Sketch of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in two minutes

Sketch of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in two minutes

Sketch of the Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi in two minutes by Jyotiranjan Gudia in 2016 at KISS, standing with his art teacher Shree Subrat Mahala. 

When I was studying in Class V at Unnati Madhyama English Medium School in Kudumulugumma, I once saw a program about the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) on television. Watching the visuals and hearing about the institute, I felt a strong desire to study there one day. After completing my Class 10, I finally got the opportunity to join KISS. Like many others who applied and went through the selection process, I too followed the same procedure and joined the institution. However, my hostel admission was slightly delayed and I was finally admitted to the hostel on the 18th of November. A few days later, one of my seniors in the hostel, Babula Melaka, told me about the vocational training in painting being offered at KISS. On November 26, he took me to the Vocational Training Center and introduced me to the painting instructor, Mr. Subrat Mahala.

On the first day, I didn’t do any painting; instead, I just had a conversation with Sir. I showed him some of my previous drawings stored on my mobile phone. After seeing my work, he appreciated my handwriting style and artistic ability and encouraged me to come regularly for painting classes. From that day onwards, I started attending painting classes every day. Gradually, I began learning new techniques and exploring different styles of art. It not only helped me improve my drawing skills but also boosted my confidence. Painting became a way for me to express myself creatively and it gave me a sense of peace and purpose. My journey at KISS, which began with a dream in a small village, slowly turned into a reality full of learning, creativity and new opportunities.

Every day, my academic classes are held from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. As soon as my classes are over, I quickly finish my lunch and reach the vocational training center by 2 PM, where painting lessons are conducted. I stay there until 5:30 in the evening, learning and practicing art. During this time, I also help and interact with the younger boys and girls who come to learn painting. This has become a daily routine that I enjoy very much, as it allows me to develop my skills and also guide others. The environment at the vocational center is very peaceful and inspiring, filled with colours, creativity and encouragement.

I am never alone in this journey. Several of my friends also come to the painting classes and among them, Binod Tudu, Kusa Harlab and Kahnu Charan Khara have become my closest companions. We sit together every day in one place and work on our drawings, encouraging one another and sharing ideas. Over time, we have built a strong bond through our shared love for art. Our teacher, Subrat Mahala Sir, always motivates us to improve and participate in different exhibitions and competitions. Through these experiences, not only has my artistic ability grown, but my teamwork, discipline and communication skills have also improved greatly. Painting is no longer just a hobby for me- it has become a meaningful part of my life and a bridge to a brighter future.

All of us who were learning painting worked together like a team. Whenever there were big events or festivals at our institution, we were often assigned special creative responsibilities. Sometimes, the work would be so extensive that we had to stay up all night completing it. We would decorate for festivals like Ganesh Puja and Saraswati Puja and create beautiful rangolis during Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. We also painted murals and decorative artworks on the walls of different venues where events were organized. These moments were not only full of creativity and fun, but they also taught us how to manage time, divide work and support each other in challenging situations.

Throughout all these activities, our painting teacher, Mr. Subrat Mahala, constantly guided and encouraged us. He always understood our strengths and weaknesses and gave us the motivation to improve our artistic skills. He believed in our potential and challenged us to reach new levels of creativity. Under his guidance, we learned not just how to draw or paint, but also how to express ideas, emotions and stories through art. His positive attitude and constant support made us more confident and many of us began to dream of turning our passion for art into a career. These experiences at the vocational center became an unforgettable part of our lives, shaping us into more skilled, disciplined and expressive individuals.

I clearly remember an unforgettable incident from my post-graduation first year in 2017. One day, I suddenly received a phone call saying, “Jyoti, quickly bring all your painting materials and come to our office. Today is the birthday of our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. On this occasion, all the students will sing patriotic songs and you will create a live portrait of the Prime Minister. The entire program will be broadcasted on Kalinga TV.” Without wasting a moment, I grabbed all my painting supplies and rushed to the vocational center. When I arrived, they told me I had only two minutes to draw a portrait of Prime Minister Modi. I took a deep breath, whispered "Jai Shri Ram," and began my work with full focus and dedication.

Sketch of the Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi in two minutes by Jyotiranjan Gudia in 2016 at KISS, standing with his art teacher Shree Subrat Mahala. 

As I started painting, all my friends and fellow students stood behind me, cheering me on and giving me the courage to perform under pressure. I sketched the portrait in reverse (upside down) and then flipped it to reveal the final image. To everyone's surprise and delight, I completed the portrait within just two minutes. The moment I turned the picture around, everyone- including sisters, brothers and classmates- erupted in applause and congratulated me with joyful claps. That moment was not only a proud achievement for me but also a proof of how far I had come in my artistic journey. It gave me immense confidence and motivated me to take my passion for art even more seriously. That day, I truly felt the power of art to inspire, connect and express something meaningful on a national stage.

I am able to draw the portrait of our beloved Prime Minister in just two minutes only because of my constant practice and the guidance of my favourite art teacher. Whenever I practiced painting, he was always there beside me, patiently explaining the techniques and skills needed to create various types of art. His encouragement and detailed instructions helped me sharpen my abilities and build confidence in my work. He not only taught me how to hold a brush but also how to express emotion and meaning through each stroke. Every lesson he gave me added value to my journey as an artist. His dedication and belief in me were the reasons I could perform such a challenging task under pressure.

Today, I am not only known within my institution because of my artistic abilities, but I am also recognized in many households across Odisha-  all thanks to my art teacher. Though I may never be able to repay him as a true Guru Dakshina, I will always carry his teachings in my heart. I will never forget the way he shaped my skills and inspired me to dream bigger. His influence has become an inseparable part of my identity as an artist. Whenever I pick up a pencil or a brush, I feel his presence and guidance. I remain forever grateful to him and I will always honour his contribution to my life and success.

Video link is below: