The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) has announced that its annual parents’ meet will be organised district-wise for the first time, following a request from the KISS Adivasi Parents’ Association (KAPA). The decision was taken during a preparatory meeting held on Sunday at the KISS campus, where representatives from tribal parent groups across Odisha were present.

Every year, lakhs of parents from within and outside Odisha visit Bhubaneswar to attend the mega parents’ meet. However, during this year’s preparatory gathering, members of KAPA urged KISS Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta to decentralise the event and conduct it at the district level to ensure wider participation and convenience for parents. Accepting the proposal, Dr. Samanta announced that district-wise parents’ meetings will be conducted from December to March.

The announcement was met with enthusiastic approval from the association members, who said the move would bring the institution closer to families across all districts. They also lauded Dr. Samanta’s unwavering commitment to tribal development. Beginning his journey at the age of 25, Dr. Samanta has dedicated 33 years to the upliftment of tribal communities through education, sports and welfare initiatives, helping KISS evolve into a major people’s movement.

KAPA members described Dr. Samanta as a visionary leader, recalling how he championed tribal causes in 1992–93, long before such issues gained wider attention. They stated that he has consistently ensured that no tribal parent faces any burden regarding their children’s education at KISS, earning him deep trust and respect. Members also expressed happiness over the institution’s expansion plan, with a new KISS branch set to open in Keonjhar, following existing expansions in Kalahandi, Balangir, Balasore and Mayurbhanj.

Among those present at the meeting were Rajya Sabha MP and tribal leader Niranjan Bishi, KAPA Secretary Lambodar Singh, KAPA President Ram Sabar, member Paramananda Majhi, KISS CEO Dr. Prashanta Kumar Rautaray and Additional CEO Pramod Patra.

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