KIIT and KISS Organises “Chemistry Is Fun” Outreach Programme for School Students

The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University, in collaboration with the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), successfully organised “Chemistry Is Fun,” a science outreach programme under the COIR (Centre of Outreach and International Relations) initiative on 27 October 2026.

The programme was led by Prof. Uday Maitra, IISc Bangalore and Prof. Samita Maitra, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru. The initiative witnessed the enthusiastic participation of approximately 500 students from KISS and several other schools, providing them with an opportunity to explore the fascinating world of chemistry beyond conventional classroom learning.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp in the presence of   Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor, KIIT Deemed to be University; Prof. Gopal Kundu, Advisor, Research and Development and Innovation (RDI); and Prof. Prasant Rath, Head of the School of Applied Sciences, KIIT, along with other faculty members and dignitaries from KIIT and KISS. The programme was coordinated with the support of Prof. Rojalin Sahu, Chairperson and Director of COIR, Multidisciplinary Research and Scientific Affairs whose efforts contributed to the successful organisation of the outreach initiative.

Through a series of engaging and visually striking demonstrations, Prof. Uday Maitra brought chemistry to life, inspiring students to approach science with curiosity and enthusiasm. The experiments included Celebration, Magic Writing, Heavy Water, Modern Art through Catalysis, Thermochromism, Absorption/Emission of Light, and Chemiluminescence. From colour-changing reactions and invisible writing revealed through chemical reactions to temperature-responsive materials, catalytic colour transformations and light-producing chemical reactions, each demonstration offered students an exciting glimpse into the principles governing the world around them. The demonstrations transformed abstract scientific concepts into memorable experiences, encouraging students to ask questions, observe closely and develop a deeper appreciation for chemistry.

The programme was particularly significant as “Chemistry Is Fun” has been presented at 108 venues worldwide, with KIIT marking its 109th venue. The initiative seeks to inspire young learners by presenting chemistry as an exciting and approachable discipline, while encouraging them to pursue their chosen fields with curiosity, motivation, dedication and integrity.

KIIT and KISS student volunteers, along with faculty members, played an important role in managing the arrangements and ensuring the smooth conduct of the programme. Their active participation reflected the spirit of collaboration, community engagement and experiential learning that underpins the outreach initiative.

The programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting inclusive, equitable and engaging learning opportunities; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by extending meaningful science-learning experiences to students from diverse educational backgrounds; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between academic institutions and the wider community. It also supports the broader objectives of scientific awareness, innovation and the development of a future generation of informed and motivated learners.

The successful completion of “Chemistry Is Fun” reaffirmed Founder, Prof. Achyuta Samanta’s commitment to science outreach, community engagement and the promotion of curiosity-driven learning, demonstrating how interactive scientific experiences can inspire young minds and make education more meaningful and enjoyable.