KIIT Deemed to be University Celebrates 15th Foundation Day
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University celebrated its 15th Foundation Day on February 16, 2018. Mr. Rahul Bose, Eminent Bollywood Actor, Social Activist & Rugby Player delivered the Foundation Day Lecture in the presence of a host of dignitaries, including Dr. Kota Harinarayana, INAE Satish Dhawan Chair of Engineering Eminence, CSIR-NAL & Chairman, General Aeronautics Pvt. Ltd.; Prof. Kakha Shengelia, President, International Association of University Presidents (IAUP); Dr. Santosh Kumar Kamila, Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle; and Mr. Rajendra Prasad Gupta, Director of Postal Services (Hq.), Bhubaneswar.
“It is incredible that over 55000 students are studying in KIIT and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS). KISS is bringing about a transformation by educating underprivileged children. It is an extraordinary example and inspiration by its Founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, said Mr. Rahul Bose in his lecture. The institution has grown beyond words, remarked Mr. Bose, who visited the institute after a gap of 11 years. Recounting his life experiences, he advised the students to “keep your head cool even if your heart is hot” and “under-promise and over deliver” to succeed in life.
Established in 1992 and opened five years later as a multi-disciplinary institute, KIIT’s commitment to teaching excellence led to the grant of Deemed to be University status under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956 by the Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India on February 16, 2004. In 2015, the Ministry accorded it ‘A’ category university status. Maintaining a tradition of excellence, KIIT has been getting ‘A’ Grade from NAAC, the country’s top accreditation body for higher education institutions, for three times in a row and ‘Tier 1’ (Washington Accord) from NBA.
In a major boost to the brand value of KIIT globally, B.Tech programmes have got the coveted Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), UK accreditation. Despite being relatively young (20 years as an institute and 14 years as a university), KIIT has secured 250th position in the QS BRICS World University Rankings for 2018. It is the first self-financing Deemed to be University in Odisha and eastern India to enter into this prestigious ranking.
In fact, this year KIIT is celebrating Silver Jubilee of its inception. Releasing a commemorative postal stamp and special cover on the occasion, Dr. Santosh Kumar Kamila, Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle said, “Dr. Samanta is a visionary who transformed a small institute to a world-class university within a very short time. India Post is proud to be associated with KIIT for a long time”. KISS is contributing to nation building in a big way, Dr. Kamila stated, while advising students to learn from social ethos of its their founder.
Dr. Kota Harinarayana highlighted Odisha’s high potential in the development of rare earth industry. The State has rich deposits of rare earth minerals, a special class of 17 elements that have extensive uses across various industries including computer and IT, clean energy systems and healthcare, he informed.
On the occasion, ‘Himakshara’, a Madhya Pradesh-based social organisation, presented Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Achyuta Samanta for his contribution in the field of education, social work, literature, art and culture. “He is focusing on education of girls as educating a girl child means educating an entire generation”, the citation mentioned. Dr. Samanta is a great visionary of the 21st Century, said the president of the organisation, while presenting the award. “This award is love and affection to the work that I am doing. It will inspire me to do more”, Dr. Samanta said in reciprocation, expressing his gratitude.
Prof. Kakha Shengelia and Mr. Rajendra Prasad Gupta also spoke on the occasion. Prof. Hrushikesha Mohanty, Vice Chancellor, KIIT proposed vote of thanks, while Prof. Sasmita Samanta, Registrar delivered the welcome address.