KISS-DU Inks MoU with United Indian Anthropology Forum

The KISS Deemed to be University (KISS-DU) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Indian Anthropology Forum (UIAF) on 9th July 2025 in strategic areas of academics, research collaboration, and learning experiences, and, most importantly, to jointly organize the World Anthropology Congress 2026 (WAC 2026). The signing ceremony commenced with paying homage and tribute to Professor P.C. Joshi, Executive Council Member of KISS-DU and Governing Council Member of UIAF. A condolence message from the Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, was read out and conveyed to the bereaved family of Professor Joshi.

In his deliberation, Dr. Samanta announced the holding of the next World Anthropology Congress 2026 at KISS in November and launched the website of WAC 2026. He virtually inaugurated the UIAF National Head Office. Stating that KISS is the best place for anthropological studies, he said that the UIAF has come a long way with the support of anthropologists from across the globe and that this Congress is going to be a huge success. All necessary support will be extended to the UIAF as specified in the MoU, Dr. Samanta added.

Addressing the gathering, Professor Debashis Bandyopadhyay, Vice-Chancellor of KISS-DU, said that KISS is one of the few places that blend a scientific and humanitarian approach, and that UIAF and KISS can work together to preserve, protect, and promote indigenous cultural heritage. Joining virtually, Professor Amareswar Galla, Pro Chancellor, KISS-DU talked about the importance of holding WAC and it creates scope of working on intergenerational and inter-cultural aspects and identified Museum Anthropology and Border Anthropology as two major areas which need focus. Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, President UIAF said that this partnership is between two institutions with very noble intentions, and we are glad to have the national head office here at KISS-DU. He expressed his gratitude to the Founder KIIT, KISS & KIMS for extending all support and for his visionary leadership.

The Governing Council Members of the UIAF Prof. A.B Ota, Prof. S. Gregory, Prof. Sabita Acharya, Dr. Nibedita Nath, Prof. Nirmal Kumar Dash, Prof. Shalina Mehta, Prof. Sarit Kumar Choudhury, Prof. Geetika Ranjan, Prof. Mitashree Mitra, Dr. Rajni Lamba, Dr. Nita Mawar, Dr. Sunita Reddy, and Dr. Praveen Hoogar also spoke on the occasion.

In his vote of thanks, Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar of KISS-DU, said that they are looking forward to a long-term collaboration and to making this MoU truly functional. He cited the Founder’s quote, “Some people dream of success; others make it happen,” to inspire everyone to proactively contribute to the success of the upcoming World Anthropology Congress 2026.