Press Release
Third Annual Convocation of KISS Deemed to be University

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India] : Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, commonly referred to as KISS, exemplifies the manifestation of persistent determination leading to unique social innovation. It showcases the process of implementing transformative ideas to generate significant actions, ultimately giving rise to a revolutionary, sustainable, and scalable institution.
KISS commenced its journey in 1992-93 as a modest residential tribal school driven by the necessity to empower underprivileged tribal youth. The institution integrated comprehensive education, nutritious meals, skills training, and sports to uplift young boys and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Over time, it continued to develop, incorporating best practices, fostering bright minds, and grasping the intricacies to offer a holistic and transformative solution. Importantly, this transformation was achieved without sacrificing the inherent respect and appreciation for tribal culture, traditions, and heritage.
KISS, as a private institution, ventured into the challenging domain of tribal upliftment and empowerment at a time when many efforts fell short of making a significant impact. It has since evolved into the world’s largest tribal residential institution, earning praise as a successful model worthy of replication by Nobel Laureates, legal luminaries, academicians, policymakers, statesmen, writers, and celebrities who have visited KISS.
KISS is unique, the only residential educational institution in the world providing free education, accommodation, medical care, vocational, athletic, and artistic training and preparation for competitive examinations to 80,000 tribal children.
The students come from 62 different tribal communities within the region, of which 13 are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Of these, 30,000 students are studying at the main campus in Bhubaneswar. It has a strong alumni base of 40,000 empowered boys and girls, and another 10,000 students study at 10 satellite centres of KISS across Odisha. It has created an archetype by implementing its cardinal features for the primary and the satellite centres – a fully free-of-cost residential model institute catering to the needs of deprived and underprivileged children. It is a prototype for empowering girls through the tool of education.
The sheer number of girls at the institution is an indicator of the scale at which KISS resonates with the cause of educating girls to learn and lead without fear. What makes KISS stand as a trailblazer is its innovative pedagogic practices that equip the students with the advantage of modern formal education, yet stay close to the roots of the rich tribal legacy. KISS has indirectly impacted over a million tribal children and youth which is in itself a milestone.
While dropouts remain an aching sore in our educational system, KISS has substantially reduced dropout rates, child marriage, gender-based harassment, left-wing extremism, proselytisation, ignorance, and superstition through education-led empowerment. It has stimulated awareness of the importance of education, girl-child empowerment, up-skilling and vocational empowerment, entrepreneurship, and addressing the SDGs. KISS has also advocated the indigenous wisdom accumulated over the years of how tribal communities are real caretakers of the ecosystem and nature.
KISS provides a complete academic solution, offering scope for Higher Education up to postgraduate and Doctorate levels and assurance for employability so that the students don’t feel lost out. The higher education wing of KISS was granted university status in 2017 by the Ministry of Education (then Human Resource and Development Ministry), Government of India, and it became the first Deemed to be University exclusively for tribals.
KISS Deemed to be University, steered by veteran academicians and experienced administrative personnel, has taken some ground-breaking pedagogic novelties like inducting 14 Professors of Practice and 24 eminent academicians as Emeritus Professors, and an Innovation Council to spearhead activities of the academic research centres on Entrepreneurship, Sacred Groves, Languages and Narratives, Herbal Medicine and so on. It has instituted seven Research Chairs after the name of Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das, Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi, Prabada Purusha Biju Patnaik, B. R. Ambedkar, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and Saheed Laxman Nayak to have an in-depth studies and research on life and works of the great personalities of Odisha. KISS-DU has also signed MoUs with many national and international universities and institutions for greater academic synergy.
The Third Convocation of KISS Deemed to be University is being held on 25th November 2023. It is a matter of great honour that Shri Raghubar Das, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, will be the Chief Guest, while Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan, Hon’ble Governor of Chhattisgarh, will grace the occasion as the Guest of Eminence. Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Govt. of India and Former CEO, NITI Aayog will deliver the Convocation Address, and Dr. Ricky G. Kej, Internationally Renowned Indian Music Composer & Three-time Grammy Award Winner will adorn the event as the Guest of Honour.
I am delighted that Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan, Hon’ble Governor of Chhattisgarh is being conferred with Honoris Causa degree at the Convocation, along with two other distinguished personalities: His Holiness Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President & Spiritual Head, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh; and Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore and Chairman, Board of Elevandi, Singapore. They are being honored for their immense achievements and remarkable dedication, and I am grateful to them for agreeing to accept the Honoris Causa degree.
Over 350 students will get degrees for completing their Masters and Ph.D. programs successfully. The brightest and the most promising graduates will be conferred with Founder’s Gold Medal, Chancellor’s Gold Medal and Vice Chancellor’s Silver Medal at the ceremony. On this historic occasion, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the stakeholders of KIIT – the rice bowl of KISS – for their unflinching support. I would like to express my thanks to all the well-wishers of KISS for their love, affection, and belief in our cause.
I owe a debt of gratitude to the staff and students of KIIT and KISS for their untiring efforts to help KISS reach the level it stands today. KISS, which started as an idea metamorphosed into an institution and a revolution, calling for the creation of more prototypes by providing a local sustainable solution to a pressing global problem.
We envisage KISS Deemed to be University to stand as a think-tank for tribal issues to academically debate, discuss and critically analyse tribal policies, laws, language, culture and offer solutions for its continuous and comprehensive enhancement in the course of its evolution in particular and to the wider society in general. Now KISS is a brand and in the coming year KISS will be one of the best research universities in the country and beyond.
As Victor Hugo puts it, “Teach the ignorant as much as you can; society is culpable in not providing free education for all and it must answer for the night which it produces. If the soul is left in darkness, sins will be committed. The guilty one is not he who commits the sin, but he who causes the darkness.” And I add, we are a small drop in an ocean to remove darkness as the secret of getting ahead is getting started with a belief that “Education is the third eye of a child”.
The writer is the Founder of KIIT & KISS.
Press Release
Sammy’s Dreamland Launches Twin Landmark Projects at Glamorous Channel Partner & Media Event’The Most Luxurious Residential Community in Bangalore’

Sammy’s Dreamland, the pioneering brand known for creating the award-winning amusement park in the early 2000s, is now reshaping Bangalore’s luxury housing landscape. The company has officially launched two iconic residential projects: Nature’s Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard, heralding a new chapter in premium urban living.
Teaming up with top-tier real estate giants such as Embassy Boulevard, Godrej, Assetz, and Puravankara, Sammy’s Dreamland is developing one of Bangalore’s most exclusive and sophisticated residential enclaves — “The Most Luxurious Residential Community in Bangalore.” Perfectly positioned between Kempegowda International Airport and the city’s central business district, these developments boast designs from renowned international and U.S.-based architectural firms, elevating the standards of design and innovation.
At a special Channel Partner and Media Showcase held yesterday in Bengaluru, the projects were unveiled in a celebration of creativity, lifestyle, and community spirit. The event was elevated by the presence of four distinguished guests:
- Ms. Sweezal Furtado, Miss Global India 2024
- Mr. Indrajit Lankesh, acclaimed director and producer
- Ms. Revathi S. Kamath, legendary architect and mother of Zerodha co-founders Mr. Nithin and Mr. Nikhil Kamath
- Mr. Sammy Nanwani, Chairman of Sammy’s Dreamland, noted film producer and humanitarian
The unveiling brought together thought leaders, media professionals, and channel partners, all of whom were given an exclusive first look at the master plans and standout features that distinguish Nature’s Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard.
Addressing the audience, Mr. Sammy Nanwani shared:
“With Nature’s Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard, we are designing more than just residences — we are cultivating sanctuaries of balance, where nature and modern living exist in perfect harmony.”
These projects underscore Sammy’s Dreamland’s deep-rooted commitment to eco-conscious development, holistic living, and innovative architecture, setting a new benchmark for future communities.
Bookings are now live, and both projects have already begun capturing the imagination of homebuyers, investors, and the broader real estate industry.
Press Release
World Art Day: Vedanta promotes Odisha’s tribal art heritage in Kalahandi

Bhawanipatna (Odisha) [India], April 21: Observing the World Art Day, India’s largest producer of aluminium – Vedanta – celebrated the rich artistic heritage of Odisha by organising a cultural event at Eklavya Model Residential School at Thuamul Rampur in tribal-dominated Kalahandi district.
Aimed at fostering creativity and encouraging traditional art among the school students, such an initiative was undertaken by Vedanta’s Sijimali Bauxite team.
The highlight of the event was a hands-on workshop on Saura art, one of the oldest tribal art forms of Odisha, conducted by the faculty members of Kalahandi College of Art and Research.
While the event served as a platform to nurture young talent as well as instill a sense of pride and awareness about local art forms, more than 120 participating students displayed their latent talents on the origin, symbolism and techniques of Saura art by deepening their understanding of the region’s indigenous culture and its relevance in today’s world.
The students showcased immense enthusiasm and creativity by bringing to life vibrant depictions of folklore and daily life through their art.
Appreciating the effort, Satya Prakash Satya, Headmaster, Eklavya Model Residential School expressed, “We are grateful to Vedanta Aluminium for organizing such a meaningful event that connects our students with their cultural roots. The Saura art workshop not only enriched their artistic skills, but also strengthened their appreciation for Odisha’s tribal heritage. This initiative will go a long way in nurturing creativity and cultural pride.”
Speaking about the initiative, Vedanta Bauxite Mines Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Nitin Tiwari said, “Our community development efforts are deeply rooted in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the regions we operate in. Through events like these, we aim to inspire the younger generation to embrace their roots while exploring their creative potential.”
“We’ll continue to work closely with the local communities to drive sustainable development through initiatives in education, health, livelihood, infrastructure development, sports and cultural preservation,” averred the CEO.
Notably, Vedanta’s social impact initiatives rooted in the ethos of care and partnership have touched the lives of 1.5 lakh people across 67 villages of Kalahandi district and 5 lakh people across Odisha.
Business
Cleanz24: The Go-To Laundry Franchise for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in India

Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 2: Cleanz24, India’s fastest-growing laundry and dry cleaning franchise chain, is setting benchmarks in the franchising world. In just nine months, the brand has successfully expanded to 50+ stores, establishing itself as a trusted name in the laundry industry. With ambitious plans to reach 100+ stores by the end of 2025 and a vision to achieve 1,000+ stores over the next four years, Cleanz24 is empowering aspiring entrepreneurs across the country to join its mission of revolutionizing the laundry sector.
A Proven Business Model for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Cleanz24 offers a hassle-free and profitable franchise model designed to meet the needs of first-time and experienced entrepreneurs alike. With low operational complexities, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, Cleanz24 ensures that franchisees have the tools and knowledge to succeed.
“Our success is built on the success of our franchisees. With Cleanz24, you’re not just starting a business—you’re joining a community that’s dedicated to excellence and growth,” said Somnath, CEO at Cleanz24.
Why Cleanz24 Is the Preferred Choice for Entrepreneurs
- Rapid Expansion: 50+ stores in 9 months, with an ambitious goal of 100+ stores by the end of 2025 and 1,000+ stores in the next four years.
- High Returns: Proven business model with the potential for strong ROI within the first year.
- Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive step-by-step guidance, from location selection to marketing strategies.
- Sustainable Practices: Cleanz24 prioritizes eco-friendly solutions, making it a responsible choice for today’s conscious consumers.
Driving Growth in India’s Laundry Industry
India’s laundry industry is witnessing rapid growth, driven by increasing urbanization and the rising demand for professional services. With a market size valued at billions, the sector offers immense potential for organized players like Cleanz24. The brand’s focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and entrepreneurship has made it a standout name in this burgeoning industry.
A Bright Future for Cleanz24 Franchisees
Cleanz24’s franchise model is designed to deliver results. With a robust system that minimizes operational challenges, franchisees can focus on providing high-quality services to their customers. The company’s commitment to growth and support ensures that every partner has the tools to thrive in this lucrative industry.
“We’re proud of the milestones we’ve achieved, but this is just the beginning. Our vision is to create a network of 1,000+ successful franchises over the next four years, offering unparalleled services to customers and opportunities to entrepreneurs across India,” added Somnath.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking for a profitable business opportunity, Cleanz24 is the ideal partner. With a growing network, proven business model, and dedicated support, Cleanz24 is the go-to laundry franchise in India.
About Cleanz24
Cleanz24 is a premier laundry and dry cleaning franchise chain in India, committed to delivering quality, convenience, and sustainability. With over 50+ stores in its network and plans to expand to 1,000+ stores in the next four years, the brand is revolutionizing the laundry industry and empowering entrepreneurs to achieve their business dreams.
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