Bhubaneswar: Three eminent personalities were conferred honorary D.Litt degrees for their outstanding academic excellence and transformative contributions here on Sunday, during the fourth Annual Convocation of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS-DU).
Those honoured were Padma Shri Dr Mukesh Batra, founder of Dr Batra’s Group of Companies, a pioneer in homeopathy and healthcare; Padma Shri Savji Dholakia, founder and chairman of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd, known for his leadership in diamond industry and philanthropic initiatives; and Dr Pradipta Mohanty, chairman of SN Mohanty Group of Companies, a stalwart in Odisha’s industrial and educational landscape.
The institute awarded 8 PhD and 426 Master’s degree certificates.
The Founder’s Gold medal, 7 Chancellor’s Gold medals, and 7 Vice-Chancellor’s Silver medals were presented to students for outstanding performances.
Former UK MP and minister Rt. Hon. Nick Gibb described KISS as “one of India’s top academic institutions” in his convocation address.
“Today, 43 million students are studying in Indian higher educational institutions,” Gibb said, urging graduates to cultivate a lifelong love for learning.
After receiving honorary doctorate degree, Dholakia gave students 5 mantras for success.
“Always consider yourself the best, think that everything is possible for you, God is always with you, you can be victorious and today is a new day for you,” he advised students.
He said that the honour bestowed on him has inspired him to serve society even more in the future.
Guest of Eminence Rt. Hon. Alan Gammel, MP, UK, hailed KISS and KIIT founder Dr Achyuta Samanta as “a true visionary and social transformer”.
Dr Jeffrey B. Liebman, Robert W Scrivner Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, USA, spoke of KISS’s unique mission.
“KISS stands out for educating all Indians, especially children from downtrodden sections of society,” he said, commending the institute’s inclusive approach to learning.
Apart of the Founder, KIIT & KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the convocation was attended by the Vice President of KIIT & KISS Umapada Bose, Secretary R. N. Dash, Chancellor of KISS DU Satya Tripathi, Pro Chancellor Prof Amreswar Galla, VC Prof Deepak Kumar Behara, and Registrar Dr P K Routray.