The Anti-Ragging Cell of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University (KISS-DU) celebrated Anti-Ragging Day on 12th August 2026. This was followed by the observance of Anti-Ragging Week from 12th August to 18th August 2026. Every year, the University strengthens its commitment towards zero tolerance to ragging on campus. Since its inception, it has pursued its endeavours to curb the menace of ragging in all its forms and to conduct regular sessions on various institutional practices and mechanisms, for the information of students and their family members. All seven Schools, various Cells, and Statutory Committees of KISS-DU joined hands with KISS-DU’s Anti-Ragging Cell to organise this week-long activity.
This brief report is a testament to the awareness sessions, campaigns, poster-making activity, and invited lectures over the course of one week and encapsulates glimpses of this celebration.
School of Tribal Heritage and tribal Indology (STHTI)
The Anti-Ragging Cell, KISS-DU organized Anti-Ragging Day on 12th August 2026. This was organized in joint collaboration with the School of Tribal Heritage and Tribal Indology (STHTI), Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and NEP SAARTHI Cell, KISS-DU on the theme “Say No To Ragging, Yes To Joyful Campus.”
The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, seeking blessings and setting the context for the proceedings. Dr. Sujata Acharya, Dean STHTI and Coordinator, NEP SAARTHI Cell, in her Welcome Address, highlighted the significance of curbing the menace of ragging on campus. She outlined the primary objective of observing Anti-Ragging Day and stressed the university’s commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students.
This was followed by the Anti-Ragging Pledge, in which all students, faculty members, and attendees, including dignitaries, collectively affirmed their shared responsibility to uproot ragging in all its forms and to build a compassionate campus community. In turn, Dr. Manoj Kumar Behera, Additional Registrar, KISS-DU, addressed the gathering on institutional anti-ragging measures and policies, as well as the active support systems available to assist students across the university.
Dr Srinibas Panda, Controller of Examinations, KISS-DU, highlighted the importance of healthy interpersonal relationships among friends and emphasised that KISS has been a ragging-free campus since its inception. Dr. Snigdharani Panda, Joint Registrar, KISS-DU, highlighted the role of mutual respect and mental well-being in establishing a positive academic atmosphere. Furthermore, she added that this day is particularly relevant, as we also observe International Youth Day today. Established by the United Nations, it highlights potential advocacy and solutions for issues experienced by youth globally. Talking about this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”. This theme underscores that, despite diverse social, economic and cultural realities, young people worldwide share unified goals for dignity, opportunity and a sustainable future. Using this as a pretext, Dr. Panda spoke on the relevance of this year’s theme in the context of KISS. She highlighted how this pristine institution is transforming the lives of indigenous youth who hail from remote tribal hinterlands and experience fewer opportunities
Students presented a short play depicting the ill effects of ragging and highlighting how empathy, positive peer interaction, and zero-tolerance policies contribute to a joyful campus culture.
Mr. Kusha Mandika, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Computer Science and member of the NEP SAARTHI, KISS-DU, expressed gratitude to the senior functionaries, organisers, performers, and students for their support and participation.
School of Tribal Legal Studies and Tribal Rights (STLS&TR)
The Anti-Ragging Cell, KISS-DU in collaboration with the School of Tribal Legal Studies and Tribal Rights (STLS&TR), Centre for Women’s Studies, Internal Quality Assurance Cell jointly organized a Distinguished Invited Lecture on 13th August 2026 to mark the Anti-Ragging Week. The lecture was organized on the theme Empathy and Human Dignity. Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Chair Professor, Ambedkar Chair and Dean of School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL) delivered a session on “Human Empathy through Ambedkarite Lens”.
The programme commenced with a warm Welcome Address by Dr. Pragyan Mohanty, Dean, School of STLS&TR, KISS-DU, who welcomed the resource person, faculty members, and students to the Distinguished Invited Lecture organised as part of Anti-Ragging Week.
Dr. Priyanka Kanrar, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, introduced the resource person, Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Chair Professor, Ambedkar Chair and Dean, School of CTLL, KISS-DU, and highlighted his academic contributions.
Dr. Bhoi delivered an insightful lecture on “Human Empathy through Ambedkarite Lens,” focusing on empathy, human dignity, mutual respect, and responsible behaviour. He explained the difference between sympathy and empathy. He also highlighted the importance of kind and respectful communication. Further, he discussed the contributions of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KISS, KIIT, and KIMS, towards education, social development, and the empowerment of indigenous communities. He opined that it is a testament to empathy translated into social action.
The speaker emphasised the role of youth in creating a compassionate and just-society and highlighted the importance of healthy relationships between everyone on campus. He added that it is based on mutual respect, discipline, guidance, and dignity, rather than humiliation or harassment.
Dr. Bhoi further discussed the life, struggles, and ideas of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, particularly explaining Articles 15 and 17 of the Constitution of India in relation to equality, non-discrimination, and abolition of untouchability. The Anti-Ragging Pledge was administered by Dr. Maitree Padhi, Faculty, Department of Sociology, reinforcing the commitment towards a safe, inclusive, and ragging-free campus.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Babita Das, Head of the Department of Sociology, expressing gratitude to the resource person, faculty members, organisers, and students.
The programme concluded with anti-ragging slogans led by Dr. Maitree Padhi, along with the students, conveying a collective message of empathy, dignity, respect, and zero tolerance towards ragging. The lecture instilled in students appreciation for values of empathy, human dignity, equality, constitutional values, and respectful relationships, while reinforcing the collective responsibility to maintain a safe, inclusive, and ragging-free educational environment.
School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL)
The Anti-Ragging Cell, KISS-DU, in collaboration with the School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL), Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), KISS Deemed to be University, organized a programme on 17th August 2026 at 4:00 PM, KISS-DU Campus 4 at the Auditorium, KISS Campus 4 to observe Anti-Ragging Week being observed between 12th to 18th August 2026. The programme aimed to sensitise students about the harmful consequences of ragging and reinforce the University’s commitment to a safe, inclusive and ragging-free academic environment.
The programme commenced with an Introductory Address by Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Associate Professor and Head Department of Odia, SCTLL. She elaborated on the physical, psychological and emotional consequences of ragging and emphasised that it can never be justified as a tradition or expression of seniority. She urged students to uphold dignity, empathy and mutual respect and encouraged them to speak up against inappropriate behaviour.
A Debate Competition for U.G and P.G students of the SCTLL was subsequently organized on the theme “Silence on Ragging: Complicity or Fear?”, presented in English, Odia, Hindi, Santali and Sanskrit. The multilingual debate encouraged students to examine the role of fear, peer pressure, bystander responsibility and institutional accountability in perpetuating ragging. The participants presented thoughtful and compelling arguments on the need for collective action and responsible intervention. Pinki Pradhan, P.G 2nd Year, Department of English, secured the First Prize; Jaba Murmu, U.G 2nd Year, Department of Odia, secured the Second Prize; and Geetanjali Tudu, P.G 2nd Year, Department of Odia, bagged the Third Prize.
The Postgraduate students of the SCTLL then presented posters on the anti-ragging theme, creatively communicating messages of dignity, equality, empathy, friendship and responsible student conduct. This was followed by a thematic play presented by the P.G students of the Department of Hindi. Through an engaging portrayal of student experiences, the play highlighted the psychological impact of ragging, the fear-induced silence of bystanders and the importance of speaking up and seeking institutional support. The performance effectively conveyed that true seniority lies in mentoring and supporting juniors rather than intimidating them.
An Address by Dr. Snigdharani Panda, Joint Registrar and Director IQAC, KISS Deemed to be University, further reinforced the University’s firm commitment to maintaining a ragging-free campus. She highlighted the stringent preventive and monitoring measures adopted by the University and urged students to remain vigilant, responsible and fearless in reporting any incident or indication of ragging.
The Prize Distribution Ceremony followed the academic and cultural presentations, where the winners of the debate were felicitated for their achievements. The programme concluded with Concluding Remarks by Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Associate Professor and Dean, SCTLL, who emphasised that higher education must foster not only academic excellence but also empathy, ethical responsibility and respect for human dignity. He called upon students to uphold a culture of friendship, mutual respect and collective responsibility.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Naran Tudu, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Santali, SCTLL, who expressed gratitude to the University authorities, Anti-Ragging Cell, IQAC, faculty members and students for their valuable contributions. The programme successfully created awareness and reinforced the collective resolve to uphold dignity, safety, equality, empathy and zero tolerance towards ragging within the University community.
School of Indigenous Knowledge, Science and Technology (SIKST)
The Anti-Ragging Cell in collaboration with the School of Indigenous Knowledge, Science and Technology (SIKST) and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) conducted various programmes on 17th August 2026 4:00 P.M. in Room No-10 of the Academic Building to mark the Anti-Ragging Week being observed from 12th to 18th August 2026. The programme was attended by Dr. Srinibas Panda, Dean, School of IKST, Dr Yasobanta Das, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, faculty members, and students.
The programme commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. Susanta Kumar Mohapatra Assistant professor, Department of Mathematics, who welcomed the dignitaries, faculty members, and students. He highlighted the importance of creating a safe, respectful and ragging-free academic environment. This was followed by an address by the Dean Dr. Srinibas Panda, who emphasized the harmful effects of ragging and the collective responsibility of students and faculty members in preventing it.
Dr Yasobanta Das, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Dr Mrutyunjay Nayak, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, also addressed the gathering and shared their views on maintaining discipline, mutual respect, and a positive atmosphere among students. As part of the programme, students actively participated in a debate on anti-ragging and its adverse effects. This was followed by poster presentations by the students, through which they conveyed important messages regarding the prevention of ragging and the promotion of a friendly and inclusive campus environment.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Bikram Keshari Das, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, who expressed gratitude to each and every one for gracing the occasion. The Anti-Ragging Week observation was conducted successfully and reinforced the SIKST’s commitment to maintaining a safe, disciplined, inclusive, and ragging-free academic environment.
School of Tribal Resource Management (STRM)
The Anti-Ragging Cell, in collaboration with the School of Tribal Resource Management (STRM), NSS Unit of STRM, and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) organised various activities on 18th August 2026 as a part of the Anti-Ragging Week being observed from 12th to 18th August 2026 in the University to create awareness among students about the harmful effects of ragging and to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment.
As part of the programme, various competitions including Debate, Poster Making, and Slogan Writing were conducted. The activities provided students with a platform to express their views and creatively communicate the importance of preventing ragging and maintaining a culture of dignity and mutual respect. The programme commenced with an interactive opening session led by the Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, Dean, STRM, who engaged the students with a thought-provoking question on the definition of ragging. She further elaborated on the concept of anti-ragging, sharing her personal experiences and emphasizing the University’s zero-tolerance policy against any form of ragging.
A major segment of the event was devoted to competitive student presentations, starting with a Debate Competition. The entire competitive series was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges: Dr. Parikshita Khatua (HoD, Commerce), Dr. Monalisha Mishra (HoD, Geography), and Dr. Gopal Krushna Jena (HoD, Economics).
Sarita Hansda opened the competition by speaking eloquently on the importance of anti-ragging measures. Diwakar Majhi addressed the legal dimensions, educating the gathering on anti-ragging regulations and statutory penalties prescribed by the Supreme Court of India and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Jagabandhu Tudu spoke on the severe psychological and academic consequences of ragging, while Jikriya Bidikka called for collaborative student action to eradicate the menace completely. Parbati Tudu placed her thoughts with deeply moving words on mutual respect, and PhD scholar Laxman Dora delivered an inspiring speech outlining the harmful impacts of ragging and urging all students to maintain campus harmony.
The event continued with creative student activities, including a Slogan Competition conducted by the Department of Geography, where Ajoy Chakma delivered an engaging message advocating against ragging. Additionally, students from the Department of Economics conducted a Poster Presentation, displaying visually striking posters focused on building a ragging-free campus.
Following the competitions, the awards were announced:
- Debate Competition: 1st Prize – Jagabandhu Tudu; 2nd Prize – Parbati Tudu; 3rd Prize – Sudersan Kaludia.
- Slogan Competition: 1st Prize – Sukumari Murmu; 2nd Prize – Gurudeba Ekka; 3rd Prize – Bijay Sing and Sanjaya Miniaka.
- Poster Presentation: 1st Prize – Sania Kapat Patra and group; 2nd Prize – Laxmipriya; 3rd Prize – Laxmipriya.
Towards the conclusion of the programme, NSS Coordinator Mr. Rudra Samal facilitated the Anti-Ragging Oath Ceremony committing everyone present to work collectively against ragging. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, Dean, STRM, who praised all participants and organizers for their enthusiastic contribution to the successful observance of Anti-Ragging Week.
School of Comparative Indic Studies and Tribal Science (SCISTS)
The Anti-Ragging Cell, in collaboration with the School of Comparative Indic Studies and Tribal Science (SCISTS) and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), KISS-DU, organised an Awareness Programme on 18th August 2026 at 4:00 P.M as part of the Anti-Ragging Week being observed in the University premises from 12th to 18th August 2026.at 4:00 P.M. The programme aimed to raise awareness among awareness of the harmful effects of ragging and promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive academic environment. Anti-Ragging Week provides educational institutions with an opportunity to engage students through awareness campaigns, debates, slogan writing, poster-making and other participatory activities. Such activities are also consistent with the awareness measures recommended for higher educational institutions.
The programme included three major activities: a Debate Competition, a Slogan Competition and a Poster Competition and Display. These activities were organised to encourage students to express their opinions, creativity and understanding of the issue of ragging. The programme also aimed to remind students that maintaining a ragging-free campus is a collective responsibility shared by students, faculty members and the University administration.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Sangeeta Parida, Department of Botany; Dr. Bhabasha Gyanadeep Utkalaja, Department of Zoology; and Dr. Sadhni Induar, Department of Food Science. Students from different programmes and departments of the university participated enthusiastically in the activities. Their participation reflected their interest in creating awareness and promoting a positive academic atmosphere.
The programme commenced with an introductory address on the significance of Anti-Ragging Week. The students were informed about the harmful nature of ragging and the need to prevent all forms of humiliation, intimidation, harassment and discrimination within educational institutions. They were encouraged to maintain cordial relationships with one another and to seek timely assistance from faculty members or University authorities whenever they faced any concern related to ragging.
Dr. Vimal Kumar Pandey, Dean, SCISTS, addressed the students during the programme. In his address, he emphasised the importance of maintaining a completely ragging-free educational environment. He explained that ragging can seriously affect an individual’s physical and psychological well-being and can disturb the overall academic atmosphere of an institution. He encouraged students to respect one another, support their peers and behave responsibly. He further advised students to immediately report any incident or concern related to ragging to the appropriate University authorities. Dr. Pandey also stated that every student has an important role in creating a safe, inclusive and respectful campus.
The results of the competitions were announced after the completion of the activities. In the Debate Competition, Dasmat Murmu of PG-II Year, Zoology, secured the first prize, while Nagma Jina of UG-III, Botany, received the second prize. Chandini Pujari of UG-II secured the third prize. In the Slogan Competition, Anita Majhi of UG-II, Zoology, won the first prize, followed by Pragyan Priyadarshini Nayak of UG-II, Zoology, in the second position and Ankita Oram of UG-III, Botany, in the third position.
In the Poster Competition, Krishma Challan of UG-III, Botany, secured the first prize. Pusanjali of UG-III, Botany, received the second prize, while Parsi Tudu of UG-III, Environmental Science, secured the third prize. The winners were recognised for their creativity, clarity of expression and commitment to spreading anti-ragging messages.
The programme was successfully conducted with the active involvement of the faculty and students. The faculty coordinators guided the participants and encouraged them to present their ideas confidently. Other faculty members of the School also motivated the students and supported the smooth organisation of the activities.
The Anti-Ragging Week programme successfully created awareness about the importance of a safe, respectful and ragging-free campus. The debate developed students’ critical thinking and communication skills, while the slogan and poster competitions encouraged creativity and effective communication. More importantly, the programme reinforced the message that preventing ragging is a shared responsibility. The event concluded with an appeal to all students to uphold dignity, empathy, discipline and mutual respect in every interaction and to work together to build a peaceful and inclusive academic community.
School of Tribal Culture, Philosophy and Eco-spiritualism (STCPE)
The Anti-Ragging Cell in collaboration with the School of Tribal Culture, Philosophy and Eco-spiritualism (STCPE) and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) organized An Anti-Ragging Awareness Programme on 18th August 2026 at the Training and Placement Cell, KISS Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, as part of the celebration of Anti-Ragging Week at 4:00 P.M. on the theme “Say No to Ragging, Yes to a Joyful Campus”. The programme was organized with the objective of creating awareness among students about the harmful effects of ragging and promoting a safe, respectful, inclusive, and joyful campus environment.
The programme commenced with an Anti-Ragging Pledge taken by PG-II and UG-III students from the four STCPE departments. This was followed by a brief address by Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay, Dean, School of Tribal Culture, Philosophy and Eco-spiritualism, KISS-DU, who highlighted the significance of observing Anti-Ragging Week and emphasized the importance of maintaining a ragging-free campus.
The Heads of Departments, including faculty members, also addressed the gathering and spoke about the value and importance of a ragging-free campus. They encouraged students to maintain mutual respect, discipline, empathy, and cooperation with one another.
One of the most engaging parts of the programme was the speech and presentation session by students. Six students from each department, representing UG-II, UG-III, and PG-II, participated and delivered thoughtful, informative, and impactful speeches on the issue of ragging. Their presentations highlighted the harmful effects of ragging on students’ dignity, academic life, emotional well-being, and overall development. The students strongly emphasized that ragging should never be considered a form of entertainment or interaction and that every student deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. The programme witnessed active participation from students and staff members. The students delivered very informative, meaningful, and impressive speeches on the issue of ragging. Through their speeches, they highlighted the negative impact of ragging on students’ mental well-being, academic life, dignity, and overall development. They also emphasized the importance of mutual respect, empathy, discipline, and maintaining a positive atmosphere within educational institutions. The students expressed that ragging should never be considered a form of entertainment or interaction. Instead, every student should be treated with dignity and respect. They encouraged their fellow students to speak up against ragging and to seek help from teachers, mentors, or the concerned authorities whenever they face any uncomfortable or inappropriate situation.
The programme also provided an opportunity for students to understand their responsibilities in maintaining a ragging-free campus. The speakers emphasized that a healthy educational environment can be created only through cooperation, awareness, and responsible behaviour among students and staff. The programme was attended by staff members of the TCSPE School, as well as other members of the institution. Their presence and support encouraged the students to participate actively in the awareness programme. The staff members also appreciated the students’ confident participation and thoughtful speeches.
The programme was further enriched by the summation by senior faculty members from the respective departments. Their valuable observations and guidance encouraged students to take collective responsibility for maintaining a safe and supportive academic environment.
The event also included a march to the passage before Campus 4, followed by a Student and Faculty March with slogans from Campus 4 to the Main Gate. The march created a strong sense of awareness and unity among the participants and conveyed the message of saying “No to Ragging” and promoting a joyful and respectful campus. The programme concluded with a brief closing session before the Campus 4 entrance, followed by dispersal. Overall, the Anti-Ragging Awareness Programme was meaningful, informative, engaging, and inspiring. The active participation of students and faculty members made the event successful and strengthened the collective commitment towards creating a safe, inclusive, respectful, and completely ragging-free campus.
Overall, the Anti-Ragging Awareness Programme was meaningful, informative, and inspiring. It successfully created awareness among the participants about the importance of preventing ragging and fostering a culture of respect, equality, kindness, and mutual understanding. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and ragging-free educational environment for all students.
