By Onkareshwar Pandey
New Delhi, 28 June, 2019: KISS is an initiative of Prof. Samanta that was introduced to tribal students of the institute in 2006, at a time when this sports was not so popular in India. Ever since, the institute has been spawning Rugby talents, who have been making a mark at national and international level. “KISS Rugby players both boys and girls have brought laurels for India many times. They have been getting place in both Men and Women National Rugby Team for last years and performing very well in national and international championships”, said Prof. Samanta.
Recently the Indian women's rugby team scripted history by clinching their first-ever international 15-s victory against top ranked Singapore 21-19 and winning Bronze Medal at the Asia Women's Div-1 Rugby 15-s Championship. The tournament was held in Manila, Philippines from June 17-23, 2019. Five students ofKISS - Sumitra Nayak, Hupi Majhi, Rajani Sabar, Meerarani Hembram and Parbati Kisku - were the part of the Indian team. In fact, it was a penalty by KISS'sSumitra Nayak in the dying minutes of the match that sealed the narrow victory for India. Indian Women Rugby team, including Sumitra, have got praise from various spheres for this victory.
Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar are well-known across India and globe. KISS is known to all as the world's largest tribal residential institution providing accommodation, food, healthcare, and education from KG to PG, vocational training and all other basic amenities of life absolutely free to 50,000 tribal children (30,000 existing student and 20,000 alumni).
KISS has become the first University exclusively for tribal students in India and in the entire world. Similarly, KIIT is one of the most promising institutions for technical and professional education in India, attracting students from about 50 countries.