A life of challenges and lessons in courage, fortitude at KISS

This is the story of Menaka Ekka, one of the many indigenous children who got a foothold in life with the help of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar. The story of her life captivates us with real-life drama that unfolds in the course of events. Her story is a saga of the numerous hardships endured by her.

KISS was founded by eminent educationist, social activist and philanthropist Achyuta Samanta in 1992-93. After more than three decades of glorious journey, Samanta doesn’t require an introduction. After negotiating arduous early years, he has become a great rallying point for people at home and abroad.

KISS stands out like a symbol of Samanta’s tenacity and determination. Currently, he is a Lok Sabha MP. Besides education and tribal uplift, healthcare and rural development, he has contributed immensely to art, culture, literature, film, media, society and national integration. His contribution to the field of sports requires a huge canvas to list its rise and expanses, right from the grassroots to international podiums. The enormity of the man can hardly be elaborated within the concise space of admiration on papers.

Besides KISS, he also founded Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT). Both educational institutions have achieved global repute and recognition. KIIT is an Institution of Eminence and one of the most prominent universities in India and globe for professional education having more than 30,000 students from all over India and 65 other countries. KISS is a home for 60,000 indigenous children, absolutely free.

Maneka Ekka’s story in her words:

My father, who was a mason by profession, stayed on a small rented premises with me and two of my brothers. I lost my mother early in life and used to cook for the family since my very childhood. Experience taught me how to face difficult situations with composure.

Since childhood, I was very interested in studies. But my father used to turn down my request. I got a little scope when my younger brother was sent to an Anganwadi. Later, my elder brother was admitted to an orphanage. When somebody in the family would fall sick, the father did not go to work. On those days, we would go hungry. Our father got us admitted to a government school. My father passed away soon after. He was run over by a truck. It took us a while to overcome the sorrow. I studied in the village school till Class II.

Our trauma did not end here. I was deprived of good food and new dress on festive occasions. I was pushed to the brink and tried to commit suicide, being unable to tolerate abuse. Luckily, I survived. Those years of my life were terrible for me. But it was a blessing in disguise. I learned all types of household work like sweeping, cleaning, laundry, fetching drinking water and cooking. I tolerated everything to keep my passion for studying alive.

After Class VII, my brother got me admitted to St. Mary’s Girls’ High School at Sundergarh. I used to stay in the hostel and paid the hostel fees from my stipend. In my life, I never knew what is mother’s love and affection. But I knew that one can never repay a mother’s debt. I grew up without any love and affection. Somehow I passed Class X in the first division.

After Class X, my brother got me admitted to KISS. I tried to support him financially by paying his school and hostel fees. Incidentally, my younger brother fled from the hostel. Nobody tried to trace him. Meanwhile, I completed Plus Two first year. I hoped to become a physician by studying science. I But I was offered the commerce stream. Initially, I struggled with the subject. But with time, I settled down to study.

With the mentoring of my teachers at KISS, I tried to forget my sorrows.

KISS helped me mould my personality. I found love and affection in the caring words of my teachers. KISS taught me to face life with courage and fortitude. I started a new chapter in my life. My joy knew no bounds when my younger brother who had run away from the hostel returned after three years.

In spite of the numerous trials and tribulations, Lord has been kind. KISS has provided me with the much-needed succor to sustain in life. The enabling environment at KISS taught me to manage difficult situations with courage. Whatever may be the crisis; I always try to remain happy and contended. I am very much thankful to KISS and feel indebted to the father-like figure of Samanta. I continue to pray for the growth of the Institution, I also pray for the well-being of Samanta who has played the stellar role of a good Samaritan and angel in the lives of poor children like us.

This article has been curated in association with Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS).