On September 22, 2025, the campuses of KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) and KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) in Bhubaneswar, India, became the epicenter of an inspiring exchange between continents. Ten ambassadors representing Latin American and Caribbean countries—Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Suriname, Chile, Jamaica, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Colombia—visited the institutions, witnessing firsthand a transformative model of education and empowerment that has garnered global acclaim.
The visit was more than a courtesy call. The envoys, visibly moved by what they saw, expressed deep admiration for the vision of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of both KIIT and KISS. Dr. Samanta’s journey from humble beginnings to establishing two of the world’s most respected institutions, especially KISS—the largest institution for tribal students globally—has become a beacon for inclusive education and grassroots development.
According to reports from multiple sources, including KIIT News and Bhubaneswar Today, the ambassadors’ itinerary included a panel discussion titled ‘Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions: Advancing the SDGs Through South-South Collaboration.’ The panel delved into pressing global themes: education and knowledge exchange, climate action and resilience, health and social development, trade and innovation, gender equality and inclusion, and partnership and diplomacy. These topics aren’t just buzzwords; they’re at the heart of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a framework guiding international efforts to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, Dean of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) and Ambassador of Uruguay, described the occasion as a meaningful platform for cooperation. “It is a great occasion in my capacity as Coordinator of the Group of Ambassadors of Latin American and Caribbean countries in India to be part of this roundtable. GRULAC is willing to create a roadmap of cooperation drawing on shared experiences to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). South-South collaboration is essential, and our partnership with India can build on digital inclusion, renewable energy, and large-scale development programs, combined with GRULAC’s expertise in climate adaptation, indigenous knowledge, and community-based innovations,” Amarilla stated, as quoted by KIIT News.
His words underscored the spirit of the gathering: a willingness to move beyond protocol and ceremonial gestures to forge genuine, working partnerships. The ambassadors’ visit was not just about observing; it was about learning, sharing, and laying the groundwork for future collaboration. The panel’s focus on South-South cooperation—where developing countries share knowledge, skills, and resources—reflects a growing recognition that solutions to the world’s most intractable problems may come from outside traditional power centers.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, welcoming the dignitaries, emphasized the significance of the day for both Odisha and India. He noted, “You have first-hand seen and experienced KIIT and KISS. Over the years, we have hosted more than 200 prime ministers, presidents, policymakers, ambassadors, and high commissioners, but today is special because it brings together thought leaders from the Global South to discuss the world’s most urgent needs.”
For Dr. Samanta, the SDGs are not just lofty aspirations but a lived reality at KISS. He explained, “Every tribal child at KISS was born into circumstances they didn’t choose. But here, they choose their future. When a girl from a remote village becomes a scientist, when a boy designs renewable energy systems, this SDG promise is fulfilled.” His remarks, carried by Bhubaneswar Today, highlight the institution’s commitment to breaking cycles of disadvantage and empowering marginalized communities through education.
Tracing his personal journey from poverty, Dr. Samanta reminded the gathering that true development must reach “the last person in the last village.” It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply in both India and Latin America—regions where inequality and exclusion remain persistent challenges despite rapid economic growth. Dr. Samanta urged the ambassadors to view the establishment of a GRULAC Chapter at KIIT and KISS as more than a matter of protocol. He envisioned it as a “genuine exchange of innovation and knowledge between Latin America and India.”
The panel discussion itself tackled a broad sweep of issues but returned repeatedly to the idea that education is the foundation for sustainable development. The ambassadors and Indian hosts alike recognized that knowledge exchange—whether it’s about climate adaptation, renewable energy, or community-based innovation—can be a powerful lever for change. The Latin American and Caribbean envoys brought to the table their own regions’ expertise in climate resilience and indigenous knowledge, areas where their countries have long histories and practical experience to share.
Ambassador Amarilla’s emphasis on digital inclusion and renewable energy dovetailed with India’s own priorities. As both regions grapple with the effects of climate change, urbanization, and technological disruption, their cooperation could yield new models for development that are both scalable and sensitive to local realities. The willingness to share “community-based innovations” signals a shift away from one-size-fits-all solutions and towards approaches that are tailored, participatory, and sustainable.
Gender equality and inclusion also featured prominently in the discussions. The story of KISS—where tribal girls routinely go on to become scientists and leaders—is a testament to the transformative power of education. By creating spaces where the most marginalized can thrive, institutions like KISS and KIIT are not only fulfilling the SDG promise but also offering a blueprint for others to follow.
The visit concluded with a sense of optimism and shared purpose. The ambassadors departed with a deeper appreciation for the Indian model of inclusive education and a commitment to strengthening ties between Latin America, the Caribbean, and India. The talk of establishing a GRULAC Chapter at KIIT and KISS, far from being a mere formality, was embraced as a concrete step towards ongoing collaboration.
For the students of KISS, the visit was a powerful affirmation that their stories matter on the world stage. For the wider community, it was a reminder that global challenges—whether in education, climate, or health—are best met through solidarity and the free exchange of ideas.
As the world looks for new ways to achieve the SDGs before the 2030 deadline, the partnership between KIIT, KISS, and the Latin American and Caribbean nations stands out as a hopeful example of what’s possible when vision, empathy, and determination come together across continents.
