Bhubaneswar: December 1:
The 5th Annual Convocation of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) was held on 30th of November, with the conferment of Honoris Causa degrees on eminent national leaders and global change-makers.
This year, KISS conferred the prestigious honorary degrees upon Bhartuhari Mahtab, MP, Lok Sabha & Chairman, Prajatantra Prachar Samity; Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Founder-Editor of The Sambad and former MP; and Jagadananda, Co-founder & Mentor, CYSD.
The event also witnessed the presence of distinguished international leaders, including Mr. Faizal Edavalath Kottikollon, Founder & Chairman, KEF Holdings, UAE; and Mr. J. M. ‘Meenu’ Malhotra DL, Chairman, Malhotra Group PLC & Honorary Consul General of India to Newcastle, UK, as Guests of Honour.
Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Ganeshi Lal, Former Governor of Odisha said that the Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr Achyuta Samanta has created a monument for the world to see,” referring to his vision and work. “Dr Samanta teaches die before you die — that is the crux of the Gita,” he said. “Personality could be anything; he is divine.”
Nobel Laureate Ms. Ouided Bouchamaoui from Tunisia, praised KISS and Dr Samanta for “not only building an institution but building peace.” Emphasising the power of education, she said, “You have shown education is the most effective tool of peace and tranquillity.”
Addressing the graduates, she urged resilience and courage: “Life is a challenge. We should not give up. When there is a will, there is a way. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Embrace every opportunity. Be fearless, be kind, be curious, and be brave.”
Upon receiving the honour, Mr Mahtab described KISS a ‘truly special’ institution and said the students are the true representatives of Odisha’s shakti.
“The innocence and happiness here come naturally. KISS brings innocent buds to bloom. I thank Achyuta Samanta for bringing the innocent minds here and providing them with education.”
Mr Soumya Ranjan Patnaik was visibly moved receiving the honour, saying he would like to become a teacher one again in his next life. Noting that this was his first such gathering, he called upon the students to cultivate a probing mind and remain committed to the motherland.
Mr Jagadananda said, “Whatever I have been able to contribute is rooted in the people.” Praising KISS’s social impact, he added, “KISS has transformed the tribal communities. I commend the founder for bringing the change.” To the students, he urged, “Carry your roots with pride.”
International philanthropist Faizal Kottikollon praised Dr Samanta for changing the lives of countless people. “Education is the only tool that can transform the nation. Achyuta Samanta is the testament of what education can do to society.”
Global business leader Mr Malhotra said the honour would further motivate him. “The best students are here in India. This honour will encourage me more to contribute to my society,” he remarked.
KIIT Chancellor Ashok Parija, KISS VC Prof Saranjit Singh, KISS CEO Prashanta Kumar Routray and other senior functionaries were present on the occasion.
A total of 464 degrees were awarded to the students of KISS DU, comprising 444 postgraduate degrees and 20 doctoral degrees. Additionally, one student received the Founder’s Gold Medal for outstanding overall performance.
In contrast, seven students were honoured with the Chancellor’s Gold Medal, and another seven students were presented with the Vice Chancellor’s Silver Medal in recognition of their academic excellence.
