after learning that KISS will soon open a branch in Keonjhar district, after Kalahandi, Balangir, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj.
Among those present were Rajya Sabha MP and tribal leader Niranjan Bishi, KAPA Secretary Lambodar Singh, President Ram Sabar, member Paramananda Majhi, KISS CEO Dr. Prashanta Kumar Rautaray, and Additional CEO Pramod Patra.