The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, November 23, 2024 (TBB Bureau): “Education is the cornerstone of India’s economic and social growth,” said Rt. Hon. Nick Gibb, former UK Minister of State for Schools, as he addressed the 4th Annual Convocation of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS-DU) on Saturday. Hailing KISS as “one of India’s premier academic institutions,” Gibb emphasized the transformative power of education in shaping the nation’s future and unlocking its vast potential.
The convocation celebrated academic excellence and societal contributions, with honorary Doctor of Letters (D. Litt.) degrees conferred upon three luminaries for their unparalleled achievements. Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder of Dr. Batra’s Group of Companies, was honoured for his pioneering contributions to homeopathy and healthcare. Savji Dholakia, Founder of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd., received recognition for his philanthropy and leadership in the diamond industry. Dr. Pradipta Mohanty, Chairman of SN Mohanty Group of Companies, was celebrated for his transformative work in Odisha’s industrial and educational sectors.
The event also highlighted the achievements of 8 PhD and 426 master’s degree holders. Prestigious awards, including the Founder’s Gold Medal, Chancellor’s Gold Medals, and Vice Chancellor’s Silver Medals, were presented to students for their outstanding academic performances.
In his acceptance speech, Dholakia inspired graduates with five principles for success, urging them to believe in their abilities, maintain faith that everything is achievable, trust in divine support, embrace a victorious mindset, and treat each day as a fresh start. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to philanthropy, vowing to extend his efforts to uplift society.
Rt. Hon. Alan Gammel, MP from the UK and Guest of Eminence, commended Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KISS and KIIT, as “a visionary leader transforming lives through education.” Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Jeffrey B. Liebman, Robert W. Scrivner Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, highlighted KISS’s inclusive mission. “KISS sets a global benchmark in educating marginalized communities, exemplifying true social change,” Liebman said.
The convocation was graced by dignitaries including Vice President of KIIT & KISS Umapada Bose, Secretary R.N. Dash, Chancellor of KISS-DU Satya Tripathi, Pro-Chancellor Prof. Amreswar Galla, Vice Chancellor Prof. Deepak Kumar Behara, and Registrar Dr. P.K. Routray.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Samanta, KISS continues to shine as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for societal transformation, proving that education is the most powerful tool for change.
