Noble Laureate Abhijit Banerjee Addresses the 11th Foundation Day of KiiTIS SEN Globe
Bhubaneswar, Dec 8: KiiT International School’s SEN Globe Department celebrated its 11th Foundation Day today, with the theme “Empowering Beyond Labels.” The occasion brought together students, parents, teachers, and distinguished guests to honour the school’s commitment to inclusive education and the holistic development of neurodivergent children.
The highlight of the event was the presence of the Chief Guest, Prof. Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, Nobel Laureate and Ford Foundation International Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Banerjee underscored the immense implications of the SEN project for children with special needs. “We are all different. We constantly try to attribute success in fixed ways, and that obsession often comes from how we look at economics and productivity. But we all make choices in the world, and it is our responsibility to discover what is truly productive,” he said.
He strongly criticised rigid learning methods, particularly in mathematics. “By insisting on a single way of doing maths, we discourage children. We suppress their innovative ways of thinking and their different approaches to words and numbers. This is where we unknowingly stand in the way of education,” Prof Banerjee observed. Emphasising opportunity over labelling, he added, “You should give children opportunities, and they will take them. Instead of deciding who is capable and who is not, we should nurture the abilities that each child has.”
Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta, while addressing the gathering, expressed his admiration for the Nobel laureate. “Today, we have with us a wonderful human being, Abhijeet Banerjee ji. He has delivered a beautiful and meaningful lecture for all of you,” he said. Dr. Samanta also highlighted the uniqueness of KiiTIS SEN Globe, stating that no other international school integrates children with special needs into mainstream education in such a comprehensive way. “These children are gaining confidence, and that is our biggest achievement,” he added.
In the welcome address, Dr. Mona Lisa Bal, Chairperson KiiT International School, expressed deep pride in hosting Prof. Banerjee, noting how his pioneering research on poverty alleviation and educational interventions resonates with SEN Globe’s efforts to support children with special educational needs through structured, evidence-informed practices. She highlighted the work of special educators, psychologists, and therapists who constantly strive to provide individualized support so that every learner can thrive.
The cultural segment of the celebration featured captivating performances by SEN Globe students, including music and dance that showcased their confidence, creativity, and joy. A graceful classical performance by Bal Shakti Puraskar Korok Biswas particularly moved the audience, symbolizing how appropriate support and encouragement can help children express their talents on a larger stage.
The program included the felicitation of teachers and staff in recognition of their dedication to nurturing neurodivergent learners with patience, empathy, and professionalism.
