Painting of Jyotiranjan Gudia

In the year 2017, during his final year of undergraduate studies at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Jyotiranjan Gudia created a remarkable watercolor painting that stands as a profound tribute to a towering personality in Odia journalism and literature Late Pradyumna Bala. The artwork is not just a portrait, but a deeply symbolic composition that weaves together legacy, culture and hope. The central figure in the painting is Late Pradyumna Bala, a highly respected journalist and social thinker, known as the founder of the Pragatibadi newspaper. He was the grandson of Pallikabi Nandakishor Bal, one of Odisha’s most celebrated poets. The legacy of both grandfather and grandson is carried forward through this vibrant painting, which immortalizes their contribution to society and literature.

Jyotiranjan Gudia standing with his painting at KISS, Bhubaneswar.

Jyotiranjan's painting does more than replicate a face it celebrates a life of thought, activism and literature. Surrounding the portrait of Pradyumna Bala is a floral arrangement bursting with color, carefully crafted in watercolor. Each flower appears to be purposefully chosen, perhaps to represent different virtues hope, compassion, strength and wisdom. The flowers radiate outward from the figure, suggesting Bala’s ideas and influence spreading across time and space. This floral motif serves as a visual metaphor for intellectual and social blossoming a fitting homage to someone who planted seeds of progressive thought through his writings. Jyotiranjan used watercolor on canvas, a medium that demands precision and confidence. Watercolor is often considered challenging due to its fluidity and lack of margin for error, making this painting even more impressive considering it was done during his student years. His control over color blending, depth and layering shows his artistic maturity and emotional connection to the subject. The use of light shades and vibrant floral hues contrasts beautifully with the serene expression of Pradyumna Bala’s face, creating a balance between calm dignity and lively tribute.

This painting also holds deep personal significance for Jyotiranjan. As a student at KISS, an institute that champions tribal education and heritage, he chose to highlight a legendary figure from Odisha, aligning with KISS’s values of cultural pride and historical remembrance. The painting was a project of passion and purpose, reflecting his love for both art and history. Art has always been a powerful medium for preserving history and identity. In this painting, Jyotiranjan plays the role of a cultural chronicler, ensuring that Pradyumna Bala’s contributions are not forgotten. It serves as an example of how modern tribal youth can actively participate in intellectual and cultural dialogues, bridging the past with the present. Though created in a personal academic setting, the quality and message of this artwork warrant public appreciation. It could be a valuable exhibit in educational institutions, cultural festivals, or museums that celebrate Odisha’s history and its unsung heroes. For viewers, it serves as both an aesthetic delight and an invitation to explore the life and ideals of Pradyumna Bala. This painting is more than a visual representation it is an emotional and intellectual tribute. Created by Jyotiranjan Gudia, a tribal scholar and artist, it embodies a fusion of art, memory and gratitude. In honoring the legacy of Pradyumna Bala, Jyotiranjan also subtly asserts the voice of his own Didayi community showing that they, too, are part of the larger cultural narrative of Odisha.