Jyotiranjan Gudia

 

Jyotiranjan Gudia

Jyotiranjan Gudia at rent house, Patharagadia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha in 2025.

The research journey of Jyotiranjan Gudia began with a deep interest in the life, traditions and political structures of tribal communities in Odisha. From the very beginning, he was fascinated by the unique way indigenous groups govern themselves, resolve conflicts and maintain harmony within their societies. His decision to pursue a Ph.D. at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University was a turning point that gave him a platform to explore this passion academically. He chose the Didayi tribe of Malkangiri district as the focus of his doctoral work, a subject rarely studied in depth. His research topic, “Continuity and Changes of Traditional Political System of the Didayi Tribe in Odisha: A Case Study of Malkangiri District,” reflects his commitment to highlighting marginalized voices. The early phase of his journey involved identifying research questions that could capture both the continuity of tradition and the impact of modern change. He framed questions on leadership roles, decision-making, external interventions and youth perspectives within the tribe. This careful framing gave his research a solid foundation. His supervisors appreciated his originality and encouraged him to carry out in-depth fieldwork. Starting out, he knew the challenges would be many, but his motivation was stronger. His early journey was marked by determination, curiosity and a sense of purpose.

Jyotiranjan Gudia

Fieldwork formed the core of Jyotiranjan Gudia’s research journey, shaping both his understanding and his methodology. He visited 12 villages in Malkangiri district, immersing himself in the everyday life of the Didayi people. This was not just data collection but also relationship building, as trust and acceptance were crucial to his success. He interacted with Naiks, Chalans, Pujaris, Disharis and village elders to understand their roles in governance. He also spoke with youth to capture their changing perspectives about traditional leadership. His observations extended beyond political meetings to include festivals, rituals and community gatherings, which revealed how governance and culture are interconnected. He noted how consensus and respect for elders remain important, but also how modern influences like government schemes, NGOs and contemporary politics are reshaping tribal governance. He collected both qualitative narratives and quantitative data for analysis, ensuring a balance between storytelling and statistics. His use of tools like SPSS reflected his ability to adapt academic methods to real-world contexts. Through this process, he gained not only data but also lived experiences that enriched his thesis. Fieldwork taught him patience, empathy and resilience, qualities every researcher needs.

Jyotiranjan Gudia

The academic phase of Jyotiranjan Gudia’s journey was equally demanding and rewarding. After fieldwork, he dedicated himself to organizing data, analyzing patterns and writing chapters systematically. He worked on demographic profiles, socio-cultural life, traditional leadership structures and the impact of modernization in sequential order. Each chapter reflected careful thought, logical flow and a deep connection with his field experiences. Writing was not easy, as he had to transform oral traditions and lived realities into academic language. He ensured that his thesis balanced scholarly analysis with respect for indigenous voices. His supervisors guided him through revisions, but much of the clarity came from his own persistence. He presented parts of his research at seminars and conferences, gaining feedback and confidence as a young scholar. His ability to articulate tribal issues in academic spaces earned him recognition. The process of editing, refining and rewriting strengthened his skills as a researcher and writer. This stage proved that research is not just about collecting data but also about interpreting it responsibly. His academic journey reflects discipline, creativity and a commitment to excellence.

Jyotiranjan Gudia

Today, Jyotiranjan Gudia’s research journey stands as a remarkable blend of personal conviction and scholarly contribution. His thesis not only documents the continuity and changes in the Didayi political system but also highlights broader questions of tradition, modernity and survival of indigenous governance. His journey demonstrates that academic research can have social relevance, especially when it focuses on marginalized communities. Through his work, he has given visibility to the Didayi tribe’s voices in academic and policy spaces. His photograph in formal attire, confident and composed, reflects the maturity he has gained through this scholarly journey. The challenges of fieldwork in remote areas, the struggles of writing and rewriting and the satisfaction of producing original knowledge all shaped him into a well-rounded researcher. He now stands as an example for future scholars who want to work on tribal studies with seriousness and respect. His journey shows that true research is not just about earning a degree but also about creating meaningful impact. The dedication he invested in this work reflects his larger commitment to education and social upliftment. His story is one of persistence, integrity and intellectual growth. Ultimately, his research journey is not only about him but also about giving voice to a community that deserves recognition in the larger fabric of Indian society.

 

Jyotiranjan Gudia