At KISS, the UN Sustainable Development Goals aren’t just aspirations — they are actions we live every single day. Through education, empowerment, and Indigenous wisdom, we are creating lasting change for 80,000+ tribal students and their communities.
🔽 Click on any goal below to discover our impact
Explore how KISS advances each Sustainable Development Goal through innovative programs, partnerships, and community-driven solutions.
Poverty should never define a child's future. At KISS, we break the cycle by creating opportunities that transform lives and communities.
The 3E Approach: Educate, Enable, EmpowerKISS provides completely free residential education from Std.1 to PhD for Indigenous children, covering education, food, accommodation, healthcare, skill building, sports for empowerment and vocational training.
Breaking Intergenerational PovertyEmpowers thousands of tribal youth to break intergenerational poverty through holistic, high-quality education at scale.
Vocational Training for LivelihoodsMulti-faceted vocational training across diverse trades empowers students with the skills needed to secure employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
"Earn While You Learn" ProgrammeA unique initiative that allows students to generate supplemental income while completing their studies, building financial independence and responsibility early on.
No child can learn on an empty stomach. At KISS, we fight hunger every day by ensuring that every student is nourished, healthy, and ready to learn.
Nutritious Meals for Every ChildThousands of students receive wholesome, balanced daily meals — rich in protein and micronutrients — through a large, eco-efficient mega kitchen.
The Mega Kitchen: A Sustainable SolutionFeatured in National Geographic, this steam-based technology prepares thousands of meals daily in an energy-efficient, eco-friendly way.
Tackling Malnutrition Among Tribal ChildrenKISS provides consistent access to nutritious food, reducing deficiencies and addressing malnutrition guided by the principle of "Eradicating hunger through education."
Research for Food Security & Indigenous KnowledgeCollaborations with Cambridge (TIGR2ESS) and University of East Anglia (CHIRAG) advance sustainable agriculture and tribal food systems.
Healthy children are free to dream bigger. At KISS, healthcare is at the heart of education and empowerment.
Accessible, Quality HealthcareFree healthcare services and regular health check-ups through an in-house 100-bed hospital and Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), ensuring complete physical, mental, and preventive care.
Mental Health & Well-BeingTrained counsellors and psychologists available on campus for mental health support and wellbeing.
Preventive Care & Community HealthVaccination drives, mega laundry, and hygiene awareness trainings reduce malaria, anaemia, and endemic illnesses.
Menstrual Health & Gender DignityIn-house sanitary napkin production and disposal systems, regular training on menstrual hygiene, and adolescent health education in partnership with UNFPA.
THRIVE: Tribal Health ResearchTwo centres set up with Jhpiego advance indigenous-led health research and youth innovation.
Sports for Well-BeingWorld-class facilities and coaching across disciplines promote physical and mental resilience.
At KISS, education is more than classrooms — it is freedom, dignity, and opportunity for over 80,000 tribal students.
World's Largest Residential Institution for Indigenous ChildrenOffers free, holistic education from Std.1 to doctoral levels, integrating academic learning, culture, sports and skill development in the curriculum.
Inclusive & Holistic LearningEnglish Access Programme with U.S. Dept. of State; smart classrooms with Oracle; digital learning through kiosks and technology-enabled classrooms.
Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual EducationAwarded the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (2022) for language inclusion and mother-tongue based multilingual education.
Education Without InterruptionDuring COVID-19, books were delivered, online classes conducted, and lessons broadcast on Kalinga TV to ensure continuity.
KISS-DU: Research & InnovationSeven schools integrate tribal culture; ERASMUS+, Tribal Advisory Council, and Professors of Practice enrich and safeguard learning on Indigenous knowledge and practices.
At KISS, equality is a lived reality — around 70% of students are girls, breaking barriers and becoming first-generation graduates.
Girls Leading the WayEnsures equal access and participation of Indigenous girls in education, sports, skill building, leadership programmes and community initiatives. Inclusion helps arrest drop-out, delays early marriage, and opens avenues for employment and entrepreneurship.
Transformative ProgrammesKanya Kiran, Kalinga Fellowship, Prarambh, Nua Maa, and Project Uday have reached out to young women and girls across communities.
Safety, Protection & JusticeGender & Sexual Harassment Committees ensure zero tolerance and swift action. Kalinga Fellowship unites leaders against sexual assault and trafficking across Asia.
Awareness & AdvocacyLife Skills Education with UNFPA; peer educators spread gender equality awareness in villages.
Inclusion Beyond BoundariesPromoting and encouraging transgenders to be part of the ecosystem as equal partners through the Nua Maa project.
Clean water and safe sanitation lay the foundation for health, dignity, and future. KISS ensures hygiene is a way of life.
Safe Drinking Water & Sanitation InfrastructureMaintains RO plants, gender-friendly toilets, mega-laundry units, and sewage treatment plants across the residential campus to ensure safe, dignified facilities for all.
Hygiene EfficiencyLarge-scale laundry units support hygiene and sustainability across the campus community.
Menstrual Health & Community OutreachMenstrual health education and Swachh Bharat campaigns extend hygiene awareness within the institute and to surrounding villages.
At KISS, clean energy powers facilities and reduces environmental impact. Students grow up as green champions.
Solar PowerGrid-connected solar panels power the campus; solar heaters reduce energy consumption; 40,000+ solar lanterns distributed to communities.
Greener InfrastructureBiogas plants, steam-powered mega kitchen, and rainwater harvesting contribute to a sustainable, energy-efficient campus.
Eco-Friendly Mega KitchenSteam-powered, sustainable, and award-winning — a model for responsible energy use in large-scale food preparation.
Learning for SustainabilityEco clubs and STEM programmes integrate clean energy education, encouraging responsible energy use and environmental sustainability among students.
Education at KISS opens pathways to dignified work — vocational training and placements prepare students for meaningful livelihoods.
Skills for Self-RelianceVocational training and skill development programmes including tailoring, food processing, animal husbandry, and more equip students for diverse livelihoods.
"Earn While You Learn"Students get engaged in different activities and are paid for the same, combining income generation with ongoing education.
Entrepreneurship & EmploymentSupport from British Council and UNDP for job creation; career-oriented education and livelihood training.
Professional PathwaysFree engineering, medicine, law and other degree programmes open doors for tribal youth to enter public service, government jobs, education, and community work as change agents.
Ending ExploitationReduced child labour and trafficking through comprehensive education and economic empowerment.
KISS nurtures innovators of tomorrow through research centres, hands-on labs and global partnerships.
World-Class InfrastructureSmart classrooms (Oracle), digital libraries, science parks, and technology-enabled classrooms inspire young minds and provide state-of-the-art learning methods.
Yunus Social Business CentreIn collaboration with Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, this centre fosters social entrepreneurship and innovation among tribal youth.
Global PartnershipsCollaborations with TCS, GKL (Korea), and DDUGKY (MCL) for IT, hospitality, and skill training; partnerships with global universities advance research and technology education.
Tradition + TechnologyPromotes research and knowledge development on Indigenous communities and sustainability — ensuring modern education and Indigenous knowledge go hand in hand.
At KISS, reducing inequalities means equal access to education, opportunity, and dignity for marginalized groups.
Voice & VisibilityWorld's first tribal language news (Santali Khabar); Professors of Practice appointed to train and guide students on Indigenous knowledge; a Tribal Advisory Council guides the administration.
Inclusive EnvironmentStudents from 64+ tribal communities learn together with equal access to vocational training, skill building, sports, and leadership opportunities.
Equal OpportunitiesNon-discriminatory hiring, transgender inclusion, and equal pay practices embedded in institutional culture.
Young LeadersProject Uday nurtures tribal youth to challenge injustice; students gain global exposure through English Access (U.S. State Dept.).
Ripple EffectFirst-generation graduates return as teachers, doctors, and entrepreneurs — transforming their communities.
Sustainability is integral to campus design, transport, and resource use at KISS, promoting resilient communities.
A Home for AllFree residential education enriches social and cultural diversity; students from 64+ tribal communities live and learn together on campus.
Green CampusSolar energy, eco-architecture, vehicle-free campus design, and KISS Green Drives promote environmental sustainability.
Strengthening CommunitiesNSS and social initiatives connect students to community outreach; district coordinators, social marathons, and parent involvement programmes address community wellbeing, social awareness, and peaceful coexistence.
Sustainability at KISS is a mindset — blending indigenous wisdom with circular systems and zero-waste living.
Circular Campus ModelFood waste converted to biogas, then to manure — a closed-loop system that minimises waste and maximises resources.
Reduce & ReuseWaste segregation, upcycling, and in-house production minimise consumption; energy-efficient kitchens and large laundry units support sustainable operations.
Sustainable MobilityVehicle-free campus and electric shuttles reduce the carbon footprint of daily campus life.
Conscious LivingSustainability education integrated into academic programmes; students carry responsible consumption practices back to their villages and communities.
KISS incorporates climate action into education and campus operations to build resilience and stewardship.
Greening the FutureMiyawaki afforestation, large-scale tree plantation drives, and environmental awareness programmes across the state.
Indigenous Wisdom for Climate ResiliencePromotion of traditional knowledge and practices for climate action and climate resilience, with emphasis on ecological conservation.
Low-Carbon CampusSolar energy, biogas plants, steam kitchen, and vehicle-free campus design collectively reduce the institution's carbon footprint.
Disaster PreparednessCollaboration with JICA on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) research and training programmes.
Research & International CollaborationPartnerships with national and international organisations advance climate action and climate resilience initiatives.
Oceans and rivers are lifelines. KISS supports water stewardship and promotes clean water ecosystems.
Clean Coasts & Water BodiesBeach and river clean-up initiatives in collaboration with Hanseo University promote active stewardship of aquatic environments.
Sustainable AquaculturePisciculture ponds on campus; specialised training with NFDB/CIFA on sustainable aquaculture practices.
Marine & Aquatic LiteracyCurriculum on pollution, mangroves, and indigenous fishing traditions educates students on the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems.
Youth-Led StewardshipStudents engage in community conservation initiatives, spreading awareness on responsible water use and ecosystem protection.
Forests and biodiversity are vital — KISS protects natural habitats and teaches conservation rooted in tribal tradition.
Restoring Forests1 lakh+ parents sensitized for forest restoration; 40,000+ participants engaged in plantation drives across the state.
Anti-Poaching CultureAwareness drives promote coexistence between communities and wildlife; education on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection.
Tribal Ecological KnowledgeSupports research and learning on tribal ecological knowledge and environmental sustainability, preserving indigenous relationships with nature.
Nature Positive UniversityProud member of the UNEP-Oxford University initiative on Nature Positive Universities, committing to biodiversity-positive institutional practices.
At KISS, peace is taught and lived — fostering harmony, justice, and inclusivity across 64+ tribes.
Peace Through EducationPlayed a crucial role in reducing insurgency in tribal areas through community engagement and bringing young people into the education fold.
Celebrating DiversityStudents from 64+ tribal communities live together in harmony on campus, fostering intercultural dialogue and social awareness.
Child-Friendly EcosystemSafe, abuse-free environment with institutional frameworks for child protection and youth leadership in peacebuilding.
Dalai Lama Centre for PeacePromotes compassion, non-violence, and dialogue as core values of institutional life.
UN ECOSOC StatusSpecial consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council amplifies tribal voices on the global stage.
Collaboration is the cornerstone: KISS partners with governments, NGOs, and global institutions to scale impact.
UN AgenciesActive engagement with ECOSOC, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, and UN Women to advance inclusive development and SDG implementation.
Government PartnershipsCollaborations with Delhi, Odisha, and central government on public policy scaling and programme delivery.
Corporate PartnersTCS, Oracle, and Max India Foundation support technology, education, and community programmes.
Academic CollaborationsPartnerships with Cambridge, Virginia Tech, Hanseo University, and ERASMUS+ for research, student exchange, and faculty development.
Global Exchange ProgrammesIndia Trek and Global Faculty Programme enable scholars, academicians, practitioners, and students to visit the institute, promoting networking and collaboration. Supported by AIESEC, U.S. State Dept., and British Council.
At KISS, we believe sustainable development isn’t just about ticking off goals — it’s about living values every day. The 5Ps of the SDGs — People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership — are the compass that guides our work.
For us, each “P” tells a story of impact: of children finding their voice, of communities regaining dignity, of Indigenous knowledge and practices shaping modern futures. Here’s how KISS brings them to life:
The first promise of the SDGs is to put People first — to ensure no one is left behind.
Many tribal children arrive at school speaking languages not represented in mainstream classrooms. Instead of silencing those voices, we celebrate them. Our Language Lab allows students to learn in their Indigenous mother tongues, alongside English. This approach improves confidence, retention, and comprehension, while safeguarding cultural identity.
✦ Strengthens SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by making education inclusive, respectful, and empowering.
For Indigenous communities, caring for the Earth has always been second nature.
Our award-winning Mega Kitchen serves more than 100,000 meals daily, powered by biogas from food waste and steam-based clean energy. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment further reduce our carbon footprint. This isn't just infrastructure — it's a classroom in itself.
✦ Strengthens SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Prosperity means dignity, independence, and hope for the future.
From tailoring and food processing to eco-friendly products, our Vocational Training Centres equip students with market-ready skills. Through 'Earn While You Learn', students start earning while still in school — gaining experience, supporting families, and building confidence.
✦ Strengthens SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) by turning education into economic empowerment, especially for Indigenous girls.
At KISS, peace is nurtured through inclusion, dialogue and mutual respect. With students representing 64 Indigenous tribal communities, the campus serves as a unique space where diversity is celebrated and harmony is practiced in everyday life.
Through education, cultural exchange, youth dialogues, and community engagement programmes, students are encouraged to reflect on social challenges, promote equality, and contribute to building inclusive and resilient communities. Partnerships with national and international organisations further enable students to engage in initiatives that promote leadership, volunteerism and social responsibility.
By fostering empathy, understanding, and active citizenship, KISS prepares students to become advocates for peace and positive change in their communities and beyond.
✦ Advances SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) and supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
At KISS, meaningful change is driven through strong partnerships and collaboration. By working with leading global institutions and organisations, KISS brings new knowledge, technology and opportunities to its students. These collaborations support a wide range of initiatives, from technology-enabled learning and global exchange programmes to community development and research partnerships. At the same time, KISS values Indigenous knowledge systems by engaging community leaders and elders as Professors of Practice, ensuring that traditional wisdom remains an integral part of education.
Programmes such as India Trek and the Global Faculty Programme further connect KISS with global academic and development networks, creating opportunities for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.
✦ Advances SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration for inclusive and sustainable development.
At KISS, sustainable development isn’t a distant goal — it’s the foundation of everything we do. From tribal villages to global platforms, we prove that when education meets empowerment, entire communities transform.
