Siksha O Anusandhan , one of the youngest Universities of the country, has become an advanced hub of knowledge not only in the eastern region but in the country as a whole. Like all big and shinning institutions; Siksha O Anusandhan University metamorphosed from a very modest beginning to its present status.

Orissa is a poor state and the literacy level was despicably low. Since the imparting of education in major branches of knowledge was ill-facilitated in Orissa, only the students who could afford, migrated to Universities outside the state to pursue their careers in the fields like technical education, management studies and health care facilities.

This trend was unacceptable to at list one visionary and philanthropist. Prof. (Dr.) Manojranjan Nayak who decided to establish an Engineering institute in Bhubaneswar. That is how the in state named – Institute of Technical Education and Research fondly known as ITER came into being.

That was way back in the academic year 1996-97 when the first batch of students took admission to pursue careers in the field of engineering and technology in a small building.

Henceforward there has been no looking back. As on today when Siksha O Anusandhan University Society completes 12 eventful years, the vision of its founder is taking shape in the form of a university which shall endeavour to make quality professional education Accessible to students across the whole country and to all sections of people.

On the other hand, Siksha O Anusandhan University, which was previously recognized as an educational society under societies registration Act. XXI of 1860 and now has acquired the status of University U/S of the U.G.C. Act. 1956 w.e.f. the academic session 2007-2008.

The objective of Siksha O Anusandhan is to promote professional education, research, training and development in engineering, management, computer studies, medical sciences, dental sciences, pharmacy, nursing etc. This shall help in catering to the professional manpower need of the Country. Goaded by the resonant words of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the visionary and the first Prime Minister of India, who ushered in the era of technology into the country that “I do not like people who have no pride and ambition and are just sloppy people I am not using the words pride and ambition in the small personal sense. I do not mean the pride of getting money, which is the silkiest of all types of pride. Pride should consist in doing your job in the best possible manner. If you are a scientist, think of becoming an Einstein, not merely a reader in your university. If you are a medical man, think of some discovery which will bring healing to the human race. If you are an engineer, aim at same new invention. The mere act of aiming at something big makes you big”.

Being one of the youngest Universities in the country, Siksha O Anusandhan is redefining the way knowledge creation and dissemination is done by combining the best of two models, the scientific and technological engine of the major research wing; and the highly engaged academic and social environment of the University.

With a distinctive governance system that fosters stability in leadership, unique college structures that creates an unmatched climate for collaboration, and a driven, competitive spirit that encourages all stakeholders, including faculty, staff and students and students to embrace bold, sometimes ambitious goals, SOA has set its sights on being one of the nation’s top-ten institutions by 2015.

Apart from making sincere efforts to render the students, the best available technical and scientific education, the SOA University has been endeavouring to boost up the morales of her students, faculty, members, the employees and the society at large by doling out the message that ‘Character is destiny’. No university can regard itself as a true university unless its sends out youngmen and women who are not only learned but whose hearts are full of compassion of suffering humanity. Unless that there, the university education must be regarded as incomplete.

Teachers and students from a family and in a family one cannot have the spirit of trade unionism. A co-operation enterprise between teachers and students has been making this university a name by itself.

According to Dr. Radhakrishnana, “Character is that which the destiny of a nation is built. One cannot have a great nation with men of small character. We must have young men and women who look upon others as the living images of themselves. Ours is a great country. We have had for centuries a great history. The whole of the East reflects our culture. Whether in domestic affairs or in international affairs we must adhere to certain standards. My advice to young men and women who are graduating today through this university is : Mother India expects of you that your lives should be clean, noble and dedicated to selfless work.” (Karnatak University Convocation Address 1953).

The SOA University is trying literally translate the words of our great men into action.

Under the Banner of the University, there are eight institutions at present.