An interaction event was undertaken between the faculties and students of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to University and delegates of Mizoram University on 12th January 2023 under the aegis of School of Tribal Legal Studies and Tribal Rights (TLSTR). Within the series of interactions, a talk between the faculties was also organized to acquire and share information and experiences about the cross-cultural practices, social systems, and ways of life of both states.


To begin the event, Dr. Pragyan Mohanty, Dean of the School of TLSTR delivered the welcome address. As 12th January is observed as ‘National Youth Day’, she encouraged and motivated the students to carry out and put into action the lessons given by Swami Vivekananda.

Dr. Krupasindhu Nayak, Head of the Sociology Programme, KISS DU introduced the resource person Dr. Brahmanada Satapathy, retired Professor of Political Science and Professor Emeritus of KISS-DU, who graced the event as the main speaker. In his deliberation, Prof. Satapathy elaborated on the lessons given by Swami Vivekananda. He mentioned that Swami Vivekananda’s lesson of choosing your Guru (teacher) is of prime importance today for the students. This not only gives rise to an effective teaching-learning process but also carries forward the age-old ‘Guru-Siksha Parampara’. Dr. Satapathy also encouraged the students to learn from the life struggles and achievements of Swami Vivekananda. Further, all the participants of the event joined virtually to the inauguration ceremony of the 26th National Youth Day celebration that was held at Huballi of Karantaka and was inaugurated by the Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and was attended virtually nationwide including students, faculty and staff from KISS-DU and Mizoram University. Ms. Maitri Padhi, faculty proposed a Vote of Thanks.

In the second half of the day, a seminar on “North-East Tribal Problems and issues” was organized by the School of Tribal Studies and Tribal Rights, KISS-DU in collaboration with Mizoram University as part of the MoU signed between both Universities

Dr. Krupasindhu Nayak, Assistant Professor in Sociology and Head of the Sociology Programme of KISS DU, welcomed the delegation from Mizoram University, Professor R.K Mohanty Head of the Sociology Department, Mizoram University, and Dr. Lalzarliana, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology Mizoram University. Dr. Nayak stated that it was a great academic exchange program as students from the universities belong to tribal backgrounds, which is the focus of the seminar.

Prof. Mohanty talked about the learnings received from Swami Vivekananda. Dr. Lalzarliana, Assistant Professor in Sociology, at Mizoram University also spoke on the occasion. He illustrated Mizoram’s culture and he discussed the struggle between tradition and modernity that the common youths are facing presently in the state. He also highlighted cultural linkages and integration. Even though the states differ in terms of region, politics, and language but they have many similarities when it comes to cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions. The platform witnessed cultural performances by the students of both the universities.
The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks by Dr. Babita Das, Assistant Professor in Sociology at KISS-DU.