Bhubaneswar- The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) has earned a place in the records of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for its outstanding contributions to empowering tribal communities through science-based, technology-driven, and evidence-based education.
During ECOSOC’s recent general session on indigenous issues, KISS was highly praised and formally acknowledged in the UN record for its impactful work. Recognized as the world’s largest indigenous education institution, KISS has made significant strides toward achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by offering a creative and inclusive educational model.
KISS is equipping tribal students with modern education, digital empowerment, and awareness of climate resilience. From artificial intelligence to global tech exposure, tribal students are being trained to face local and global challenges. The use of multilingual education in native languages at the primary level—honored by UNESCO—has proven effective in increasing student interest and participation.
The UN document notes that KISS is among the leading institutions globally in providing transformative and inclusive education within tribal communities. It currently educates around 80,000 tribal students from 64 tribal groups, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), offering academic learning alongside life skills, sports excellence, climate education, and skill development.
This holistic approach has led to noticeable change and empowerment among tribal youth. KISS’s unique model supports several key SDGs, including Goal 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequality), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace and Justice), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The UN further recognized KISS’s efforts in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions for indigenous development.
Founder of KISS and KIIT, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, expressed pride in this global acknowledgment “To have KISS discussed and recorded at the UN is a matter of honor—not just for the institution, but for Odisha and India’s tribal communities.”
KISS has held ECOSOC status since 2015, and in 2022, it received the UNESCO Literacy Prize—the UN’s highest recognition in education. In 2025, KISS also debuted in the Times Higher Education Impact Global Rankings, establishing itself as a unique global institution.
KISS runs seven specialized schools focused on areas such as tribal lifestyle, tribal legal studies, and indigenous resource management, promoting both creativity and cultural integrity. It has also introduced a unique initiative by appointing tribal experts as Professors of Practice—who, though lacking formal academic degrees, provide students with traditional and indigenous knowledge systems.
This forward-thinking model blends ancient wisdom with modern learning, positioning KISS as a global benchmark in tribal education and empowerment.
