A Young Scholar's Journey Begins – Jyotiranjan Gudia in 2015

Jyotiranjan Gudia 6/28/2025 03:56:00 PM

 A Young Scholar's Journey Begins - Jyotiranjan Gudia in 2015


Jyotiranjan Gudia in 2015

This photograph captures Jyotiranjan Gudia in the year 2015, during his first year of undergraduate studies (+3 First Year Arts) at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar. Dressed in a formal blazer, light blue shirt, jeans, and brown shoes, he stands with a confident smile reflecting a young man stepping into a world of education, ambition, and transformation.

About the Photograph:

Taken in a simple corridor setting, this photo marks a significant phase in Jyotiranjan’s educational journey. Coming from the remote tribal region of Malkangiri district in Odisha, and belonging to the Didayi tribe, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), his presence at a higher education institution itself is a symbol of breaking barriers and embracing opportunities.

About Jyotiranjan Gudia:

Jyotiranjan Gudia is not just a student in this image he is a pioneer and changemaker. From humble beginnings and a strong cultural background, he rose to become the first Ph.D. scholar from the Didayi tribe, dedicated to research that preserves and promotes tribal identity, governance, and culture. Today, Jyotiranjan is a doctoral researcher at KISS University, working on the topic: "Continuity and Changes in the Traditional Political System of the Didayi Tribe in Odisha". His journey, which began as seen in this photograph, is an inspiring story of resilience, purpose, and passion proving that with education, even the most underrepresented voices can rise and create impact. This picture is not only a memory of his college days but also a visual representation of a dream that continues to grow stronger, for himself and for his community.

Jyotiranjan Gudia

Posted by Jyotiranjan Gudia

Jyotiranjan Gudia was born on May 1, 1997, in Muduliguda village of Malkangiri district, Odisha. He belongs to a tribal community and has a deep connection with the culture, traditions and social systems of indigenous people. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar. His research focuses on the traditional political system of the Didayi tribe, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha. His doctoral thesis, titled "Continuity and Changes of Traditional Political System of Didayi Tribe in Odisha: A Case Study of Malkangiri District," explores how traditional governance systems have evolved in response to modern influences. Jyotiranjan has conducted extensive fieldwork in 12 villages of Malkangiri, studying traditional leadership roles such as Naik, Chalan, Pujari and Dishari. Committed to preserving tribal identity and knowledge, he continues to work toward empowering indigenous communities through research and advocacy.

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