Kolkata & Bhubaneswar: A branch of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) is set to start in Kolkata with the initiative of ‘Help Us Help Them’, a reputed city-based NGO, in association with KISS-Bhubaneswar. The ‘Bhumi Poojan’ (Groundbreaking ceremony) for the new branch was held on November 18, 2018.

 KISS-Kolkata will start functioning from the coming academic session from a 5 acre land near IIM Joka. In the first phase 1000 poor and underprivileged children will get education free of cost. Ms. Mukti Gupta, Head of ‘Help Us Help Them’ was impressed with KISS model during her recent visit to the institute. She had decided to start an institution modeled on KISS in Kolkata and purchased 5 acres of land near IIM, Joka for this purpose.

 She received encouragement from Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS towards her work for poor and under privilege children. During last six months, Ms. Gupta organized two fund raising programmes to establish the KISS branch in Kolkata. She apprised donors on the work and activities of Dr. Samanta in his presence. Ms. Gupta collected Rs. 15 crore from one corporate house in the first phase and Rs. 10 crore from another corporate house in the second phase. The Rotary Club played a major role in this funding.

 Various states of India have been showing interest to open KISS branch in their states as KISS is a successful model in empowering the poor and underprivileged children through education. Dr. Samanta is continuously trying his best to open branches of KISS in all districts of Odisha, various states of India and different countries as well. There is pleasure among Odia people in West Bengal as KISS branch is opening in Kolkata. The poor and underprivileged children of West Bengal will get opportunity to study in a branch of this iconic institution.