Summary
Joshila Champia joined KISS in Class II in 2018
KISS is a beacon of hope for thousands of children like Joshila
This is the story of a Munda girl and her inspiring journey. Joshila Champia she negotiated several challenges to gain success and self-reliance.
Born to Daniel Champia and Rahil Champia of Pathamunda village in Jamankira block of Sambalpur district, Odisha, Joshila has seen a life of extreme hardship. But she dreamt of a bright future that seemed inconceivable for the daughter of daily wage earners who had to strive hard to make ends meet with their meagre income.
Despite the financial hurdles, Joshila and her parents never gave up. Daniel was of the view that education is the key to a bright future and a dignified living. He hoped that his children would not suffer the curse of illiteracy.
Daniel always cherished a dream to get his eldest daughter Joshila admitted to a reputable school. As luck would have it, he came to know about Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar, which provides free food and shelter to indigenous children. Achyuta Samanta’s world of knowledge became a guiding star for the Champias. The education model at KISS was most befitting of the Champias’ economic condition.
Samanta, educationist, social activist, and philanthropist, founded KISS in 1992-93. After more than three decades of glorious journey, Samanta doesn’t require an introduction. From negotiating arduous early years, he has become a great rallying point for people at home and abroad.
KISS is a symbol of Samanta’s tenacity and determination. Besides education and tribal uplift, healthcare and rural development, he has contributed immensely to art, culture, literature, film, media, society and national integration. His contribution to the field of sports requires a huge canvas to list its rise and expanses, right from the grassroots to international podiums. The enormity of the man can hardly be elaborated on paper.
Besides KISS, Samanta also founded the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT). Both educational institutions have achieved global repute and recognition. KIIT is an Institution of Eminence and one of the most prominent universities in India and the world for professional education with more than 30,000 students from all over India and 65 other countries. KISS is home to 60,000 indigenous children.
Daniel decided to get his kids admitted to KISS. Joshila joined KISS in Class II in 2018. Initially, she was awestruck by the massive infrastructure, school buildings, hostel accommodation on the KISS Campus. Soon, she bounced back with all her energy and determination to align with the new environment.
Joshila adapted well to the campus regulations and system and reaped all the benefits and opportunities to shape her future dreams. Now she is focused on her studies and disciplined under the guidance of her teachers, mentors and instructors.
Joshila is indebted to Samanta for his blessing and creating a paradise for the have-nots and distressed who would have otherwise perished in darkness. KISS Bhubaneswar is today a beacon of hope for thousands of downtrodden children like Joshila.
This article has been curated in association with Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS).
Last updated on 18 Mar 2022
