Bhubaneswar: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the KIIT School of Public Policy in the presence of an audience comprising academicians, policymakers, judges and students here on Sunday.
The School will offer a one-year Masters programme from the ensuing academic session. The knowledge partners are Indian Council of World Affairs and United Nations System Staff College.
Commending India’s democratic strength and transparent policies, the LS Speaker advocated citizen-centric policies that involve all stakeholders, ensure equal rights and is answerable to the people.
“India is the world’s largest democracy, and its diversity is its strength. A well-drafted public policy is the foundation of a strong nation,” Birla stated, observing that the world now looks to India for its peace-promoting policies based on the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘the world is one family.’
Birla lauded KIIT and KISS founder Dr Achyuta Samanta for his vision and efforts in empowering tribals and the marginalised.
Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy highlighted the critical role the new school will play in shaping future leaders and creating policies for a prosperous Odisha. “For a ‘Vikashit Odisha’ (Developed Odisha), good policy and strong leadership are essential. This school is the need of the hour,” she said.
Odisha Deputy CM KV Singhdeo commended Dr Samanta’s contributions to education. “Public Policy is for the people, not individual goals. Odisha is fortunate that Achyuta Samanta is working for the cause of education,” Singhdeo said.
Odisha’s Law, Works & Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan called the new Public Policy school “another feather in KIIT’s crown.”
Former Ecuador Vice-President Otto Ramon Sonnenholzner Sper stressed the importance of trust and respect for diversity in building strong institutions.
The inauguration event also featured speeches from prominent figures like Dr Jafar Javan, Director of the United Nations System Staff College in Turin, Italy. He said the launch of the school was “a milestone for KIIT and India,” and praised Dr Samanta for his dedication to social change.
BJP leader Aparajita Sarangi, Lok Sabha MP from Bhubaneswar, emphasised the extraordinary achievements of Dr Samanta. “One life is not enough to achieve what Achyuta Samanta has achieved. He has demonstrated that every moment in life is important,” she said, lauding Samanta’s humility and dedication to education.
Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, stressed on the global impact of the new school. “This institution will contribute to global knowledge and foster the leaders of tomorrow,” he said, praising Dr Samanta’s visionary leadership.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Additional Secretary at the Indian Council of World Affairs, Padma Shri and filmmaker Dr Chandraprkash Dwivedi, and Professor Emeritus of KIIT School of Law Prof. NL Mitra.
