Where Art Meets Education: Jyotiranjan Gudia’s Story

Jyotiranjan Gudia doing flowers painting at KISS, in front of pond, campus-2.

In the photographs, Jyotiranjan Gudia is seen with one of his beautiful paintings at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar, in 2017. At this time, he was pursuing his Master’s degree in Political Science and in his free hours, he often devoted himself to art. His painting reflects his deep love for creativity, nature and colors, which he balanced alongside his academic journey. The setting is peaceful, with greenery in the background and it captures the morning calm when he would sit near the KISS pond and immerse himself in painting. The artwork displayed is a vibrant floral composition. The bouquet of flowers painted by Jyotiranjan shows not only his skill but also his sense of harmony with nature. The choice of bright colors pinks, blues, yellows and greens brings life to the canvas, making it visually soothing. This painting demonstrates how he combined precision with imagination, bringing out both the detail of leaves and flowers and the freedom of natural forms. It also reveals his ability to use color balance effectively, where every shade has its importance in the whole composition.

Jyotiranjan Gudia sitting with his painting at KISS campus-2, in front of pond in 2017.

Jyotiranjan’s journey as an artist goes beyond mere hobby. Art became a way for him to express his personality, his inner calm and his creativity. Even while studying Political Science, he did not leave behind his artistic side. The pictures show him confidently holding his palette and brush, which symbolize his dedication to both academics and art. This balance is rare and admirable and it underlines his ability to cultivate multiple talents at once. KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences), where Jyotiranjan was studying, is a unique institution in Odisha. Founded with the mission of providing free education to tribal children, KISS has grown into the world’s largest tribal residential institution. It provides not just education but also food, accommodation, clothing and healthcare to thousands of underprivileged students. This holistic approach makes KISS not only a school or university but also a model of empowerment and social change.

Jyotiranjan Gudia standing with his flowers painting at KISS in 2017.

The founder of KISS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, is a visionary who has dedicated his life to education and social service. Coming from a humble background, he understood the struggles of poverty and the transformative power of education. With minimal resources, he started KISS in the early 1990s and today, it stands as a globally recognized institution. His leadership and compassion have brought opportunities to countless tribal children who otherwise would not have access to education.

For students like Jyotiranjan Gudia, KISS offered not only formal education but also the freedom to explore their passions. The institution emphasizes all-round development, encouraging students to pursue sports, art, culture and research alongside their studies. Jyotiranjan’s interest in painting blossomed in such an environment, where creativity was nurtured and supported. His paintings, like the one shown in these images, are the result of this atmosphere of growth and encouragement. The pondside at KISS where Jyotiranjan painted holds a symbolic meaning. Water bodies are often associated with calmness and reflection and this environment gave him the perfect space to focus on his art. The morning light in the photos adds a fresh energy to the scene, showing how creativity and learning often come alive in simple natural settings. These images capture not only the painter and his art but also the spirit of KISS itself peaceful, nurturing and filled with opportunities for growth.

Art, in Jyotiranjan’s case, also became a bridge between personal passion and academic life. As a student of Political Science, he was deeply engaged in understanding systems, governance and society, but his paintings gave him the emotional balance to think creatively and freely. This combination of political studies and artistic creativity shaped him into a holistic individual who valued both knowledge and expression. The success of KISS and the achievements of students like Jyotiranjan stand as living examples of Dr. Achyuta Samanta’s vision. He has shown how education, when provided with love and equality, can transform entire communities. His efforts have been recognized nationally and internationally, yet the most powerful testimony to his work comes from the thousands of students who have found their voices and talents at KISS. In summary, these photographs of Jyotiranjan Gudia with his painting are more than just moments captured in 2017. They represent the story of a young scholar-artist who balanced Political Science with painting, the support of a great institution like KISS and the vision of its founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta. Together, they tell a story of education, creativity, empowerment and inspiration, where art and learning blend beautifully under the nurturing shade of an institution dedicated to humanity.