At a ceremony in Rome, Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik becomes first Indian to win Golden Sand Art Award 2019. Mr Pattnaik represented India at the International Scorrano Sand Nativity event held in Lecce, Italy from November 13 to 17. In this award ceremony, the acclaimed artist Sudarsan along with Russian artist Pavel Minilkov created a ten foot high sand sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi. There were eight sculptors from different countries who participated in this event.
“I feel very glad and honoured to receive this prestigious award,” said Pattnaik, who is also a Padma Shri awardee. “I have received the award from Vito Maraschio, the president of Promuovi International Scorrano Sand Nativity. Neeharika Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian Embassy, was also present at the award ceremony,” an elated Patnaik wrote on twitter after receiving the honour.
So far, the famous sand sculptor from Odhisa, Sudarsan has participated in more than 60 international sand art festivals and championships around the world and won many prizes for India. The Padma awarded sand artist Sudarsan said that his aim is to always try and send a social message through his sand sculptures.
