KISS Model of Holistic Education for Tribal Children Earns Praise in Lok Sabha

New Delhi : Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar, home to 80,000 tribal children that provides holistic education, boarding, healthcare, vocational and sports empowerment at a fully free residential school from Kindergarten to Post-graduation and beyond, has been lauded and appreciated by Members of Parliament during the discussion on the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha on 7 December 2023.

Brahmapur MP Chandrashekar Sahu of Biju Janata Dal cited the model of KISS while underlining the initiatives of the State Government. Former Minister and current MP from Saran in Bihar, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, once again appreciated the work of DR. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS, and congratulated him for his phenomenal work in empowering tribal children as he recounted his visit to KISS. Leader of opposition, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also quoted the work of KISS and praised it as a pioneering concept. In his reply, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan acknowledged the example cited by other Members of Parliament, while lauding the KISS model.

The KISS model is an excellent approach to educating tribal children and has empowered the tribal communities. About 80,000 members have reaped the benefits directly and over 8 million indirectly.

“Such recognition helps me to continue with great enthusiasm. The KISS model has been appreciated across party lines and something happening in Telangana, Odisha is being cited. This is a moment of pride for KISS, Odisha, and all of India. A small effort of mine has become such a huge revolution that it is now being quoted, cited as an example, and followed by all, that too on the floor of the house – truly an honor for me. I am humbled and dedicate all recognition to the students and staff of KISS and KIIT and our stakeholders and well-wishers,” said Dr. Achyuta Samanta.

Earlier too, Virendra Kumar, a senior MP from Madhya Pradesh and currently the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and Om Birla, Speaker, Lok Sabha have recognised and wholeheartedly appreciated the initiative of Dr. Achyuta Samanta that is empowering tribals through holistic education.