Sudarsan Pattnaik, a globally renowned sand artist and recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri, has achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious career. Known for his intricate and thought-provoking sand sculptures, Pattnaik has once again made India proud on the international stage.
Internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has added another feather to his accolade-heavy cap by winning the Golden Sand Master Award and a gold medal at the International Sand Sculpture Championship held at the iconic Peter and Paul Fortress in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The competition, which took place from July 4 to July 12, saw the participation of 21 master sand sculptors from around the globe, with Pattnaik being the sole representative from India.
The theme for this year’s competition was “History, Mythology, and Fairy Tales.” Embracing this theme, Pattnaik crafted a magnificent 12-foot-high sculpture depicting Lord Jagannath seated on His chariot alongside His devotee, Balaram Das. This creation not only showcased Patnaik’s exceptional skill and creativity but also brought a piece of Indian culture to the international arena.
Pattnaik expressed his elation in a video message, stating, “It had been the dream of my life to recreate Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra in a foreign land. Now, Rath Yatra is underway in Odisha and here we recreated the chariot of Lord Jagannath. My sand art won praise for the country.” His heartfelt words reflect both his deep connection to his roots and his pride in representing India on such a prestigious platform.
This victory is a testament to Patnaik’s dedication to his craft and his ability to convey powerful narratives through sand art. His win at the International Sand Sculpture Championship not only honors his personal achievements but also brings global recognition to the rich cultural heritage of India.
(With inputs from agencies)
