Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, celebrated its first convocation ceremony in virtual mode on June 27, 2021. Delivering the convocation address, Prof Ganeshi Lal, Governor of Odisha congratulated the graduates, and said that there is no dearth of talents in tribal communities. What needed is the right environment, encouragement and timely exposure. He exhorted the graduates to make ‘Vocal for Local’ as their resolution and contribute to the successful making of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through their participation and endeavours.
“Today, I feel extremely grateful to the Almighty and humbled and overjoyed when I recall the day I had started the KISS. It all started like a garden and it didn’t take much for the flowers to smile. KISS was kick-started as a small sapling and during years time, it grew into a gigantic tree spreading shadow to many and with an extraordinary outreach of the huge canopy-like spread giving protection to millions today,” Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KISS, said.
Lal, who received Honoris Causa Degree of DLitt from the institute, said: “My heart fills with admiration and appreciation for Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder of this University for building such a unique institution that has drawn global attention. It was the idea of an equitable world that propelled Dr Samanta to a great extent. What has been achieved with the love, compassion, dedication and determination of one individual is indeed remarkable.”
Focusing on its formula of 3E — Enable, Educate and Empower, KISS is a residential educational institution providing free education, accommodation, medical care, vocational, athletic & artistic training to 60,000 indigenous children.
“The first is always special, and so is the first convocation of KISS Deemed to be University on June 27, 2021. The ceremony was held in a hybrid mode — both physical and virtual. About 143 students got degrees for completing their Masters and MPhil courses successfully,” Samanta said.
Addressing the graduating students, Satya S Tripathi, Chancellor, KISS Deemed to be University, said: “As you transition from student to graduate, please remember that your alma mater is a pillar of compassion and humanity and it is on your shoulders to carry forward this unparalleled legacy and tradition of selfless service with grace and conviction.”
In his report, Prof. Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice-Chancellor said, KISS is one-of-its-kind institution that offers specialisation in innovative tribal centric areas and encourages research scholars to pursue their work on the indigenous population and topics close to their hearts.
