Jayashankar Praska shares his exclusive thoughts on being the first Ph.D. degree holder from the Department of English, School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures, KISS-DU. The title of the thesis is “Expression of Literary Sensibility through Cultural Artifacts: A Study of Adivasi Folk Songs of Odisha with special reference to Kuvi Language”.

“Back in 2007, I first heard about KISS and KIIT from my friend Basanta Kadraka, who was already studying at KISS School. His stories really sparked my interest especially the way KISS supported tribal students like us in Bhubaneswar. It made me curious and hopeful. The same curiosity motivated me to apply at KISS in STD 6, but God had other plans, perhaps and I did not get through that year. As they say when God closes one door, He opens another. In the year 2008, I got a chance to join Class 7 in 2008. That was the beginning of my journey as a proud KISSIAN.

My time in high school at KISS shaped who I am today. I learned not just academics, but also life skills through the Life Skills Education (LSE) program, with guidance from our seniors who felt more like elder brothers and sisters. In 2013, I appeared for my Class 10 Board Exams and scored 57%. I was happy to pass, though a bit disappointed with the marks. Still, I had a deep love for Science and wanted to study it further.

But due to the rules at the time, I was not eligible to take Science in Plus Two. So, I shifted my focus and joined the Arts stream from 2013 to 2015. I gave it my all and secured First Division with 415 marks. Later, I decided to continue with English for my Undergraduate studies and completed it with a CGPA of 6.16.

In 2017, KISS earned university status, and I got another big opportunity: to pursue my Post-Graduation in English. I earned a CGPA of 7.08 in my Master’s degree. Still eager to learn and grow, I appeared for the Ph.D. entrance exam. When I got the confirmation email from KISS- DU, I was beyond excited,it felt like a dream come true.

I began my Ph.D. in English in 2020 under the guidance of Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Associate Professor, Department of English. I completed my coursework with an 8.38 CGPA. Dr. Bhoi has been an incredible mentorknowledgeable, kind and deeply supportive. I am also grateful to my RSC members, Dr. Ratnaprava Parija, Dr. Preetinanda Roy and all my revered teachers of English Department. The support from the department has played a big role in helping me move closer to my dream of earning a doctoral degree. I am obliged to our Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and Registrar Sir for their support and encouragement. I would also like to thank Professor Jatindra Kumar Nayak, V C nominee and Professor Emeritus, KISS-DU for his unconditional support.

Above all, I am deeply grateful to our Hon’ble Founder, Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta. He is not just a visionary leader but a philanthropist who has created such an opportunity for the tribal students. To many of us, he is nothing less than a godsend. I feel truly proud and honored to be a KISSIAN.