On 25th August 2025, KISS Deemed to be University marked its 8th Foundation Day with a vibrant and reflective celebration that brought together senior functionaries, Deans of Schools, faculty representatives, research scholars, and students. The theme of this year’s celebration “Foundations to Frontiers” beautifully captured the institution’s journey from its visionary inception to its emergence as a global model of inclusive education and social transformation.
Central to this journey is the enduring leadership of the Hon’ble Founder of KISS, KIIT, and KIMS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, whose transformative 3E Formula Educate, Enable, Empower continues to guide the University’s vision and mission. Speakers which included students, research scholars, faculty members and staff from across disciplines who shared personal stories of growth, learning, and empowerment, expressing deep gratitude to the Founder for creating a nurturing platform where students and staff alike are encouraged to explore their true potential and transcend limitations.
With special reference to the 3E Formulae, the students in their deliberations made a special mention of how KISS has played a seminal role in transforming their lives and now they have become change agents for their communities. Mentioning real life instances, the students opined that KISS-DU’s impact extends to their families and communities as well. They added that their Parents are empowered and now envision a life for their children in becoming exemplary citizens and changemakers within their communities, contributing to a ripple effect of transformation. It is being carried out through education, skill development, and community engagement. The University enables individuals to become self-sufficient and sustainable. The research scholars highlighted the fact that since they are working on indigenous knowledge system, their research topics are both closer to their hearts and communities. Furthermore, a pertinent point was touched upon by the research scholars, how their action-based research is aligned with SDGs as well, hence contributing to meeting UN Agenda 2030.
In its eight years of glorious existence, KISS-DU has achieved remarkable milestones. The University proudly holds an ‘A’ grade accreditation from NAAC, a testament to its robust academic framework and inclusive ethos. It has earned recognition in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025, the India Academia Rankings 2025, and the Mental Health & Well-being Index 2024. Most notably, KISS-DU made a strong debut in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, securing a global rank in the 1001–1500 band and placing 50th in India—reflecting its contributions across five UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in addition to addressing all other Goals directly or indirectly. Over a period of time, the University has received national and international projects, hosted international delegations from prestigious institutions in the US like Harvard and CUNY through its India Trek Programme, offered international volunteering and internship programmes, accorded Special Consultative Status from ECOSOC, Students and Staff Exchange Programmes, inked MoUs with various national and international institutions, hosted seminars and conferences and received the prestigious UNESCO Literacy Prize in 2022 for its MTBMLE Programme.
The above accolades stand as a testament to the University’s growth both vertical and horizontal. Vertically, it has expanded its academic offerings and student strength, introducing new interdisciplinary programs aligned with NEP 2020. Horizontally, it has enriched its academic ecosystem through the appointment of Professors of Practice, Professor Emeriti, and the establishment of a Tribal Advisory Council, hence fostering deeper engagement with indigenous knowledge systems.
Beyond academics, KISS-DU has made its mark in sports, cultural preservation, and social outreach. It continues to host seminars, conferences, workshops, and sensitization programs, while forging strategic partnerships with corporates, higher education institutions, and global organizations to advance research, innovation, and digital learning.
Today, KISS-DU stands proudly on the global map not just as an institution of learning, but as a movement of social transformation, rooted in compassion, equity, and excellence. The 8th Foundation Day was not merely a celebration of years passed, but a reaffirmation of the University’s commitment to shaping futures, nurturing leadership, and building a more inclusive world.
