The 88th Utkal Divas was celebrated by KIIT & KISS. On this occasion, KIIT & KISS fraternities paid rich tributes to the great sons of Odisha and commemorated their outstanding contribution in the formation of ‘Swatantra Odisha’.

Addressing the audience, Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS said that, today you are a member of an extended family of 100,000 staff and students of KIIT and KISS Universities. You should also feel proud and contribute your best for the growth of these two big world class institutions. During the recent past in the growth and development of our state, KIIT and KISS had great contributions and in 2036 when Odisha will celebrate its 100 years of Statehood, both our institutions will also contribute immensely.

He further said, besides technical education KIIT and KISS have also contributed so much for the development of sports infrastructure in the entire country. Recently we have received so many recognitions and especially for the first time All India Chess Federation has included KIIT University as a member in the history of chess in India. Generally states are included as members by the Federation. From among any institutions and especially from the private institutions, KIIT University has become the first such entity to get this honour.

KISS has also pioneered empowering tribals through education. While nations like the US and Australia have failed miserably in bringing tribals to the mainstream world, KISS has become successful in transforming the lives of the tribal children. It has so far educated 40,000 students through KISS and its satellite centres. In the coming days our focus will be mainly on health and especially during the coming five years we will be working very strategically to uplift the healthcare sector across Odisha, added Dr. Samanta.

In his address, Dr Subrat Acharya, Pro-Chancellor, KIIT Deemed University said, “we should always feel proud that we are Odias. I have worked for decades outside the state and always felt that I am better than others. We should have the confidence to excel from the rest.”

Gracing the occasion as Chief Speaker, Prof Harekrishna Satapathy Ex VC KISS-DU & Advisor KISS remarked that “KIIT and KISS Universities have created a special place in the world in education, health, science, technology and humanity. The staff and faculty of KIIT-KISS are also feeling proud of being part of the two such great institutions. Within 88 years of Odisha’s progress KIIT-KISS has contributed immensely. I am sure when Odisha will celebrate its 100 years of Statehood, KIIT and KISS will again have a major share under the leadership of statesman and educationist and the Founder of KIIT-KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta. These two institutions have become a mini world with students from 65 nations and the alumni are treated with much respect and love wherever they go across the globe. Dr. Samanta has made these two great institutions with such a vision that they will one day become the epicenters of education, spirituality, humanity, knowledge, consciousness, fortune and future in the entire world.”

Among the dignitaries, Prof. Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice Chancellor of KISS DU; Prof. Sharanjit Singh, Pro Chancellor, KIIT DU; and Dr. CBK Mohanty, Pro Chancellor, KIMS etc spoke on the occasion. Prof Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT DU proposed vote of thanks. Little wonder Shreyashi Joshi performed Odissi Dance much to the delight of the audience.