Our Story

From humble beginnings with 125 students to becoming the world’s largest tribal institute, our journey is one of hope, determination, and transformative education.

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STUDENTS

receiving free education, accommodation, food and healthcare at our Bhubaneswar campus

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STUDENTS

learning across KISS Satellite Centres in Odisha.

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ALUMNI

empowered to lead independent, self-reliant lives across diverse fields

1m+
LIVES

impacted through our model of holistic tribal education

KISS Students

Growing Together

Our Journey Together

Founded in 1993 by Dr. Achyuta Samanta, KISS began with a shared vision: to nurture and uplift Odisha’s tribal communities through education and skill development.

Growing in Partnership

KISS's growth reflects the strength of collaboration with the 64 diverse tribal communities it serves, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Recognition and Responsibility

In 2017, KISS became the world's largest Indigenous university when the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Government of India) granted it Deemed-to-be-University status under the De-Novo Category – a milestone marking the recognition of Indigenous-led education at the highest level.

Rooted in Experience, Driven by Purpose

Dr. Samanta's own story reflects the resilience and determination found within the communities KISS serves. Growing up in Odisha's Kalarabanka village, facing hardship from an early age, he knows first-hand the power of education to transform lives.

Our Milestones

Key moments that shaped our journey from a small initiative to a global institution

The Beginning

125 Indigenous students came together under one roof

The beginning of KISS, founded with the belief that education is a right and a powerful tool for self-determination.

1992 – 1993

Growing community, growing hope

Student strength reached 3000, reflecting the trust and commitment of Indigenous families.

2005

U13 World Champions

KISS boys’ rugby team became U13 World Champions, showcasing talent nurtured through holistic development and sportsmanship.

2007

Global dialogue

KISS students joined a live discussion with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, highlighting our role in shaping Indigenous education worldwide.

2013

UN Recognition

KISS received Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), marking international recognition of our partnership-driven approach.

2015

India's Largest Indigenous University

Recognized as India’s largest Indigenous university by the Ministry of Human Resource Development; a milestone affirming Indigenous leadership in higher education.

2017

Leadership Award

Leadership Award by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes celebrated our impact on tribal empowerment and social justice.

2019

Expansion to new communities

Satellite centers launched in Baripada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, and Balasore, bringing education closer to Indigenous youth

2020

UNESCO Recognition

UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize conferred, recognizing our innovative literacy initiatives. KISS became the South Asia hub for FIFA Football for Schools & FIVB Volleyball for Schools, expanding sports opportunities for youth.

2022

International Green Gown Award

International Green Gown Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Sustainability honoured our commitment to sustainable development rooted in Indigenous values

2023

CUNY Partnership

City University of New York (CUNY) launches the Achyuta Samanta India Initiative at CUNY Crest Institute (ASIICCI), a first-of-its-kind U.S. research centre named after an Indian educator, honouring Dr. Samanta’s grassroots education model.

2025

Holistic Development

Educate

Providing quality education from kindergarten through post-graduation, fostering intellectual growth and academic excellence.

Enable

Building skills and capabilities for lifelong success, empowering students with practical knowledge and vocational training.

Empower

Creating leaders and change-makers in communities, nurturing future generations of Indigenous leaders and innovators.

Our Commitment to the Future

KISS is committed to reaching over two million young people directly in the next decade, making sure no child is left behind because of poverty or geography. Through our guiding principles – Educate, Enable, Empower – we continue to build a future where education is a right, culture is celebrated, and empowerment is shared.