My Fastest Masterpieces: Honouring Achyuta Samanta and Jawaharlal Nehru through Live Painting
 |
| Live Painting of Achyuta Samanta & Jawaharlal Nehru by Jyotiranjan Gudia & Binod Tudu in 2016. |
In
2016, when I was studying as a +3 Second Year Arts student at the Kalinga
Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), I got a wonderful opportunity an
experience I can never forget in my life. It was November 14; the day we
celebrate Children’s Day every year. At our institution, this day is celebrated
with great enthusiasm through various events like songs, dances and drama.
During such events, we, the painting team, used to decorate the stage together.
Even today, I remember that morning vividly. I was resting after having
breakfast in the hostel when I received a call from our painting teacher, Mr.
Subrat Mahala Sir. When I picked up, he said, “Jyoti, bring your painting
materials and come quickly with Binod to Pramod Sir’s (Pramod Patra) office.” Without delay,
my friend Binod and I gathered our materials- brushes, colours, pencils,
erasers, cutters, painting stand and drawing sheets- and went to Pramod Sir’s
(Asst. CEO) office. There, Pramod Sir asked us to create two live paintings
within two minutes- portraits of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of
India and Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of our institution- in front of
Samanta Sir himself.
We
set up our materials and began painting as soon as Samanta Sir arrived. Just
about a minute into our painting, Samanta Sir received an urgent call and had
to walk away slowly, missing the opportunity to see his portrait being drawn
live. After we finished, he returned and said, “Children, it’s very beautiful.”
Though we were happy to hear that, we were also a little disheartened that he
couldn't watch the painting being created live. Pramod Sir noticed our
disappointment and assured us, “In the evening, during the grand Children’s Day
event in front of 25,000 students, you both will again paint in the presence of
Samanta Sir.” This news immediately lifted our spirits.
Later,
when Samanta Sir left for KIIT after performing puja at the temple, Pramod Sir
told us to go to the Kalinga TV News Channel Office, where we would perform a
live telecast of our painting to be broadcast all over Odisha. Binod Tudu, Deepak Hembram, Kanhu Ranjan Khara and I (Jyotiranjan Gudia) went to the office in an institutional vehicle. There, we were
welcomed with tea and biscuits. After getting our materials ready, we entered
the news telecast room and had a discussion with the team. At that time,
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) was spreading in Malkangiri district. The team
requested me to give a safety message to the people of Malkangiri. I spoke
directly to the people through Kalinga TV, saying, “Do not panic about JE. Stay
safe and follow health precautions.” I also mentioned that since it was
Children’s Day, we would be painting portraits of two great personalities who
deeply love children. We began our painting on live TV and all of Odisha
witnessed our work.
Video of live painting of Dr. Achyuta Samanta and Jawaharlal Nehru at Kalinga TV in 2016.
After
returning to the hostel, we received another call from our art sir. We were
again called to Pramod Sir’s office. He took us to a traditional garment store
(Khadi Niketan). We didn’t know where we were going until he said, “Today I
want to see you both as artists. Choose whichever traditional dress you like.”
Delighted, Binod and I selected traditional Indian attire, which suited us very
well. He also bought us other items and arranged food for us.
Wearing
the outfits gifted by Pramod Sir, we participated in the grand Children’s Day
celebration 2016 in the evening. Samanta Sir was present among 25,000 children,
seated in front of the stage. Binod and I went on stage, greeted everyone and
began painting. No one could guess what we were drawing, as we painted the
portraits upside down. Once we finished, we flipped the paintings to reveal the
faces of Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. Achyuta Samanta-two iconic child-lovers
dedicated to the welfare and future of children in India. The entire audience
rose to their feet and applauded. Though we don’t have a video of that moment,
someone generous captured a photo on their mobile and shared it with me. That
photo remains a priceless memory.
 |
| Photo of the live painting of Dr. Achyuta Samanta and Jawaharlal Nehru by Jyotiranjan Gudia and Binod Tudu on the occasion of the Children’s Day celebration at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in 2016. |
Key Learnings from the Story
1. The Power of Opportunity
When a small chance is given - like being called to paint live - it can become a life-changing experience. This shows how opportunities, when accepted with courage and dedication, can open unexpected doors.
2. Art as a Powerful Medium
Art is not just about creativity- it is a tool for expression, awareness and social impact. Your paintings honored two great leaders and even carried a public health message for people in Malkangiri during a disease outbreak.
3. Gratitude and Respect for Mentors
The support from teachers like Subrat Mahala Sir and Pramod Sir shows the role of mentors in shaping our journey. Appreciating and respecting such mentors can take us far in life.
4. Leadership and Vision
Through the example of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, we learn how one person’s vision can uplift thousands. His dedication to tribal children’s education teaches us about compassionate leadership and social responsibility.
5. Teamwork and Friendship
Working with Binod and Yogi shows the importance of collaboration and mutual support. Great outcomes often come when friends work together with a shared purpose.
6. Staying Grounded and Humble
Even after performing in front of 25,000 people and appearing on TV, you remained humble and thankful. This teaches us to never let pride overpower gratitude.
7. Turning Disappointment into Motivation
When Samanta Sir missed the live painting initially, you were disappointed—but instead of giving up, you turned that into motivation and gave your best performance later. This teaches resilience and emotional maturity.
8. Celebrating Culture and Identity
Wearing traditional attire for the event symbolizes pride in Indian culture and roots. It reminds us that our identity is something to be proud of, especially when celebrating with the world.
9. The Role of Youth in Society
You used your platform to send a health awareness message during a critical time. This shows that even students and young artists can be change-makers in their communities.
10. Memories Become Legacy
That single photograph taken during the performance is not just a memory- it represents a moment of pride, talent and dedication. It reminds us to value small moments, as they may become the most meaningful parts of our lives.
.jpg)
0 Comments