An Artistic Exchange at KISS: A Portrait of Cultural Friendship

        Art has the power to cross boundaries, create friendships and preserve memories. In 2015, an inspiring cultural exchange unfolded at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar. A visiting artist from Madhya Pradesh, well-known for his work in Madhubani painting, came to KISS along with his mother to share their traditional art form with tribal students. This interaction became an unforgettable experience for both the visiting artist and the students, especially for one young artist, Jyotiranjan Gudia, who made a lasting impression through his gift of art. During their stay at KISS, the Madhya Pradesh artist and his mother conducted workshops on Madhubani painting. Students learned the intricate techniques, motifs and symbolic patterns that make Madhubani one of India’s most celebrated folk-art traditions. The sessions were lively, educational and inspiring, allowing tribal students of Odisha to appreciate the depth of another region’s culture. The visiting artists not only shared their skills but also created a bridge of understanding between two tribal art heritages.

        In return, the students of KISS, including Jyotiranjan Gudia, shared their own indigenous artistic tradition: Soura painting. Originating from the Soura tribe of Odisha, this art form is known for its symbolic depictions of life, rituals and community stories. The exchange was truly a two-way learning experience, where the artists of Madhya Pradesh learned about Odisha’s cultural expressions while the KISS students discovered new techniques and traditions from another part of India.

        The moment of farewell was especially significant. As the visiting artist prepared to leave Odisha, he asked Jyotiranjan Gudia what he could carry with him as a memory that would last a lifetime. Jyotiranjan, who had already demonstrated his artistic skill, responded not with words but with action. He decided to create a live portrait of the artist himself, capturing his likeness with pencil and color in a short span of time. The portrait was more than a drawing it was a heartfelt gesture. With careful strokes, Jyotiranjan brought out the artist’s calm expression, glasses and warm personality. The finished work carried both artistic detail and emotional depth. It was not just a face on paper, but a living memory frozen in art, representing respect, admiration and the bond formed between teacher and student. When the portrait was presented, the Madhya Pradesh artist received it with visible joy. His smile in the photograph captures the gratitude and surprise of receiving such a personal gift. For him, the portrait became more valuable than any souvenir because it was made with thought, effort and affection. For Jyotiranjan, it was a way to honor a mentor who had given him knowledge and inspiration.

This moment also highlighted the ethos of KISS, an institution that not only educates but also nurtures cultural exchange, creativity and personal growth. KISS is unique in the world for providing free education, food, accommodation and healthcare to over 30,000 tribal students. Beyond academics, it gives space for art, sports and cultural traditions, ensuring that tribal identity is preserved while students grow into confident individuals. KISS has always encouraged students to embrace their talents alongside their studies. In this setting, Jyotiranjan’s skill in portraiture was recognized and celebrated. His decision to create a portrait during such a memorable event shows how KISS fosters values of respect, sharing and lifelong learning. The event was not simply about painting but about building human connections that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. The exchange of Madhubani and Soura painting between the artist from Madhya Pradesh and the tribal students of Odisha stands as a beautiful example of India’s cultural diversity. It illustrates how traditional art forms, though rooted in different soils, share the same spirit of storytelling, identity and celebration of life. Both art traditions, when shared, became richer and more meaningful. Ultimately, the portrait presented by Jyotiranjan Gudia is not just an artwork it is a reminder of a cultural friendship that took shape at KISS. It symbolizes how art can create bonds between people of different regions, preserve memories of shared learning and strengthen India’s tribal heritage. For the Madhya Pradesh artist, the portrait became a lifelong keepsake. For Jyotiranjan, it was a proud moment of giving back to a teacher through his own creativity. And for KISS, it was yet another example of how the institution nurtures not just students, but also culture, art and human values.