“Some journeys are not measured by the distance travelled, but by the struggles overcome, the sacrifices made and the dreams fulfilled.”
— Dr. Sasmita Minz
Born on 4 July 1996 in Pograbahal, Odisha, Sasmita Minz belongs to the Oraon tribal community. Her journey is a story of determination, family sacrifice and the transformative power of education. Coming from a humble farming family, she grew up witnessing the hard work and sacrifices of her parents, Late Nata Minz and Late Ganga Minz. She is the youngest among six siblings. Despite financial difficulties, her family never allowed her dreams of education to fade. Her brothers and sisters collectively worked as labourers to support the family and help her pursue higher studies. Their sacrifices became the foundation of her academic success.
She completed her schooling at Bisra Government Girls High School, Bijadihi. With a strong desire to continue her education, she joined KISS Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, in 2016 to pursue postgraduate studies in Social Work. This opportunity became a turning point in her life. The fully free education provided by KISS enabled her to continue her studies without the financial burden that had previously challenged her family. She completed her M.A. in Social Work in 2018, followed by an M.Phil. in 2021.
In 2022, she embarked on her doctoral journey at KISS Deemed to be University with the research title, “Role of ICDS on Health and Education of Tribal Children: A Comparative Study of Sundargarh District in Odisha.” Her research focused on examining the role of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in improving the health, nutrition and educational development of tribal children, particularly through a comparison of rural and urban areas of Sundargarh district. Supported by a fellowship, she remained dedicated to her research and the academic exploration of tribal child development.
However, her Ph.D. journey was not merely an academic pursuit; it became one of the most challenging periods of her life. She lost her beloved father, Late Nata Minz, in 2024; In 2026 she faced the heartbreaking loss with the passing of her mother, Late Ganga Minz. Losing both parents during her doctoral journey was an immense emotional challenge. The people whose love, sacrifices and encouragement had shaped her dreams were no longer physically present to witness her achievement.
Following the demise of her first supervisor, she continued her doctoral research under the guidance of Dr. Pragyan Mohanty, Associate Professor and Dean, School of Tribal Legal Studies and Tribal Rights (STLS&TR), KISS Deemed to be University. Her guidance, encouragement and academic support helped her continue and complete her research despite the difficult circumstances. She also fondly remembers her former supervisor, Late Dr. Krupasindhu Nayak, with deep respect and gratitude for his contribution to her doctoral journey.
Throughout her academic journey, she remains deeply grateful to the Founder of KISS and KIIT, Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, whose vision and commitment to providing educational opportunities to underprivileged students made her journey possible. She firmly believes that without his vision and the educational opportunities provided by KISS, her journey from postgraduate studies to a doctoral degree might not have been possible. For her, KISS was not simply an educational institution; it was a place that opened doors to opportunities, strengthened her confidence and helped transform her aspirations into reality.
On 30 October 2026, after a decade of learning, dedication, research and perseverance, Sasmita Minz was officially awarded her Ph.D. degree by KISS Deemed to be University, marking the successful completion of a remarkable academic journey. From a farmer’s family to becoming Dr. Sasmita Minz, this achievement represents not only her hard work but also the sacrifices of her siblings, the dreams of her late parents and the guidance of her teachers and mentors. She dedicates this milestone to the loving memory of her parents, Late Nata Minz and Late Ganga Minz, whose love, sacrifices and blessings remain an inseparable part of her success.
Through her academic journey and research on tribal child development, she hopes to contribute to the welfare of tribal communities and inspire young tribal girls, especially those from economically disadvantaged families, to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. Her transformation from Miss Sasmita Minz to Dr. Sasmita Minz is not merely a change in title; it is a tribute to her family’s sacrifices, her parents’ dreams, the guidance of her teachers and the power of perseverance. Her journey stands as a reminder that financial hardship and life’s challenges cannot define the limits of one’s dreams.
