In the year 2017, when I was in the third year of my undergraduate studies at KISS, one day our Odia lecturer Dr. Sarbeswar Behera Sir told me, “Jyoti, you will join us tomorrow for a visit to the Odisha Red Cross Society.” Wherever I go, I always carry my painting tools in my bag. The next day, I left with a few other students and Sir in our school bus.
Upon reaching the venue, I saw that the event was organized to celebrate National Youth Day 2017. Various competitions were being held there, including singing, dancing, elocution, rangoli and painting. As soon as I reached, I noticed something that deeply saddened me there were photographs of many great personalities, but Swami Vivekananda’s photo was missing, even though the day was being celebrated in his honour.
I immediately expressed my concern to Sir, saying, “Sir, today is National Youth Day. Why is there no photo of Swami Vivekananda?” He replied, “Maybe they didn’t have one.” I then told him, “Sir, I will win first prize in the painting competition and with the prize money, I’ll create a portrait of Swami Vivekananda and present it as a gift.”
By God’s grace, I won first prize in the painting competition that day and received a cash award of ₹1000. I used that money to buy a canvas board and acrylic colours. Although I had won the award during my third year of undergraduate study, I completed the painting during my first year of M.A.
When I finished the painting, I eagerly waited for Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary in January. On January 11, 2018, I requested our former Principal Mr. Manindranath Mohanty to unveil the painting during the university’s morning assembly. That day, in front of around 3000 students, the painting was unveiled by our former Vice Chancellor, Professor Harekrushna Satapathy. A photograph of the unveiling ceremony is shown below.
As the painting was being unveiled, Principal Manindranath Mohanty narrated the entire story behind its creation and Prof. Satapathy did the honours of unveiling it. I stood proudly beside them, surrounded by my classmates like Hemanta Nayak, Anen Kumar Brahma and Lui Pradhan.
After being exhibited in our university, I once again took the painting, along with Sir, to the Odisha Red Cross Society on January 12, 2018, the same place where I had received the first prize the previous year. Once again, my painting was awarded first prize and received great appreciation. A copy of the certificate is attached below.
When I presented the painting as a gift to the officials of the Red Cross Society, my story was shared publicly. Everyone clapped with joy and said, “Well done, Jyoti, well done!” Seeing my love for the country and my inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, Sir and I were honoured in front of everyone. Dr. Sarbeswar Behera, who encouraged and accompanied me, was also appreciated for inspiring the youth.
What made me happiest was that my painting, created with love and patriotism, was not only praised but also worshipped like an idol, decorated with garlands. The moment my art was honoured with such deep respect brought immense satisfaction and joy to my heart.
This incident taught me that art can be a powerful medium to express devotion and respect. It also showed me that if we are truly passionate about something, no hurdle can stop us from achieving it. Swami Vivekananda’s life and ideals have always inspired me to be courageous, patriotic and spiritually strong. That day, I didn’t just present a painting- I presented my feelings, my respect and a tribute to the one who continues to ignite the spirit of youth across India.
