Who is Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia?

 

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia at Government Degree College, Chitrakonda in 2026.

 Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia is an Indian tribal scholar, Political Science researcher, artist, educator and social contributor from Muduliguda village in Malkangiri district, Odisha. He is recognized for becoming the first doctorate holder from the Didayi community of Malkangiri district, a community classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in India. His academic journey reflects the role education can play in opening opportunities for young people from remote tribal regions. His story is not limited to earning a doctorate. It brings together a rural upbringing, his family’s sacrifices, 14 years of education at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), a passion for painting, research into indigenous governance and a commitment to encouraging education and preserving tribal heritage.

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia was born on 1 May 1997 in Muduliguda village, under Rasabeda Gram Panchayat, Khairaput Block, Malkangiri district, Odisha. He belongs to the Didayi tribal community and grew up in a family whose life was rooted in farming, hard work and rural traditions. His father, Buda Gudia, is a farmer, while his mother, Radha Gudia, has supported the family through collecting kendu leaves, gathering mahua flowers and working in other people’s homes. Their efforts helped him continue his education despite financial difficulties. His younger sister is Menaka Gudia. Growing up in a remote tribal area gave him firsthand experience of the challenges faced by rural communities, particularly in accessing higher education and opportunities. His connection to the Didayi community later became the foundation of his academic research. Rather than distancing himself from his roots after entering higher education, he chose to study the traditions, political institutions and social changes of his own community.

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia and his communities people at Muduliguda on 26th October 2025.

1. The educational journey: From a village school to a doctorate

In 2012, Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia passed his matriculation examination, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Pursuing higher education had always been his dream, particularly given the financial hardships faced by his family. Despite these challenges, he remained hopeful and determined to achieve his educational goals. He regularly prayed to Goddess ‘Maa Bhairabi’ of Purunagumma village, seeking her blessings for an opportunity to study at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar. Through what he considers the divine grace of Goddess Bhairabi and the unwavering support of his parents, he secured admission to KISS in 2012 to pursue his +2 Arts education. From that moment onward, he resolved to move forward with dedication, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to his dreams.

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia at UGME School, Kudumulugumma in 2014.

At KISS, he completed his +2 Arts between 2012 and 2014, earned his B.A. (Honours) in Political Science from 2014 to 2017 and subsequently completed his M.A. in Political Science from 2017 to 2019. He then pursued his M.Phil. in Political Science from 2019 to 2021, followed by his Ph.D. from 2021 to 2025. These 13 years at KISS played a transformative role in shaping his academic journey, strengthening his values, instilling discipline and deepening his commitment to serving his community.

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia in 2010, when he was studying in class 9th at Government High School, Kudumulugumma.

During his M.Phil. programme, his research topic was “Socio-cultural Development of Didayi Tribe in Odisha: A Case Study on Malkangiri District.” He conducted this research under the supervision of Dr. Tusarkanta Pattnaik, whose continuous guidance, encouragement, and academic support helped him establish a strong foundation for advanced research.

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia in 2004.

For his doctoral research, he selected the topic “Continuity and Changes of Traditional Political System of Didayi Tribe in Odisha: A Case Study of Malkangiri District.” He carried out this extensive study under the able supervision of Dr. Tusarkanta Pattnaik as his Research Guide and Dr. Ratnakar Mohapatra as his Co-Guide. To ensure academic rigour and maintain the quality of his research, the Department of Political Science at KISS-DU appointed Prof. Jugal Kishore Mishra and Dr. Raj Kumar Khosla as members of his Research Scrutiny Committee (RSC). His doctoral thesis was examined by Dr. Pradip Kumar Parida, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (CCPPT, SIS), who served as the External Examiner. His Ph.D. Viva Voce Examination was successfully held on 15 October 2025 in the presence of Prof. Brahmananda Satapathy, who attended as the Vice-Chancellor’s Nominee of KISS Deemed to be University. The occasion marked one of the most memorable and fulfilling milestones of his life, symbolising the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, determination, and perseverance. For Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia, earning a doctorate was not merely an academic achievement; it was the realisation of a long-cherished dream and a significant step towards contributing to the academic understanding, cultural preservation, and socio-political development of the Didayi tribe of Odisha.

His educational achievement was made possible by the opportunities and support he received at KISS. He has expressed gratitude to its founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta and to the institution for helping him pursue higher education. For a student from a remote village, this long academic journey represents more than a series of degrees. It is an example of how sustained educational support can help a student progress from school to advanced research.

2. Doctoral research: Giving academic recognition to Didayi knowledge

“Continuity and Changes of Traditional Political System of Didayi Tribe in Odisha: A Case Study of Malkangiri District.”

The research examines how the traditional political institutions of the Didayi community continue to function and how they have changed under the influence of modern administration and governance.

His fieldwork covered 12 villages in Malkangiri district and examined traditional leadership roles, including Naik, Chalan, Pujari and Dishari. His research also connects indigenous institutions with contemporary governance, local participation and the changing social life of the community.

His broader research interests include:

• Traditional tribal governance and indigenous political institutions.
• Didayi culture, customs, arts and crafts.
• Socio-cultural transformation in tribal society.
• Women’s participation in governance.
• Tribal rights, inclusion and sustainable development.

One of the most significant aspects of his achievement is that he studied his own community through systematic academic research. This helps document indigenous knowledge that might otherwise receive limited attention in mainstream academic discussions. His doctorate was awarded in October 2025, marking a major milestone in his academic career.

3. Hidden talent: The artist behind the academic

Beyond his academic qualifications, Dr. Gudia has developed a creative identity as a painter, sketch artist and calligrapher. His artistic journey began during his school years at UGME School in Kudumulugumma, long before he became a doctoral researcher. According to his published personal account, one of the early turning points came when his teacher, Maheswara Maharana, noticed his beautiful handwriting. The teacher encouraged him to write inspiring quotations on school walls and introduced him to painting. That encouragement helped transform a natural ability into a sustained artistic practice. When Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia was admitted to Class 3 at UGME School in Kudumulugumma, there was no hostel facility available for him, so he had to travel between his home and school every day. His father went to Kudumulugumma in search of a tutor and arranged tuition classes for him. However, as Jyotiranjan could not stay there independently, his father approached the school Headmaster and requested permission for him to stay with a relative who was already working there. Although he continued his studies at the school, he never ate the hostel food provided to the students. Every day, at around 4 p.m. after school, he would ride his bicycle home, eat his meals, attend tuition classes and return with dinner packed in a tiffin carrier. He would then sit with the hostel students and eat his homemade food while they ate the meals served by the hostel. When he was in Class 5, he carried a mat every day to attend tuition classes under Maheswara Maharana Sir. One day, he forgot to bring his mat and asked his classmate, Tulabati Khila, if he could sit on hers, but she refused. He then took her mat and beautifully wrote “Maharana Sir” in English on it. When Sir arrived and noticed the elegant handwriting, he asked the students who had written it, and everyone identified Jyotiranjan Gudia as the artist. Impressed by his talent, Sir promised to bring him paints and encouraged him to write inspiring quotations in beautiful handwriting on the school walls. From that day onward, Maharana Sir developed a special fondness for Jyotiranjan and nurtured his artistic abilities by encouraging him to paint alongside writing moral quotations. However, the Headmaster’s wife would send him to graze their cow every day, causing him to miss important lessons, particularly Mathematics and Science. While his classmates continued to progress academically, Jyotiranjan fell behind because he spent valuable study time grazing cattle instead of attending lessons. Eventually, he realised that these responsibilities were affecting his education and gathered the courage to politely explain that he could no longer perform those tasks. Consequently, he was asked to leave the hostel and once again began commuting between home and school by bicycle. Observing his difficulties, Maharana Sir recognised his courage, dedication and passion for art and invited him to stay with him. Jyotiranjan lived with Sir for three years, during which Sir not only guided his education but also cooked meals for both of them. After Jyotiranjan completed Class 7, Sir encouraged him to continue living with him until he completed Class 10 and he gladly accepted the offer. Following his matriculation examination, Jyotiranjan secured admission to the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar, to pursue his +2 education. After completing his undergraduate studies, he returned home and created a painting of Lord Jagannath as a token of gratitude to the teacher who had played such a significant role in shaping his life. The artwork depicts the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, with the divine trio, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, vividly portrayed in the foreground. The rich colours and intricate details reflect his deep devotion, artistic development and the creative journey he began during his childhood at a small village school. He signed the artwork as “Jyoti Art Kiss,” a heartfelt tribute to his years at KISS and the remarkable journey that began with the encouragement, kindness, and guidance of Maheswara Maharana Sir.

4. Awards, prizes and fellowships

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia has received several awards, honours, and fellowships in recognition of his academic achievements and artistic excellence. He was awarded the Certificate of Excellence by KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, in 2017 and received the Rajiv Gandhi Prativa Puraskar (State-Level Award) in Fine Arts in 2017. He also received support through the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of Scheduled Tribe Students during the periods 2019-20 and 2021-22, contributing to his pursuit of advanced higher education and research. These recognitions reflect his dedication to academic advancement, creative expression and personal development.

5. Art Competitions

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia has demonstrated exceptional artistic talent through his participation in various drawing and painting competitions at state, district and block levels. He secured State-Level First Prize in Drawing at the Odisha Environment Congress in 2016, followed by another State-Level First Prize at National Youth Day in 2017. In 2018, he achieved the State-Level First Prize in Drawing at Netaji Utsav. In addition to these state-level achievements, he received multiple prizes in district- and block-level art competitions over several years. These accomplishments highlight his creativity, artistic skills, originality, and sustained commitment to the fine arts. These recognitions demonstrate two parallel areas of achievement: creative work in the arts and advanced academic research. The fellowship support is educational funding rather than a competitive prize, so it is appropriately distinguished from his art awards.

6. Research publications and academic contribution

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia has published nine research articles focusing on the traditional political institutions, socio-cultural life, art and culture, marriage systems, economic practices, and governance of the Didayi tribe of Malkangiri district, Odisha. His publications include “Preserving Traditional Political Institutions: Challenges among the Didayi Tribe of Malkangiri District, Odisha, India” in The Indian Journal of Political Science (2025); “Changes and Developments in the Socio-Cultural Life of the Didayi Tribe in Malkangiri District: A Study of Tradition and Transformation” in the International Journal of Research and Analytical Review (2024); “Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Art and Culture: The Traditional Arts and Crafts of the Didayi Tribe in Malkangiri District, Odisha” in ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts (2024); “Socio-Cultural Life of the Didayi Community in Malkangiri District of Odisha” in the International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (2024); “Study on Traditional Marriage System of the Didayi Community in Malkangiri District of Odisha” in the International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews (2024); “Integrating Traditional Political System into Modern Governance: Insights from the Didayi Tribe of Malkangiri District” in the International Journal of All Research Educational and Scientific Methods (2024); “Impact of Modern Economic Policies on Traditional Economic Practices of the Didayi Tribe in Malkangiri District of Odisha” in the Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (2024); “Tribal Economic Management of the People of Didayi Tribe of Malkangiri District of Odisha in India,” co-authored with Dr. Ratnakar Mohapatra, in Journal Innovations (2023); and “Study on Visual Scenarios for Understanding Social Structures, Community Dynamics, Elders’ Roles and Gender Influences in the Didayi Tribe of Malkangiri District of Odisha” in ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts (2023). Through these scholarly contributions, Dr. Gudia has sought to document the cultural heritage, traditional institutions, social transformations, and economic practices of the Didayi community while exploring the relevance of indigenous knowledge and governance systems in contemporary society.

7. Teaching career and contribution to higher education

After completing his doctorate, Dr. Gudia moved into higher education as a Political Science educator. In 2026, he took up work as Guest Faculty in Political Science at Government Degree College, Chitrakonda, in Malkangiri district. This professional chapter brings his journey back to the region where his own educational aspirations began. Working with students in a tribal-dominated area allows him to connect academic concepts with the social and political realities of the communities around them. His teaching interests include Political Theory, Indian Government and Politics, Public Administration, tribal governance and constitutional provisions relating to Scheduled Tribes. His approach to education emphasizes making Political Science accessible to undergraduate students, encouraging questions, improving students' confidence and helping young people understand the practical importance of their studies.

8. Social contribution and commitment to indigenous communities

For Dr. Gudia, education is not simply a means of personal advancement. His academic interests and community engagements reflect a continuing concern for the opportunities available to indigenous people, particularly young people from remote villages.

His contributions can be understood through several areas.

·         Promoting education among tribal youth

His own educational journey provides an example for students who may face financial difficulties, limited access to guidance or uncertainty about pursuing higher studies.

·         Preserving indigenous knowledge

Through his research, he documents Didayi political institutions, customs and cultural practices, helping bring indigenous perspectives into academic discussion.

·         Youth development and social awareness

He has participated in educational and awareness activities and supports the wider goals of youth empowerment, cultural dignity, social harmony and community development.

·         Recognition for community-oriented work

On 9 August 2026, he was honoured at Kalimela on the occasion of World Indigenous Peoples Day for his contribution to youth education. This recognition is reported in his biographical record.

His interests also include girls' empowerment, health awareness, cultural preservation and development in the Chitrakonda and Malkangiri region. These are important areas of commitment, although individual projects and measurable outcomes should be documented separately when presenting a formal record of social service.

 

9. His other interests: Writing, digital media and creative expression

Dr. Gudia's work is not confined to the classroom or research publications. He also writes articles, maintains online content and explores creative ways of sharing ideas.

His interests include:

• Blogging and public communication: sharing biographical accounts, educational experiences, cultural subjects and reflections on tribal life.
• Creative writing: composing Odia poems, songs and descriptive writing inspired by people, relationships, nature and places such as Chitrakonda.
• Video and visual content: developing thumbnails, artistic presentations and other digital material.
• Cultural documentation: using writing, painting and research to communicate aspects of Odisha's indigenous heritage.

These interests allow him to communicate with audiences beyond universities and academic journals. They also show how a researcher can use several forms of expression to document experiences and make knowledge more accessible.

10. The people who influenced his journey

Behind a long educational journey are people who offer encouragement at crucial moments. Dr. Gudia's story highlights the importance of his parents' sacrifices and the role of educational opportunities at KISS. His schoolteacher, Maheswara Maharana, played a particularly important part in developing his artistic skills and supporting him during his school years.  His academic development was also shaped by the guidance of his research supervisor, Dr. Tusarkant Pattnaik, and co-supervisor, Dr. Ratnakar Mohapatra. He has expressed gratitude to Dr. Achyuta Samanta for the educational opportunities offered through KISS. These relationships form an important part of his personal account of perseverance, mentorship and achievement.

 

11. What makes his journey significant?

·         An educational milestone

He became the first doctorate holder from the Didayi community of Malkangiri district, according to KISS's published account. His achievement expands the representation of his community in higher education and research.

·         A combination of art and scholarship

His recognition in drawing and fine arts, alongside his academic work, demonstrates the development of two different kinds of ability.

·         Research rooted in lived experience

His research focuses on the political institutions and cultural heritage of his own community, connecting academic inquiry with local knowledge.

·         A role in higher education

His work as a Political Science educator creates an opportunity to support the learning and development of students in a tribal-dominated region.

His journey is best understood not as a story of overnight success, but as a gradual process shaped by family effort, teachers' encouragement, educational support, artistic practice, research and professional development.  

12. A concise biographical profile

Particular	Details
Full name	Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia
Date of birth	1 May 1997
Native village	Muduliguda, Malkangiri, Odisha
Community	Didayi, a PVTG
Field of study	Political Science
Doctoral institution	KISS Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar
Doctoral research	Traditional political system of the Didayi tribe
Teaching role	Guest Faculty in Political Science, Government Degree College, Chitrakonda, in 2026
Artistic skills	Painting, portrait drawing, sketching and calligraphy
Major recognitions	Rajiv Gandhi Prativa Puraskar (2017), three reported state-level drawing first prizes, KIIT Certificate of Excellence (2017)
Research interests	Tribal governance, indigenous knowledge, socio-cultural change and community development
Public contribution	Education, tribal research, cultural documentation and youth empowerment

 

Conclusion: A journey from Muduliguda to academic life

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia’s life journey illustrates how educational opportunity, personal determination, family support and mentorship can help a student from a remote tribal village reach the world of higher education. His achievement as the first doctorate holder from the Didayi community of Malkangiri district is an important part of his story. Equally significant are his efforts to document Didayi traditions, his artistic abilities, his academic publications and his work as an educator. His life connects three important ideas: education as opportunity, art as expression, and research as a means of preserving community knowledge. His future contribution will depend on how he continues to develop these abilities, supports students, publishes rigorous research and participates in community-oriented work. His journey so far provides a meaningful example of pursuing higher education without losing one's connection to one's roots.