Mr. Santha Ram Majhi, the 10th Ph.D. Research Scholar under the supervision of Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Odia, School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL), KISS Deemed to be University, was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree on 1st July 2026.
The doctoral thesis titled “Odisha ra Gond Janajatira Lokasahitya: Eka Adhyayana” presents a comprehensive academic study on the folk literature of the Gond tribe of Odisha. The research makes a significant contribution to the documentation, preservation and critical understanding of the rich oral literary traditions and cultural heritage of one of Odisha’s prominent indigenous communities. The study is expected to strengthen scholarly discourse in the fields of Odia literature, tribal studies and folklore research.
The scholar successfully defended his research during the Open Defense Ph.D. Viva Voce before an academic panel comprising the Research Scholars, the Research Scrutiny Committee (RSC) Members—Dr. Amulya Ratna Nanda, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Lusi Priyadarshini Nayak, Assistant Professor, Department of Odia along with the VC Nominee, Prof. Bijay Satpathy, Professor Emeritus, KISS Deemed to be University, and the External Examiner, Prof. Narayan Sahoo, Former Professor, Utkal University. The panel appreciated the scholarly merit of the research, and the scholar demonstrated a sound understanding of the subject by responding confidently to the academic observations and queries raised during the examination.
On this significant academic achievement, he extended to Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble Founder of KISS and KIIT for fostering an academic ecosystem that promotes quality research on areas related to Indigenous Knowledge System. Appreciation is also placed on record for KISS Deemed to be University for providing the necessary institutional support and opportunities that enabled the successful completion of this research work.
While sharing his sharing his journey Dr. Santha expressed his gratefulness to Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, the Registrar, the Senior Functionaries of KISS Deemed to be University for their continuous encouragement and administrative support throughout the research programme. The valuable guidance, constructive suggestions and academic support provided by the members of the Research Scrutiny Committee at different stages of the research are sincerely appreciated. The cooperation and encouragement extended by colleagues and members of the Department of Odia are also gratefully acknowledged.
The award of the Ph.D. Degree to Dr. Santha Ram Majhi not only reflects his dedication, perseverance and academic commitment but also represents a valuable contribution towards the preservation, documentation and academic recognition of the folk literary heritage of the Gond tribe of Odisha. It is expected that the findings of this research will further enrich future scholarship in Odia literature, folklore and indigenous knowledge studies.
