Bhubaneswar: The 5th Annual Convocation of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) saw Honoris Causa degrees being conferred on eminent national leaders and global change-makers.
This year, KISS conferred the prestigious honorary degrees upon Lok Sabha MP and & Chairman, Prajatantra Prachar Samity, Bhartuhari Mahtab; Founder-Editor of The Sambad and former MP Soumya Ranjan Patnaik and Co-founder & Mentor, CYSD, Jagadananda.
International leaders, including Faizal Edavalath Kottikollon, Founder & Chairman, KEF Holdings, UAE; and J M ‘Meenu’ Malhotra DL, Chairman, Malhotra Group PLC & Honorary Consul General of India to Newcastle, UK, grace the event as guests of honour.
Former Governor of Odisha Ganeshi Lal, who was the chief guest, 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 to die before you die — that is the crux of the Gita,” he said.
Nobel Laureate 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 tranquility.”
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, 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 and makes them bloom. I thank Achyuta Samanta for bringing the innocent minds here and providing them education.”
Soumya Ranjan Patnaik said he would like to become a teacher once again in his next life. Noting that this type of gathering was the first for him, he called upon the students to develop a probing mind and remain committed to the motherland.
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 which can transform the nation. Achyuta Samanta is the testament of what education can do to society.”
Global business leader Malhotra said the honour would motivate him further. “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, while 7 students were honoured with the Chancellor’s Gold Medal, and another 7 students were presented the Vice Chancellor’s Silver Medal in recognition of their academic excellence.
