Five research scholars from Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University (KISS-DU), Bhubaneswar, participated in the Odisha Conference of Youth (OCOY 4.0), 2026, held at XIM University, Bhubaneswar, from 10th to 12th August 2026.
Representatives from the University included Mr. Laxman Dora (Geography), Ms. Bangi Soren (History), Ms. Linu Mundamajhi (Zoology), Mr. Mithun Pradhan (Commerce), and Mr. Dulabha Batra (Education), who collectively participated in this prestigious conference. Their participation in the conference offered an important platform to engage with young leaders, researchers, academicians, and other participants and to exchange ideas on contemporary issues related to youth4Water, society, development, sustainability, and climate action.
A significant achievement for KISS-DU was the recognition received by Mr. Laxman Dora, who was honoured with a Climate Warrior Award during the conference. The award recognises his innovative contribution and ideas towards addressing climate-related challenges and promoting sustainable solutions. This achievement is a matter of great pride for KISS-DU and reflects the relevance and social impact of the research and innovative ideas being developed by its scholars. The Senior Functionaries congratulated Laxman for bringing laurels to the University.
During the three-day conference, the participating scholars had the opportunity to attend various sessions, engage in discussions, and interact with participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Such exposure enabled them to broaden their perspectives, enhance their understanding of contemporary issues, and strengthen their communication, networking, and leadership skills. The conference also provided an opportunity for them to connect their academic and research interests with broader societal and environmental concerns.
In the recent past, KISS-DU has added more feathers to its cap by performing exemplarily in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026 and the National Green University Ranking. Such accolades are a testament to KISS-DU’s committed efforts to strengthen the Sustainable Development Goals initiatives on campus and contribute to the attainment of the UN Agenda 2030.
