KISS Deemed to be University hosted the Seventh Study Visit cum Consortium Meet under the AURORA Project (Co-funded by the ERASMUS+ Programme of the European Union) from 27th to 30th October 2023. The Meet saw representation from six countries – Spain, Romania, Czech Republic, Ireland, Nepal and India – and twelve participating institutions – KISS Deemed to be University; India, BanasthaliVidyapith; India, Anugraha Institute of Social Sciences; India, Savitribai Phule Pune University; India, University of Babes Bolyai; Romania, University of Malaga; Spain, University Cork College; Ireland, Masaryk University, Czech Republic, Tribhuvan University; Nepal, Pokhara University; Nepal, National Law College, Nepal, Edulab; India

The project strives to build the capacity of the staff and students in areas of Inclusive Education, Gender Equality, Democratic Values, Active Citizenship and Combating Radicalism through education. The second day of the event witnessed an international conference on the theme “Transformative Education, Gender Equality, Active Citizenship for Sustainable Development” as a part of dissemination initiative of the AURORA Project, with an overwhelming response from both national and international paper presenters. The students of the KISS-DU AURORA Club displayed posters on the key themes of the project.

The third day featured an immersion study visit programme to help the partner institutions catch a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of the state of Odisha. The event was organized in a blended-mode and attended by members of the partner institutions, senior functionaries of KISS-DU, members of the AURORA Club, and faculty members of the university.

In an initiative to ensure the sustainability and future course of action of the project, KISS Deemed to be University has introduced Value-Added Courses on the above-mentioned areas; signed MoUs with partners like University of Malaga, Spain and constituted AURORA Centre and AURORA Club. The university has also organized many national and international seminars and conferences; bringing out books and publications for the wide dissemination of the works done under the project. The AURORA Team of KISS-DU had represented the university in all the six Study Visits cum Consortium Meetings hosted by different partner institutions.

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The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) today celebrated the 146^th birth anniversary of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das. On this auspicious occasion, the Gopabandhu Chair at KISS University organised a discussion on “Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das and Odia Journalism”.

Chief Guest of the occasion, Editor of leading Odia daily Samaja Dr Pramod Kumar Mohapatra, shed some light on the life and philosophy of Utkalmani. He said “Gopabandhu Das was a great saint with tremendous zeal and had dedicated his entire life towards the service of mankind. Though he breathed his last at the early age of 51, from his youth days to old age, he dedicated his entire time to the people of Odisha and Odia.’’

Saying that in the present time, Founder of KIIT-KISS Dr Achyuta Samanta is such a persona like Utkalmani, Dr. Mohapatra observed that Dr Samanta was inspired by the life and philosophy of Gopabandhu Das and has realized his dream through a wonderful project like KISS.

During the discussion, Vice-Chancellor of KISS University Prof Deepak Kumar Behera gave the introductory remarks and Registrar Dr Prashant Kumar Routray gave the vote of thanks. Professor Gopabandhu Chair Bijayananda Singh, Director General KISS Kanhu Charan Mahali, Faculty members, and students were also present. The guests on this occasion also garlanded the statue of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das on KISS campus.

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Four sisters from Puri District, who were orphaned some years ago following the demise of their parents, were handed over appointment letters to three of them by the Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta here on Thursday.

The appointment letters were presented in keeping with the promise made by the Founder when the sisters were hit by the greatest tragedy of their lives. The four sisters of Raghurajpur village near Chandanpur of Puri District were left destitute after the death of their parents Lakshmidhar Mahapatra and his wife. The KISS Foundation and Dr. Samanta came to their rescue after the media highlighted their plight. Dr. Samanta had promised them the necessary support for their livelihood and education.

Today, the eldest sister, Ramamani is a Post-graduate, while the other two sisters have obtained bachelor’s degrees. The youngest sister is studying in the 8th standard.

Dr. Samanta made it a point to meet the sisters regularly to inquire about their well-being and encouraged them to focus on their studies. He also provided financial assistance to help the elder sister complete their house, which was under construction under a government scheme.

Keeping his promise, Dr. Samanta has provided employment to the three sisters in KIIT and KISS. They expressed their profound gratitude to Dr. Samanta and the KISS Foundation for standing behind them rock solid over these years and providing them employment. The local community has also widely praised the KISS Foundation and Dr. Samanta for their noble work.

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Today (i.e. on 05.10.2023) in the Annual Staff meeting of KIIT, KISS and KIMS which was held at Campus-3, OAT-1, Hon’ble Founder – KIIT and KISS has announced the enhancement of DA to 46% at par with Central Government of India and all other benefits like EPF, ESI, Mediclaim Insurance and Gratuity, etc. existing for all the staff members of KIIT Group of Institutions and also KISS.

Hon’ble Founder has also announced that one public school in the name and style of “KIIT Public School” will be functional exclusively for the children of the staff members of KIIT and KISS drawing Salary below Rs. 30,000/- per month to get education as per the CBSE curriculum almost free or with reasonable fees.

In addition, Hon’ble Founder – KIIT and KISS has also announced the functioning of one Crèche Centre for the staff of KIIT Group of institutions and KISS.

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The First Lady Kenya, Rachel Ruto, E.G.H., was awarded the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award 2022 at an event in the KISS campus that was graced by the Odisha Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal. The award recognizes her outstanding dedication to humanitarian efforts and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the underprivileged and underserved, particularly women, children, and vulnerable communities.

In her acceptance speech, Rachel expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received in Bhubaneswar and extended her thanks to the Governor and the Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta for their hospitality. She emphasized her eagerness to collaborate with institutions like KISS in their shared mission to create a more compassionate and equitable world. The First Lady commended the visionary work of Dr Samanta who has been instrumental in providing free education to over 40,000 underprivileged students.

Mrs. Ruto acknowledged that the award was not just a recognition of her individual efforts but also a tribute to the spirit and resilience of the Kenyan people, especially women. She pledged to continue advocating for women’s well-being, financial inclusion, access to knowledge, and livelihood initiatives through Women Economic Empowerment programs.

The Odisha Governor, in his address, praised the First Lady for her humanitarian efforts and dedication to the betterment of humanity. He commended the work of KISS and its Founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, in ensuring that democracy reaches every corner of society.

Dr Samanta, in his speech, greeted the Kenyan First Lady in Swahili and drew parallels between her work and the mission of KISS. He highlighted the significant impact she has made through initiatives like MaMa Doing Good, Women Economic Empowerment, and Environmental and Climate Action. He said both he and the First Lady are united in “purpose and mission” in serving the society even though they are separated by continents, describing her as his sibling, he added.

Among others, the Chancellor of KISS Deemed to be University Satya S. Tripathi; President of KIIT and KISS Saswati Bal; Kenya High Commission in India Willy K. Bett; Vice president of KIIT and KISS Umapada Bose, Secretary R N Das and other senior functionaries from both KIIT and KISS were present on the occasion.

The KISS Humanitarian Award was initiated in 2008 and is conferred annually to recognize and felicitate individuals for their exemplary and distinguished service to humanity across the globe. Notable previous awardees have hailed from five continents and include luminaries such as Madam Edna Bomo Molewa, former premier of the North-western state of South Africa Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Ham-Kee-Sun, President of Hanseo University, Mr. Anerood Jugnauth, President of the Republic of Mauritius, Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Nicholas Addison Phillips, President of the Supreme Court of UK, Lyonchhen Jigmiy Thinley, Prime Minister of Bhutan, Madam Albina Du Boisrouvray, Founder FXB International, Switzerland, Ms. Anne Margaret Fagertun Stenhammer, Regional Director of UN Women for South Asia, Ms. Ashley Judd, UNFPA Global Goodwill Ambassador, His Holiness Dalai Lama, Nobel Peace Laureate, Prof Muhammad Yunus. 

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The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) in Hyderabad highly appreciated the impact of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), which has been empowering tribals through education for the last 30 years.

ASCI, which carried out impact assessment of various programmes of KISS over the last one year and conducted a thorough review of various functions of KISS, expressed its confidence in the institute as it presented a related report to the Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta at its premises in Hyderabad.

KISS, the world’s largest tribal institute, has always been working towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It was against this background that ASCI carried out an assessment of KISS.

In this report, the programmes and all kinds of impacts of KISS were praised by the ASCI. Dr. Samanta expressed his gratitude to ASCI for appreciating KISS’s work.

ASCI is the oldest research and training institute of the Government of India. It is the third institute of its kind in the world and the only institute in Asia.

During his visit, Dr. Samanta also delivered lectures at two places in Hyderabad.

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Fifty-five KISS students who have won the Sports incentive by Govt of Odisha for outstanding performance this year in various disciplines expressed their deepest gratitude to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday.

Felicitating the students, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS said the Chief Minister has always supported and encouraged sports and sportspersons in the State. This has led to Odisha producing several national and international level sporting talents. He said Students of KIIT and KISS have brought glory to Odisha with their stellar performance in national and international sporting events. The Chief Minister has always encouraged students of KISS to excel in sports and students of KIIT and KISS deeply admire his support for the institute,” he added.

Odisha is the only state in the country to provide the maximum amount of money to promote sportspersons, Dr. Samanta said, encouraging the students to continue playing sports with determination and concentration to achieve success at the national and international levels.

This year, 388 sportspersons in Odisha have been bestowed with the Sports incentive, out of which 55 students are from KISS alone. Out of 55 students, 41 are from KISS Rugby only. It is worth mentioning that several students from KIIT and KISS have qualified for various national as well as Asian sporting events.

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Exuberant celebrations filled the air within the KIIT and KISS campuses on Wednesday evening as students came together to mark the historic achievement of Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on the Moon’s surface.

As the lunar mission made its gentle descent onto the Moon and touched down on the lunar surface, the live visuals of which were being streamed on television screens, more than 60,000 students of KIIT and KISS broke into spontaneous celebration. Their enthusiasm knew no bounds as they cheered, shared greetings, and exchanged sweets in a jubilant atmosphere.

In keeping with the wishes of the Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the administrations of KIIT and KISS had made elaborate arrangements to enable students, faculty, and staff to witness the historic event in real-time. Across the campuses, digital display boards attracted large gatherings of students who had, like the rest of the nation, anxiously awaited this historic moment.

Earlier on that day, students from KIIT and KISS had actively engaged in various activities leading up to the landing, extending their heartfelt best wishes to the ISRO scientists behind the momentous lunar mission. The campuses adorned themselves with the national Tricolor, and the corridors echoed chants of unity and patriotism, such as ‘Om’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.

At KISS, students took part in rituals like “puja” and “yajna” at the revered Jagannath Temple (ShriBani Kshetra), sending their best wishes to the dedicated scientists and experts. Teachers from KISS joined their students in extending well wishes to the scientific community involved in this remarkable lunar endeavour. 

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The World Anthropology Congress (WAC) concluded today at KISS Deemed to be University. Joining as the Chief Guest in the valedictory session, Shri Arjun Munda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, delivered a brilliant and insightful speech on the significant role of Emperor Ashoka in spreading world peace. He discussed Ashoka’s transformation in the historic land of Kalinga, as well as the intricate relationship between the cult of Jagannath and tribal culture.

He said, the indigenous people should engage in self-reflection, researching on their own communities and it would be only possible through quality education. “If we could empower them with proper education, they would be able to solve their issues on their own,’’ he observed.

On establishing a world-class museum for the indigenous people at KISS University, the Minister said, “The Tribal Affairs Ministry is ready for this collaborative project, but it could only be initiated following a formal proposal from the Odisha Government.’’

Praising the efforts of the Founder of KIIT-KISS, the Union Minister said, “Dr. Achyuta Samanta is the best human being in the world and he is a genuinely sensitive individual. He personifies how, with determination, dedication, vision and selfless hard work, success could be achieved. Every one of us should learn this from him.’’ On learning Anthropology, he said, “We have to interact with the indigenous people as they understand nature from very first day. Without the Mother Nature our survival is also at stake.’’

In his address, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS said, “For World Anthropology Congress, KISS is the ideal venue and best place for research on Anthropology’’. He recounted an international conference he attended in Europe, where a renowned Japanese anthropologist hailed KISS as the “largest anthropological laboratory of the world.” Dr. Samanta also drew attention to the fact that KISS was home to 2,000 students from Jharkhand, the home state of Union Minister Shri Arjun Munda. He proudly mentioned that the 2023 Class X topper was also from Jharkhand.

Prof. Deepak Kumar Behera, VC, KISS-DU and President, United India Anthropology Forum (UIAF) said, “KISS University organised the WAC 2023 in collaboration with the UIAF, Delhi University, Utkal University and Sambalpur University. In the grand five-day event there were 350 sessions, 20 round-table meetings, 20 workshops and 120 panel discussions. More than 1,100 anthropologists from 51 nations around the world joined and presented 1,200 research papers. There were 8 pre-congresses before the WAC and there will be 10 post-WAC sessions, he informed.

Prof. Anand Singh, Professor of Anthropology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, applauded Dr. Samanta’s leadership in providing free education to tribal students.

Prof. P. C. Joshi, WAC Chairman and former Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University said “This world congress was perhaps the most accessible and affordable anthropology congress ever. It dealt with all the aspects of the subject and KISS is the best place for it to happen. The Tribal Advisory Council, Professor of Practice like initiatives has made KISS unique.’’

Professor Charlotte Ann Roberts, a Fellow of the British Academy, Department of Archaeology Durham University, UK praised the astounding success of the Congress.

Prof. Amareswar Galla of the UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museums and Sustainable Heritage Development, Anant National University, Ahmedabad and Emeritus Faculty, Australian National University believed that the Congress would mark a turning point in tribal empowerment, enabling them to lead dignified lives. He recommended KISS to consider launching an international programme on applied museum anthropology, producing qualified professionals to manage tribal museums.

The Congress concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof. S. Gregory, Secretary General of UIAF.

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The World Anthropology Congress (WAC) commenced at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences Deemed to be University (KISS-DU) in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, coinciding with the ‘International Day of the World’s Indigenous People’. Speakers highlighted the pivotal role of KISS in empowering tribal communities. The theme of the Congress is ‘Anthropology in the Public Sphere: Indigeneity, Social Justice, Sustainability, and Global Peace’. It is hosted by KISS-DU and organized by United Indian Anthropology Forum (UIAF) in collaboration with Utkal University, Sambalpur University, and University of Delhi.

“KISS is a symbol of empowerment of the marginal sections of the society. It stands for world peace and tranquility,” said the Chairman of the National Monument Authority and Director of ASI Prof K K Basa. Joining as the chief guest of the occasion, he said, Anthropology gives voice to the marginalised and the oppressed sections. Tribals have lived a life of balancing nature and indigenous culture and the mainstream society should take inspiration from them and their way of living, he added.

The Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta, in his message, said that Anthropology holds the power to illuminate pathways towards a more equitable and harmonious global community. “At KISS, this conviction is woven into our ethos, as we endeavour to provide indigenous communities with the reins of education and knowledge. Guided by visionaries, Professors of Practice, Tribal Advisory Council, we have committed ourselves to preserving and honouring indigenous wisdom while facilitating meaningful exchanges that nurture both tradition and progress,” he said.

The Chancellor of KISS-DU, Mr. Satya S Tripathi said, the Congress is more than a conference for KISS which is an exercise in humility and humanity. KISS, he added, is the “most significant social experiment happening on the planet as it is home to 60,000 indigenous children.”

Former VC of the University of Delhi Prof. P C Joshi, who is also the Chairman of the WAC-NAAC, lauded the imitativeness of Dr. Samanta in establishing KISS, saying that thousands of tribal students are getting education because of the realisation of his dreams. He described KISS as a holistic institution looking at the overall personality development of children.

VC of Utkal University Prof. Sabita Acharya said, the Department of Anthropology will also be hosting WAC sessions on Sunday. On the occasion, VC of Sambalpur University Prof. Bidhu Bhushan Mishra welcomed the delegation to his campus which will also be hosting the post-WAC conference.

VC of KISS-DU Prof. Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice Chancellor of G M University Prof. N Nagaraju, Patrons of UIAF Prof. R K Mutatkar and Prof. P K Mishra, Vice President UIAF Prof. Shalini Mehta, and Advisor UNICEF Prof. A B Ota also spoke on the occasion, while Member Secretary UIAF Prof. S Gregory proposed the vote of thanks.

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