Dr. Laxmipriya Mallik, affectionately known as the Golden Girl of Kutlari Village, has emerged as an inspiring symbol of dedication, resilience, and academic excellence. Hailing from Kutlari village under Jhijiriguda Panchayat of Daringbadi Block in Kandhamal District, Odisha, her academic journey reflects the triumph of hard work over adversity. Laxmipriya faced severe financial hardships in her early life. Despite these challenges, she demonstrated exceptional brilliance and an unwavering commitment to education. From struggling to access primary schooling to ultimately earning a Ph.D., her journey stands as a beacon of hope for many underprivileged and indigenous students.
On 13th October 2025, Laxmipriya successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis at KISS Deemed to be University, under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Associate Professor and HoD, Department of Odia, School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL), KISS DU. She is proudly the 8th Research Scholar to complete her Ph.D. under the supervisor’s mentorship.
Her research topic, “Binsha Satabdira Odia Upanyasare Janajati Jibanara Chitra: Eka Anusilana” (“A Study on the Depiction of Tribal Life in 20th Century Odia Novels”), addressed an important area of Odia literature and tribal studies. During her open defense, she confidently responded to questions posed by Research Scholars, RSC Members : Dr. Amulya Ratna Nanda, Assistant Professor, Department of Odia and Dr. Lusi Priyadarshini Nayak, Assistant Professor, Department of Odia along with VC Nominee Professor Bijoy Satpathy, Emeritus Professor, KISS-DU, and External Examiner Professor Manindra Kumar Meher, Former Professor of Utkal University.
Dr. Rasmita Tripathy expressed deep gratitude to Professor Achyuta Samanta, Honourable Founder of KIIT, KISS, KIMS, for providing opportunities and support for research work. The consistent encouragement from the Registrar, Vice Chancellor, Additional Registrar, and other authorities of KISS Deemed to be University played a vital role in enabling such research-oriented achievements. Special thanks were also extended to the RSC Members, colleagues, and academic mentors whose guidance shaped Laxmipriya’s scholarly journey.
Belonging to the Kandha Tribe of Kandhamal, Dr. Laxmipriya stands as a proud representative of her community. Her academic success is not only a personal milestone but also an inspiration for countless indigenous students who aspire to higher education despite socio-economic constraints. Her story reflects the transformative power of education and the supportive ecosystem provided by institutions like KISS. Dr. Laxmipriya Mallik’s journey from a remote tribal village to earning a doctoral degree is a testament to perseverance, institutional support, and the guiding mentorship she received. Her life story serves as a motivational blueprint for young scholars across Odisha, especially those from marginalized and tribal backgrounds. As she continues her academic and social contributions, she remains a symbol of hope, excellence, and empowerment.
KISS-DU congratulates Dr. Laxmipriya Mallik for achieving this significant milestone and wishes her good luck in her future endeavours.
