KIIT – Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology derives its name from a combination of historical, geographical, and symbolic elements, reflecting the institution’s journey and vision over the years. The name “Kalinga” pays tribute to the ancient region of Kalinga, which was situated in present-day Odisha. Kalinga holds significant historical importance, known for its rich heritage and contributions to culture and learning. Notably, it is also remembered for the Kalinga War, where Emperor Ashoka’s conquest of Kalinga led to a profound transformation in his life as he embraced the path of non-violence and peace. By incorporating “Kalinga” in its name, KIIT aims to draw inspiration from this historical legacy of peace and enlightenment.

KISS is a fully free residential home for 80,000 students in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since the year 2015. It is registered under Societies Act XXI of 1860. Its higher education unit, KISS Deemed to be University has been declared Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956 by the Ministry of Human resource development, Government of India, New Delhi since 2017. KISS has been conferred UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize 2022 for its contribution to preservation of indigenous languages.

The Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) is a constituent unit of KIIT Deemed to be University. The institute has redefined the healthcare services in Odisha and in neighbouring states, anchored on a genuine desire to promote a healthy society and provide advanced medical care. The 2600 bedded medical college and hospital made a humble beginning in 2007, and since then it has developed a distinct identity for itself – delivering quality treatment in its state of facilities at an affordable cost. The Medical College has 20 broad speciality departments and 12 super speciality departments, each of which is well managed by acclaimed specialists and doctors who have made a name for themselves in their respective fields.

Prof. Achyuta Samanta is an educationist, humanitarian and a statesman. He grew up in Kalarabanka, Odisha amidst severe poverty with seven siblings and a widow mother. He managed to complete his Masters, struggling and braving the hardships from the age of four when he lost his father in a train accident.

He founded a polytechnic institution while he was working as a Chemistry Lecturer in 1992 with $100, iron will and strong passion. The small industry training institution grew into a University in 2004, known by its acronym, KIIT, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology. In the same year, he also founded Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) for providing education to the indigenous boys and girls, free of cost.