Bhubaneswar: The 21st annual convocation of KIIT-DU, scheduled from September 26–28, represents a significant milestone in our institutional journey. This year’s event is particularly noteworthy as it has been organized over three days to effectively accommodate a large number of graduates and their families. Notable attendees will include Nobel laureates from Tunisia and Sri Lanka, esteemed jurists Justice Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf and Justice Dalveer Bhandari from the International Court of Justice, along with distinguished dignitaries from around the globe. The two Nobel laureates will contribute to a rich legacy of 22 Nobel laureates who have previously visited our campus, imparting their wisdom and insights to our academic community.
Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of how a humble dream has transformed into a global center for education in a relatively short time—28 years as an institute and 21 years as a university. Currently, KIIT comprises 23 schools and provides an educational home to over 40,000 Indian students and 2,000 international students from 70 countries. KIIT Engineering is ranked among the best worldwide in the Times Higher Education Rankings, while KIIT Law School is recognized as one of India’s top 10 law schools. The Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) ranks 24th among Indian medical colleges, and the KIIT School of Biotechnology (KSBT) has been acknowledged as a Centre of Excellence.
The Technology Business Incubator (TBI) is recognized as India’s leading private bio-incubator, promoting innovation and start-ups. KIIT has consistently excelled in placements, with many prominent national and international companies recruiting from our campus. Numerous students also pursue advanced studies at prestigious universities. I empathize with the challenges families encounter when investing in their children’s education. Having once been a student with limited financial means yet boundless aspirations, I understand the significance of fostering an environment where financial constraints do not hinder educational success. The university boasts excellent classrooms, laboratories, facilities, a 2,600-bedded KIMS super-specialty hospital, a seven-storey central library, and a 22-storey research and innovation tower.
Our state-of-the-art auditoriums, including one with a capacity of 5,000, offer dynamic spaces for learning and interaction. Sports play a vital role in our philosophy of holistic education, and with 24 Olympians studying at KIIT, we take pride in being India’s premier hub for sports excellence. Our global outreach spans more than 100 countries, with over 350 MoUs with leading universities, innovative twinning programs, and collaborations with UN Volunteers and the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL).