Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha, inaugurated the Adani-KISS Tribal Residential School at Bankishole, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, yesterday.

Addressing the gathering, Patnaik said, “Education is empowerment and the real transformation can be possible only with the help of education.” Patnaik thanked KISS authority and Adani Group for establishment of school.

Dr Priti Adani said, “Education is the most powerful tool for social transformation. Adani foundation is happy to strengthen the scenario in the far off tribal areas of Odisha by partnering with the prestigious Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS).”

In his welcome address, Dr Achyuta Samanta, said, “Almost 28 years back, KISS took initiatives to include tribal community in the mainstream. Now KISS is the largest tribal institution and the first tribal university in the world. More than 30,000 students are currently pursuing their education from KG to PG, while 20,000 students completed their education successfully and are placed in different sectors. It is not important for KISS that 60,000 students are getting educated rather it is important that it has created awareness among more than 60 lakh tribal students of Odisha and other states of India.”

Dr Samanta said, “Many tribal organisations and intellectuals requested many times to open a branch in Mayurbhanj district for under privileged children. Today their requests have been fulfilled. The poor tribal students of Mayurbhaj district will get quality education. It has been decided that only the candidates of Mayurbhanj will get employment in Adani-KISS. Adani-KISS is fully equipped with all modern facilities. It has been established on 50 acres of land with complete financial support of Adani foundation.”

On this occasion, a 50-bed hospital in the campus was also inaugurated by Dr Priti G Adani. The hospital will serve the students, staff as well as the common people of Mayurbhanj district.