Ms. Subhra Priyadarshini, Chief Editor of Nature India, Chief Editor of Nature Global Supported Projects, and current President of the Science Journalists Association of India, visited the Dr. Ambedkar Chair (sponsored by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India) at KISS Deemed to be University on 13th December 2024, marking a significant milestone in fostering intellectual exchange and collaboration.
The Chief Editor’s engagement began with a meaningful dialogue with the functionary of the Dr. Ambedkar Chair. The Chair, known for its academic rigour and commitment to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of social justice and equity, was the perfect platform for discussions on inclusive research and scholarly pursuits. The dialogue focused on aligning the Chair’s ongoing initiatives with the global standards of excellence in academic research, an endeavour central to Nature India‘s mission of disseminating impactful knowledge.
A key highlight of the visit was the Chief Editor’s tour of the KISS campuses. As one of the largest residential educational institutions for tribal students, KISS exemplifies the transformative power of education. The campus is a living testament to inclusivity, integrating a school, college, and university into one cohesive ecosystem. The Chief Editor was deeply impressed by the KISS model, which not only provides academic education but also emphasizes holistic development, cultural preservation, and empowerment of marginalized communities.
The interaction extended to a fruitful discussion with the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of KISS-DU, Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, which centred on exploring avenues for future collaboration between the institution and Nature India. Both parties recognised the mutual benefits of such a partnership, with a shared vision to create and disseminate impactful academic content. The Chief Editor of Nature India and the Vice Chancellor of KISS-DU deliberated on the potential for publishing research and educational materials that would resonate with diverse audiences and contribute to the enrichment of India’s cultural mosaic.One of the key themes of the interaction was the role of education and research in preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage. The Chief Editor acknowledged the unique position of KISS in fostering cultural preservation through education, particularly for tribal and indigenous communities. The institution’s initiatives to document and celebrate Indian knowledge systems, traditions, and languages align seamlessly with Nature India’s goal of promoting inclusive and diverse narratives in academia.
In an era where knowledge is the cornerstone of progress, the convergence of KISS’s ethos with Nature India’s mission signifies a step forward in addressing global challenges with local solutions. Together, they embody the spirit of education as a tool for social transformation, reaffirming the enduring legacy of Dr. Ambedkar’s vision for an inclusive and empowered India.
