About KISS

9% of India's population is tribal, and in Odisha, over 22.8% live in poverty with low literacy rates and limited access to education and healthcare. Driven by his own struggles, Dr. Achyuta Samanta founded the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in 1992-93. Starting with 125 students, KISS now educates 80,000 indigenous children, including 30,000 on its main campus, 40,000 alumni, and 10,000 in satellite centers. It serves 62 tribal groups, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). In 2017, KISS became the world's first university exclusively for tribal students, accredited with an 'A Grade' by NAAC.

KISS promotes holistic education, girl child empowerment, vocational training, and healthcare, significantly reducing naxalism, hunger, child labor, and trafficking. The institute has produced 5000 sportspersons excelling in national and international events. Since 2015, KISS has held Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC and collaborates with UN agencies. It has received the UNESCO International Literacy Prize 2022 and Green Gown International Awards. Following the 3E approach—Educate, Enable, Empower—KISS aims to preserve tribal culture and fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, targeting to reach over 2 million children in the next decade.

Dr. Achyuta Samanta's life is a testament to determination and social responsibility. Born into poverty in a remote Odisha village and losing his father at age four, he struggled for food and education for 15 years. Despite these challenges, he began teaching at 22 and founded KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) and KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) at 25 with just Rs 5000. KIIT now ranks among India's top universities with 40,000 students from 65 countries, while KISS provides free education, healthcare, sports, and vocational training to 80,000 disadvantaged tribal students.

Dr. Samanta also established the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Dental Sciences, and Nursing Sciences, along with a 2600-bed hospital. He developed Kalarabanka, Asia's first smart village, and has made significant contributions to art, culture, literature, media, spirituality, and rural development. In sports, he nurtured 14 Olympians and promoted physical fitness and national unity. Despite his numerous achievements, Dr. Samanta leads a simple, humble life. He holds 60 Honorary Doctorates and numerous awards, including the ISA Award for Service to Humanity from Bahrain and the 'Best Worker' Award from Mongolia. He has served as a Member of Parliament for the Lok Sabha since 2019.

About Incredible India

India, the world's 7th largest country, proudly occupies the greater part of South Asia. It is home to one of the oldest and greatest civilizations. With a rich heritage and myriad attractions, the country proudly stands among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It covers an area of 3,287,263 sq. km, extending from the snow-covered Himalayan heights to the tropical rain forests of the south. India features a compelling mix of landscapes, architectural marvels, and vibrant cultural traditions. Since gaining independence, the country has proudly achieved significant socio-economic progress and has emerged as a robust economic powerhouse known for its advancements in technology and innovation. India is home to the finest architectural heritage, serene ghats, spectacular landscapes, and the largest tiger reserves. The term "Incredible India" was proudly coined by the Ministry of Tourism considering the wondrous monuments and the architecture as the crown of India's beautiful and proud history. India is called incredible because of its diversity, which proudly makes India stand out from the crowd. India is a land of diversity - religions, cultures, languages, festivals, and ethnicity. India offers a never-ending list of proud possibilities to explore and experience something new every day.