Jyotiranjan Gudia’s Portrait of Late Pradyumna Bal

Painting of Late Pradyumna Bal, founder of Odia Newspaper (Pragatibadi) by Jyotiranjan Gudia in 2015 at KISS, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Art has always been a powerful medium to preserve memory and honor legacies. In 2015, while studying in +3 second year at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar, Jyotiranjan Gudia created a remarkable pencil portrait of Late Pradyumna Bal, the founder of the Pragatibadi Odia newspaper. The artwork, executed with precision using 8B, 6B, 2B and normal pencils, captured not only the likeness but also the essence of a visionary who left a deep imprint on Odisha’s journalistic and cultural landscape. This portrait became more than just a drawing; it became a symbol of respect, remembrance and artistic dedication.

Late Pradyumna Bal was not just a journalist but also a thinker, reformer and cultural figure of Odisha. As the founder of the Pragatibadi newspaper, he championed progressive thought and gave voice to the issues of the common people. His work as an editor and writer reflected courage and a commitment to truth, shaping the way Odia society engaged with politics, culture and reform. Remembered as a fearless intellectual, he stood for honesty in journalism and for the upliftment of society through informed discourse. His life and contributions remain a source of inspiration for generations, particularly in Odisha.

For Jyotiranjan Gudia, the portrait was not merely an academic exercise but a heartfelt homage. With each stroke of his pencil, he conveyed admiration for Bal’s ideals and legacy. His ability to capture expression and depth speaks to his keen eye and patience as an artist. The blend of soft and sharp shading techniques brought alive the warmth in Bal’s eyes and the wisdom in his expression. Displaying the portrait during Bal’s death anniversary at KISS in front of 25,000 tribal students gave the artwork a living context, connecting young learners with the values embodied by Bal. Jyotiranjan Gudia himself is not only an artist but also a scholar deeply committed to research on tribal culture and governance. His journey reflects a balance between creativity and academic pursuit. At KISS, he found a nurturing environment where his talents could grow and where he could use art as a bridge between memory and identity. His decision to honor a towering intellectual figure like Pradyumna Bal through art demonstrates his awareness of history, society and the role of cultural icons in shaping collective consciousness.

The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) deserves special mention here as the backdrop where this artwork was born. Founded in Bhubaneswar, KISS is recognized worldwide for providing free education, accommodation, food and healthcare to tribal students from Odisha and beyond. It has transformed the lives of thousands of indigenous children who once faced marginalization. Beyond education, KISS fosters talent in art, sports and culture, allowing students to express themselves fully. It was in this space of encouragement and inclusivity that Jyotiranjan was able to hone his artistic skills and contribute meaningfully to cultural remembrance.

The public display of the portrait in front of such a large audience of tribal students during the death anniversary of Pradyumna Bal added another layer of meaning. It was not just an exhibition of artistic skill but a collective act of respect toward a man who dedicated his life to progressive thought. For many of the students, the portrait served as a visual introduction to Bal’s contributions, ensuring that his memory continues to inspire even those who may not have directly known his work. In essence, this painting is more than graphite on paper. It is a bridge between generations, a visual narrative of Odisha’s intellectual heritage and a testimony to the power of art in education and remembrance. Through this portrait, Jyotiranjan Gudia honored a great son of Odisha while also inspiring young tribal students to look toward role models who embody courage, intellect and service to society. His work stands as proof that art, when nurtured in the right environment, can transcend boundaries of time and create a lasting cultural impact.