THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
FEBRUARY 4, 2026
In a remarkable confluence of
indigenous culture and classical literature, ten students from the Kalinga
Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) are set to script history by performing
William Shakespeare’s plays in the tribal languages of Odisha at an
international cultural festival in Romania. Brimming with enthusiasm and pride,
the students are currently immersed in rigorous preparations for the
prestigious global showcase.
The contingent represents a diverse
academic spectrum, comprising scholars pursuing PhD, undergraduate,
postgraduate, and BBA programmes. The students will participate in the World
Shakespeare Festival scheduled to be held in May at the University of Craiova
in Romania, where they will present three of Shakespeare’s iconic plays in
their respective native tribal languages, offering a unique blend of global
literary heritage and indigenous linguistic richness.
The forthcoming performance is being
hailed as a landmark achievement for KISS, the tribal communities of Odisha,
and the state as a whole. The students have already commenced intensive
rehearsals and are expected to stay in Romania for nearly two months as part of
the festival and associated cultural engagements. Significantly, this marks the
first instance in India where students from an educational institution will
perform Shakespeare’s plays in tribal languages on an international platform,
underscoring a powerful narrative of cultural preservation and global
integration.
Expressing immense pride and happiness
over the milestone, KIIT and KISS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta congratulated the
students, saying that KISS students have consistently brought laurels to the
nation and the state through outstanding achievements in sports and academics
at both national and international levels. He noted that by showcasing their
cultural talent on a global stage, the students will further elevate the
recognition of India’s tribal heritage worldwide. He described the moment as
one of collective joy and immense honour for the entire KISS family and beyond.
