Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia: A Journey of Academic Excellence and Service

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia is an emerging political scientist, researcher, author, artist, and educator from the Didayi Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of Malkangiri district, Odisha. He is widely recognized as the first person from the Didayi community to earn both an M.Phil. and a Ph.D., making him a source of inspiration for tribal youth across Odisha. His academic work focuses on tribal governance, socio-cultural transformation, indigenous political institutions, and sustainable development. Through his research, publications, and teaching, he has consistently worked to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Didayi tribe while contributing to the field of Political Science.

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia, file photo 2025.

Born on 1 May 1997 in Muduliguda village, Khairaput Block of Malkangiri district, Dr. Gudia completed his schooling before joining Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar, where he pursued his higher education. He completed his Higher Secondary, Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Master's degree, M.Phil., and later his Ph.D. at KISS Deemed to be University. His doctoral research, titled "Continuity and Changes of Traditional Political System of the Didayi Tribe in Odisha: A Case Study of Malkangiri District," has been recognized as a valuable contribution to tribal political studies in India.

Besides his academic achievements, Dr. Gudia has published several research articles and book chapters in reputed journals, particularly on tribal governance, socio-cultural development, and indigenous political systems. He is also an accomplished artist whose paintings have received recognition at state and national levels. Throughout his career, he has actively participated in academic seminars, conferences, workshops, and community-based research programmes.

A significant milestone in his professional career came in July 2026. After appearing in several Guest Faculty recruitment interviews conducted by different higher education institutions, including the interview under Vikram Dev University, Jeypore, he was selected as Guest Faculty in Political Science at Model Degree College, Chitrakonda, located in his native Malkangiri district.

According to the official appointment order issued by the Office of the Principal, Model Degree College, Malkangiri, dated 14 July 2026, Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia was appointed as Guest Faculty in the Department of Political Science for the Academic Session 2026–27. The appointment order directed him to join his duties with effect from 15 July 2026 and report to Government Degree College, Chitrakonda on the same date. The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Selection Committee, with remuneration fixed at ₹700 per class, subject to a maximum monthly ceiling of ₹35,000, in accordance with the Higher Education Department's guidelines.

On 15 July 2026, Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia officially joined as Guest Faculty in the Department of Political Science at Model Degree College, Chitrakonda. This appointment marked the beginning of his formal teaching career in higher education and represented a proud moment for his family, his community, and the people of Malkangiri district. Serving in his own region gives him a unique opportunity to mentor rural and tribal students, encourage higher education among marginalized communities, and bridge academic knowledge with local realities.

Dr. Gudia's appointment is more than an individual achievement. It symbolizes the growing participation of members of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in higher education and academic leadership. His journey from a remote tribal village to becoming a university-trained scholar and college teacher reflects determination, perseverance, and dedication to education. As a Guest Faculty member, he continues to inspire students through quality teaching, research, and community engagement while contributing to the advancement of Political Science education in Odisha.