2nd Convocation Of KISS In Bhubaneswar: Students Called Upon To Contribute To Overall Good Of Humanity

Bhubaneswar: The real meaning of education is to help others and the students should contribute to overall good of humanity, said Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, Master of Tibetan Buddhism and Spiritual Director of the Ripa International Centre.

Speaking at second annual convocation ceremony of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University in Bhubaneswar on Monday, Rinpoche said, “From ecology to economy, real life is challenging and one can succeed only by accepting diversity. Warm-heartedness is the key to solving most of the problems the world is facing today.”

The university conferred Honoris Causa Degrees of DLitt on Dr Rajiv Kumar, Chancellor, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune; Pavan Sukhdev, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, Founder and CEO of GIST Advisory Switzerland SA; Dr Ricky G Kej, renowned Indian Music Composer and 2-time Grammy Award winner and Erik Solheim, president, Green Belt and Road Institute.

“What KISS does and what KISS focuses on, make this recognition very special”, said Dr Rajiv Kumar in his acceptance speech. KISS has the transformative potential for the country, he added.

Pavan Sukhdev said it is essential to focus on human capital, natural capital and social capital, along with GDP, which merely conveys a notion of produced capital. Dr Ricky G Kej said the planet is facing a serious environmental crisis and the only way to make a difference is to change ourselves. “The world is facing a triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” said Erik Solheim.

Congratulating the degree recipients, Dr Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KISS, expressed gratitude to Rinpoche for inspiring the academic community with his words of wisdom.

Satya S Tripathi, Chancellor, KISS Deemed to be University, said, “As you transition from knowledge-seeker to change-maker, please remember that your alma mater is extremely proud of your accomplishments and it is on your shoulders to carry forward its unique legacy and tradition of selfless service exemplified by Dr Samanta.”

In his report, Prof Deepak Kumar Behera, vice-chancellor informed that KISS-DU has revamped its course curricula and redefined academic as well as research programmes largely within the framework of NEP-2020. It has incorporated 19 innovative value-added courses. Dr Prashanta Ku. Routray, Registrar proposed the word of thanks.