Malkangiri 22nd Oct 2025: Dr. Jatiranjan Gudiya, from the Particu larly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) community of Didai, has been honored as the first person from the Didai tribe in Malkangiri district to earn a Doctorate degree (Ph.D.).
He is the son of Buda (father) and Dayaa (mother), hailing from Muduliguda village, under Rasbeda Bada panchayat, in Khiarput block of Malkangiri district, Odisha. Apart from his academic pursuits, he also has a passion for painting.
Since childhood, Jatiranjan witnessed the hardships and struggles of his parents and community. Despite this, he was always determined to rise through education and become a prominent figure in society, representing his tribal roots with pride.
He began his early education in Kudumulugumma, then enrolled in the government high school in his own village. Studying under financial hardship and adversity, he pushed through with dedication.
During his middle school years (grades 8–10), he lived with and studied under Maheswar Maharana Sir, who mentored him for three years. Recognizing his exceptional talent in painting, Maharana Sir encouraged and supported Jatiranjan’s artistic development, helping him get involved in various events and professional art projects.
In 2012, he passed his 10th board exams and got the opportunity to move from remote Malkangiri to Bhubaneswar for higher education. From that day, he never looked back.
He remained equally committed to both art and academics. He studied at KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) in Bhubaneswar, earning degrees in Fine Arts, Political Science (BA and MA), M.Phil, and eventually a Ph.D., becoming the first Didai tribal person to achieve a doctorate.
His journey is not only a personal achievement but a proud moment for the entire Didai community and a source of inspiration for many in tribal and marginalized groups across Odisha.
No responses yet