Sudarsan Pattnaik, a renowned sand artist from Odisha, India, has been honored with the “Fred Darrington 1st British Sand Master Award” at the Sandworld Sand Sculpture Festival in Weymouth, UK.
Pattnaik’s magnificent 10-foot-tall sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha, accompanied by the message “World Peace,” captivated audiences and earned him this prestigious recognition. This marks the first time an Indian artist has received this award, highlighting Pattnaik’s unparalleled contributions to the field of sand art.
The award ceremony, attended by prominent personalities including representatives from the Indian High Commission in London, was a celebration of Fred Darrington’s centenary, a key figure in sand art’s legacy. Jon Orell, the Mayor of Weymouth, presented the award to Pattnaik, recognizing his artistic excellence and commitment to promoting cultural heritage on a global platform.
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Majhi, lauded Pattnaik’s achievement, stating that his work has elevated India’s cultural presence internationally. With over 65 international sand sculpture championships under his belt, Pattnaik continues to inspire artists and enthusiasts worldwide.
