KISS DU Holds 6th Annual Convocation
“Never Lose Your Curiosity”: President, International Court of Justice (ICJ)
By Swagatika Mohapatra
Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University held its 6th Annual Convocation today, conferring Honoris Causa degrees on six distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions to society, education, justice and public service.
The honorary degrees were conferred on Judge Iwasawa Yuji, President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ); Judge Bogdan-Lucian Aurescu and Judge Leonardo Nemer Caldeira Brant, both judges of the ICJ; Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women; Dr. Anuradha Sharma (Mataji), Chairperson of Pt. Ram Narayan Sharma Educational Trust and RNS World School, Uttar Pradesh; and Shri Surendra Nath Panda, Founder and Chairman of JayBharat Foundation and Bharat Masala, Cuttack.
On the occasion, the prestigious ‘KISS Humanitarian Award’ was conferred upon Judge Yuji Iwasawa, President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), The Hague. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT, KISS & KIMS handed over the award to Judge Iwasawa in the presence of Smt. Saswati Bal, President, KIIT & KISS; Shri Umapada Bose, Vice-President.
Addressing 40,000 students of KISS, Chief Guest Judge Iwasawa Yuji congratulated the graduates and urged them to remain curious, contribute to communities and embrace uncertainty in life. “Don’t afraid uncertainty, go ahead with confidence to attain your goal”, he said. He emphasised that education does not end with graduation but marks the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.
ICJ Judge Bogdan-Lucian Aurescu said that teaching is one of the noblest forms of public service. He urged students to remain passionate about their profession, as passion inspires continuous learning and growth. He also advised them never to neglect their responsibilities towards their families, communities and country.
In his acceptance speech, ICJ Judge Leonardo Nemer Caldeira Brant said, “This honour is truly exceptional for me and will remain a cherished memory throughout my life. I have never witnessed such a wonderful gathering anywhere in the world. The success story of KISS is truly remarkable,” he said.
Addressing the degree recipients, Mataji urged students to follow the ideals and philosophy of KISS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta. “This would be the best way to give back to your institution,” she said.
Quoting the great Odia saint-poet Bhima Bhoi, “Let my own life suffer, if only the world may be relieved of its suffering,” Smt. Rahatkar said that the same spirit of selflessness and compassion was reflected in KISS. Dr. Samanta had demonstrated how compassion, combined with vision and determination, could create an institution capable of transforming generations. By empowering tribal children while preserving and respecting their cultural heritage, KISS reminds us that true empowerment lies in embracing the future without losing touch with one’s roots, she said.
A total of 469 students, including Ph.D. scholars, were awarded degrees at the convocation. Enketeswar Kandagari, the university’s best graduating student, received the prestigious Founder’s Gold Medal. Seven students who secured the highest CGPA in their respective disciplines were conferred the Chancellor’s Gold Medals, while another seven students with the second-highest CGPA in their respective disciplines received the Vice-Chancellor’s Silver Medals.
Among others, KISS Secretary Shri R. N. Dash; Secretary KIIT, Shri Manorajnan Pradhan; Shri Ashok Kumar Parija, Chancellor, KISS-DU, Prof Deepak Behera, Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Saranjit Singh, VC, and Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar were present on the occasion.
