The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) inaugurated the Centre for Women’s Studies on 3rd September 2024, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and promoting research on women’s rights and leadership. The launch event was organized under the banner of Kalinga Conversations, an initiative by Project K-MUSE, KISS, dedicated to engaging with critical contemporary issues related to living cultures and traditions. It is an inspirational intervention of the Founder of KIIT & KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome song in Kuvi language, “Aya Darti Rani,” performed by KISS students. This song, paying tribute to the Earth Goddess, Dharti Rani, set a reverent tone for the day, symbolizing the peace and prosperity that the Centre for Women’s Studies aspires to cultivate.
In his welcome address, Professor Dr. Amareswar Galla, Pro-Chancellor of KISS, provided an overview of Project K-MUSE and emphasized the significance of Women’s Studies within the context of KISS. He highlighted the essential role of the Centre in supporting women’s research and strategic development, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to inclusivity and academic excellence.
Dr. Pragyan Mohanty, the inaugural Director of the Centre and Dean of the School of Tribal Legal Studies and Tribal Rights at KISS-DU, introduced the Centre and outlined its vision for the future. She underscored the urgent need for initiatives like this Centre, particularly in light of the under-representation of women in leadership roles across various sectors, including higher education and the judiciary.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dr. Diane Bell, a distinguished feminist anthropologist and advocate for women’s rights and Indigenous knowledge. In her speech, Professor Bell shared insights from her extensive research and work in the field of Women’s Studies, emphasizing the transformative potential of such academic initiatives in driving social change.
The event also featured a panel discussion with esteemed speakers, including Professor Dr. Adyasha Das from IITTM, Ministry of Tourism; Ms. Anushree Dash, Founder of ADiBha She Vision (NGO) and TEDx Speaker; and Professor Dr. Swarnamayee Tripathy, Professor Emeritus at KISS-DU. The panel, chaired by Dr. Pragyan Mohanty, engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue on the theme “Why a Centre for Women’s Studies,” exploring the critical issues and opportunities in this field.
The discussions highlighted the pressing need for greater representation of women in leadership positions and the importance of academic platforms like the Centre for Women’s Studies in advocating for gender equity.
The event concluded with an active Q&A session, where participants, both in person and online, had the opportunity to engage with the speakers and panelists, further enriching the dialogue. The event was convened and moderated by Dr. Sushree Sangita Mohanty, Co-Director, Education, Applied Research and Multilingual Programming, Project K-MUSE.