KISS - Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences

At KISS, children from different tribes and languages share a roof, a meal and a dream. They show what Sardar Patel's vision of one united India looks like every day.

We at KISS are proud to present Ancestral Basket: 50+ Recipes & Sustainable Food Traditions from Indigenous Odisha, a collection of more than 50 recipes celebrating the rich culinary heritage, traditional knowledge and sustainable food practices of Indigenous communities in Odisha. This publication is an outcome of two international research collaborations funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): Project TIGR2ESS – Transforming India’s Green Revolution by Research & Empowerment for Sustainable Food Supplies, led by the University of Cambridge, UK, and Project CHIRAG – Creative Hub for Innovation & Reciprocal Research & Action for Gender Equality, led by the University of East Anglia, UK, in collaboration with KISS, PRADAN and Gram Vaani. At a time when traditional food practices are gradually disappearing, we at KISS believe in the importance of documenting, preserving and passing on Indigenous knowledge to future generations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the women, elders, farmers and families who shared their recipes, experiences and wisdom, making this publication possible.

Under the glowing moon, we pray for good health, enough food and happiness in every household. Warm wishes to all on Gaja Lakshmi Puja from KISS.

We at KISS wish everyone a blessed and joyful Kumar Purnima. May the full moon bring happiness, prosperity, and hope, while keeping us connected to the rich cultural traditions of Odisha. ଶୁଭ କୁମାର ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣିମା!

Our campus is home to children from many communities and traditions, living, learning and playing side by side. KISS is a small example of the world the UN dreams of.

We were honoured to welcome a 17-member high-level delegation from Washington State, USA, comprising Hon’ble Senator Ms Tina Louise Orwall, Mayors of several American cities and other distinguished guests, to KIIT & KISS. The delegation visited our campuses and spent time interacting with our KISS students. It was a proud moment for the entire KISS family as the distinguished guests appreciated the discipline, confidence and talents of our students and the vision of our Founder, Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, in transforming the lives of thousands of indigenous children through free, quality education. On this special occasion, we were privileged to confer the KKIO Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 on distinguished members of the delegation in recognition of their contributions to public service and society: Ms Tina Louise Orwall, Washington State Senator; Ms Dana Lynn Ralph, Mayor of Kent; Mr Thomas Wayne McLeod, Mayor of Tukwila; Mr Mark Douglas Mullet, Mayor of Issaquah; Mr Joseph Daniel Marine, Mayor of Mukilteo; Mr Ronald Jon Frederick, Mayor of DuPont; Dr Stanley Lalit Kumar Flemming, Mayor of University Place; Mr Mohamed Ali Egal, Mayor of SeaTac; Ms Denise Teresa McCluskey, Mayor Pro Tem of University Place; Ms Toni Marie Troutner, Council Member of the City of Kent; and Mr Jugal Rashmikant Thakor, Council Member of DuPont. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Orwall and all the distinguished guests for their gracious visit, encouraging words and affection towards our students.

Behind many of our students is a mother who walked miles and worked long hours so her child could learn. We bow to the rural women whose sacrifices brought their children to KISS.

Dr Kalam believed a child's dream deserves a chance. Every day at KISS, we try to honour that belief by turning curious little minds into confident young achievers.

Celebrating the divine power of Maa Durga and the spirit of new beginnings. We at KISS wish everyone a Shubh Navratri! May this auspicious occasion bring strength, harmony, and prosperity to all.

Our girls study, play sports and lead with confidence, proving that tribal girls can achieve anything when given a fair chance. Today we cheer for every one of them.

At KISS, we remember that children need warm hugs and patient listeners as much as books. Let's keep talking, keep caring and keep every heart feeling safe.

The sound of Mahishasuramardini at dawn fills our hostels with calm and joy. Shubho Mahalaya from our KISS family.

Many of our children come from remote villages, where a letter from home means the world. Today we thank the postal family for carrying warm words across every distance.

We at KISS hosted the CHSE Inter Higher Secondary School Rugby (Boys & Girls) Selection Trial 2026–27 at the Rahul Bose Rugby Stadium. With around 110 young rugby players from across Odisha, the two-day trial brought together emerging talent competing for a place in the CHSE Odisha Rugby Team for the 70th National School Games 2026–27, scheduled to be held in Delhi from October 31 to November 5. We wish all the selected players the very best as they take Odisha’s sporting spirit to the national stage.

Our little ones look up at the sky with wide eyes and big ambitions. Thank you to the Indian Air Force for showing them that courage and discipline can take anyone to great heights.

We were pleased to welcome the visiting delegation from Japan to KISS as we celebrated Japan Day. Our guests went around the campus and saw how our students learn, live and stay connected to their culture. We were glad they could see KISS for themselves and meet our KISSians. Thank you to our friends from Japan for spending time with our children.

We at KISS were delighted to welcome Her Excellency Ms Hanisha Jairam, Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname to India, to our campus. During her visit, Her Excellency interacted with our students, engaged in meaningful conversations and shared valuable insights and words of encouragement. Her presence and interaction with our young minds made the visit truly enriching and memorable for the KISS family.

A memorable day at KISS as we had the honour of welcoming Dr Ashok Kumar Lahiri, Hon’ble Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Government of India, to our campus. His interaction with our students offered moments of inspiration, meaningful conversations and valuable insights. We deeply appreciate his time, encouragement and thoughtful words shared with our KISSians. His visit will be remembered with great warmth by the KISS family.

Behind every confident learner is a teacher who believed in them. This World Teachers’ Day, we at KISS celebrate our dedicated educators whose knowledge, mentorship and encouragement continue to shape minds and transform lives. Happy World Teachers’ Day to the inspiring educators who make learning meaningful!

A moment of immense pride and celebration at KISS as we hosted the KKIO Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony, honouring seven distinguished personalities for their remarkable contributions and achievements across diverse fields. We were privileged to honour: Padma Shri Smt Phoolbasan Bai Yadav, Founder, Maa Bamleshwari Janhitkari Samiti, Chhattisgarh Dr Brock Tessman, President, Montana State University, USA Ms Lia Olguța Vasilescu, Mayor of Craiova, Romania Mr Vasile Cârare, Mayor of Milișăuți, Romania ⁠Mr Dumitru Boroș, Mayor of Bârlad, Romania ⁠⁠Mr Erik Federico Pérez Vega, Rector, Universidad APEC, Dominican Republic Mr Jorge Calzoni, Rector, National University of Avellaneda, Argentina Their journeys of leadership, service, education and social impact continue to inspire generations. Our heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees. We at KISS are honoured to celebrate their exceptional contributions and grateful for their presence, inspiring words and encouragement to our students.