The School of Tribal Resource Management (STRM), KISS Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, celebrated World Entrepreneurs’ Day – 2026 on 21st August 2026 under the theme “Tribal Innovation Beyond Boundaries.” The programme was organized with the objective of promoting entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and problem-solving abilities among students while fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within the institution. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, students, and invited dignitaries. This session was organized in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Institution’s Innovation Council, Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Centre for the Study of Indigenous Peoples Across the Globe.
As a prelude to the celebration, STRM organized three academic competitions to encourage creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit among students. A total of 45 U.G students participated in the Painting Competition, 5 groups of P.G students competed in the Poster Presentation Competition, and 8 groups of Ph.D. scholars presented innovative business ideas in the Startup Idea Pitching Competition. The participants represented various departments of STRM, including Commerce, Geography, Economics, Entrepreneurship Development, Natural Farming, and Renewable Energy. The competitions provided an excellent platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas and interdisciplinary perspectives. First and Second prizes were awarded in each competition in recognition of outstanding performance and creativity.
The formal programme commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. Parikshita Khatua, followed by the deliberation by Dr. Kamala Kant Das, who highlighted the significance of World Entrepreneurs’ Day and introduced the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, Dr. Pinaki Nandan Pattnaik, Dean, School of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership, and Dean, Startup and Innovation, KIIT Deemed to be University.
In his keynote address, Dr. Pinaki Nandan Pattnaik emphasized that entrepreneurship is not merely about establishing businesses but about identifying societal problems and developing innovative solutions that create sustainable value. He cited the inspiring example of Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, as an exemplary social entrepreneur, whose visionary leadership, compassion, and commitment to nation-building have transformed the lives of millions through education and social empowerment. He also appreciated the unique entrepreneurial ecosystem developed by KIIT and KISS, which continues to nurture innovation, leadership, and social responsibility.
Addressing the students, Dr. Pattnaik encouraged them to identify small problems within their own surroundings and convert them into entrepreneurial opportunities through creativity and innovation. He explained that entrepreneurship is not like mathematics, where every problem has a single fixed solution, but rather a multidimensional and dynamic process requiring critical thinking, adaptability, and continuous learning. Concluding his address, he inspired the audience with two powerful quotations: “Only the wearer of the shoe knows where it pinches,” emphasizing the importance of understanding real-life problems, and “Dream those dreams that are seen with open eyes—dreams that never let you sleep,” encouraging students to pursue purposeful aspirations with determination.
The programme concluded with an interactive session, distribution of prizes to the winners of the three competitions, a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Monalisha Mishra, and a group photograph with the Chief Guest, faculty members, and students. The celebration successfully reinforced the importance of entrepreneurship as a catalyst for innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable tribal development, inspiring students to become future entrepreneurs and changemakers.
