Summary
Alisha Pradhan was admitted to KISS in 2017
Besides studies, Alisha has interest in sports and is an all-rounder
Odisha has been blessed by nature’s abundance in all forms — deep woods, mountains, rivers and the sea. But nature’s bounty is also witness to silent struggle for survival. Alisha Pradhan of Rabatbadi village in Similiguda block of Koraput district, is one such fighter.
Alisha’s father Punendra passed away when she was only three years old. Mother Mami Pradhan struggled to make ends meet and feed her three daughters and a son. She was forced to seek shelter with her parents.
Mami started cultivating turmeric and worked as a daily wager. She got her two elder daughters admitted to a nearby school while little Alisha helped her mother on the field and took care of her infant brother. Alisha had to attend to all the household work at an age when most children spend time in play and fun.
When Alisha’s mother came to know about Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and its facilities from local villagers who had got their children admitted there, she was convinced about the secured atmosphere, pedagogy, and other avenues on offer.
Alisha was admitted to KISS in 2017. The early days at KISS were full of anxiety for Alisha. She could not adjust to the new environment. Gradually, she settled down and blossomed into a beautiful flower in the garden of KISS. The enabling climate of KISS raised hopes in her young mind. She dreamt of becoming an able police officer. Alisha knows that she has to march forward on the road of progress with grit and determination and work hard to achieve her dreams.
In addition to studies, Alisha has also developed interest in sports and is on the right path of becoming an all-rounder.
The present COVID-induced pandemic has left the world shaken. The educational sector is one of the most affected areas. But the innovative efforts of KISS founder, Achyuta Samanta, tribal children are not deprived of continuing education. KISS has introduced online classes.
Alisha, too, has joined the virtual classes but she looks forward to the day with a lot of expectation when the pandemic will end and she will be able to rejoin KISS for regular studies.
KISS has become the preferred destination for many tribal children like Alisha from the hinterlands of Odisha and beyond. The enabling structure and student- friendly campus has rekindled hopes of a better future in the hearts of many.
This article has been curated in association with Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS).
Last updated on 15 Mar 2022
