Bhubaneswar: The 66th All India Adult Education Conference has begun at KISS, bringing together educationists, policymakers and practitioners to deliberate on the role of adult education in inclusive national development.
Jointly organised by the Indian Adult Education Association (IAEA) and KISS, the three-day event (January 21-23) focuses on promoting lifelong learning and addressing challenges in eradicating illiteracy and ignorance.
During the inaugural session, the IAEA conferred a special recognition on Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS Achyuta Samanta, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of adult education. Samanta, who served as the Chief Guest, emphasised how education can drive social transformation. He highlighted the innovative approach at KISS, where students are encouraged to extend learning beyond the classroom.
“When a child returns to his or her village during vacations, they are instructed to make at least ten people literate. Education must multiply when it reaches the grassroots,” he said.
Samanta also underscored the broader impact of KIIT and KISS in tribal education, skill development, healthcare, and professional training, describing adult education as a powerful catalyst for social change.
IAEA president L Raja, director of IAEA Prof Rajesh, vice-chancellor of KIIT and KISS Prof Saranjit Singh, general secretary of IAEA Suresh Khandelwal, among other dignitaries, were present.
The IAEA aims to promote holistic human development, eliminate illiteracy and ignorance, encourage inter-state cooperation, produce accessible literature for the common people, and urge universities and educational institutions to actively engage in adult education initiatives.
