KISS Confers Honoris Causa Degrees on Distinguished Personalities at Its 5th Annual Convocation

Bhubaneswar, Nov 30: The 5th Annual Convocation of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) began with the conferment of degrees upon the graduating students of KISS Deemed to be University. A total of 464 degrees were awarded, including 444 postgraduate degrees and 20 doctoral degrees. One student received the Founder’s Gold Medal for overall excellence, while seven were honoured with the Chancellor’s Gold Medal and another seven with the Vice Chancellor’s Silver Medal.

This year, KISS conferred the prestigious honorary degrees upon Bhartuhari Mahtab, MP, Lok Sabha & Chairman, Prajatantra Prachar Samity; Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Founder-Editor of The Sambad and former MP; and Jagadananda, Co-founder & Mentor, CYSD. 

Addressing the convocation, Chief Guest Prof. (Dr.) Ganeshi Lal, Former Governor of Odisha, described KISS as a “monument for the world to see” created through the visionary leadership of Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta. He praised Dr. Samanta’s philosophy, stating, “Dr Samanta teaches die before you die — that is the crux of the Gita. Personality could be anything; he is divine.”

Nobel Laureate Ms. Ouided Bouchamaoui from Tunisia, delivering an inspiring convocation address, commended KISS and Dr. Samanta for “not only building an institution but building peace.” Calling education the most effective tool for peace, she urged students to be resilient, courageous, and curious. “Life is a challenge. We should not give up. Embrace opportunities. Be fearless, be kind, be curious, and be brave,” she told the graduates.

Several eminent personalities also addressed the gathering. Bhartruhari Mahtab, MP, who received an honorary degree, described KISS as a “truly special” institution that nurtures innocence and transforms young minds.

Mr. Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, visibly emotional upon receiving the honour, said he wished to return as a teacher in his next life and urged students to cultivate a probing mind and serve the motherland.

Mr. Jagadananda, Co-founder of CYSD, highlighted that his life’s work was rooted in the people and praised KISS for its transformative impact on tribal communities.

International philanthropist Faizal Kottikollon lauded Dr. Samanta for changing countless lives, saying, “Education is the only tool which can transform the nation.”

Global business leader J. M. ‘Meenu’ Malhotra, Honorary Consul General of India to Newcastle, UK, said the honour would motivate him to contribute even more. “The best students are here in India,” he remarked.

KIIT Chancellor Prof. Ashok Parija, KISS Vice Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh, KISS CEO Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, and senior functionaries were present during the ceremony.