Odisha’s internationally recognised sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday with a special sand installation on the Puri coast, combining traditional sand art with thousands of illuminated diyas.
The large-scale artwork was created as a birthday greeting for the Prime Minister and brought together elements of light, culture and public service. The installation also drew visitors and tourists to Puri Beach, where Pattnaik and his team created the elaborate display.
Speaking about the artwork, Pattnaik extended his birthday wishes to Prime Minister Modi and spoke about the importance of encouragement for artists and young creative talent. He recalled his own interactions with the Prime Minister and said that receiving appreciation after winning awards had encouraged him to continue working for the country.
Pattnaik said that recognition from senior public figures can give young artists confidence and motivate them to pursue their work with greater determination. He also spoke about the wider visibility of Indian art and cultural traditions in international forums.
According to Pattnaik, India’s cultural heritage is increasingly being presented alongside the country’s development story during international engagements. He referred to initiatives such as Make in India and other government programmes while discussing the changes he has observed in the country.
The artist also highlighted areas such as art, culture and tourism, saying that these sectors can create opportunities for artists, artisans and craftspeople. He referred to the PM Vishwakarma scheme as an initiative aimed at supporting traditional artisans and helping them strengthen their livelihoods.
Pattnaik also connected his own work with campaigns around environmental awareness and public spaces. As a sand artist who regularly creates installations on beaches, he said campaigns promoting cleaner beaches have helped increase public awareness about protecting coastal areas.
The latest installation added another chapter to Pattnaik’s long association with Puri Beach, where he has created sand sculptures on national occasions, cultural events and social themes. His works have helped bring Odisha’s distinctive sand-art tradition to audiences in India and abroad.
The birthday artwork was also designed around a strong visual theme. A separate report said the installation measured 25 feet in length and used 2,500 diyas, with the scale and number of lamps carrying symbolic significance connected with the occasion. Students from the Sudarsan Sand Art Institute also participated in creating the installation.
Through the creation, Pattnaik combined Odisha’s traditional artistic identity with a contemporary national occasion, once again demonstrating how sand art can be used to communicate messages of celebration, culture and public awareness.
The installation at Puri Beach provided a visually striking birthday tribute while also placing Odisha’s celebrated sand-art heritage in the spotlight.
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