Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi felicitated internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Saturday for his remarkable achievement of winning the prestigious Fred Darrington Sand Master Award at the Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival in Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom.
Pattnaik, a Padma Shri recipient from Puri, Odisha, made history as the first Indian to receive this coveted honour, further elevating Odisha’s cultural presence on the global stage.
The award, presented during the festival’s opening ceremony, recognized Pattnaik’s stunning 10-foot sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha, which carried a powerful message of “World Peace.” The sculpture captivated audiences and earned widespread admiration, with the award ceremony attended by dignitaries including Weymouth Mayor Jon Orell, Sandworld Director Mark Andersen, co-founder David Hicks, and Naorem J Singh, Minister for Culture at the Indian High Commission in London.
During the felicitation, Pattnaik showcased his medal, certificate, and photographs of his award-winning sand art to Chief Minister Majhi. Expressing his delight, Majhi described Pattnaik as an “asset to Odisha” and a source of pride for both the state and the nation. “Sudarsan’s talent has not only brought him individual fame but has also made Odisha proud on the global stage,” Majhi said, presenting Pattnaik with a bouquet and a traditional shawl as tokens of appreciation. The Chief Minister expressed hope that Pattnaik would continue to bring further laurels to Odisha and India in the years to come.
Pattnaik, who has participated in over 65 international sand art festivals and championships, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I am deeply honoured to be the first Indian to receive the Fred Darrington Sand Master Award at Sandworld 2025. My sculpture of Lord Ganesha symbolizes the universal call for peace,” he said. The award holds special significance as 2025 marks the centenary of Fred Darrington, the iconic British sculptor considered the father of sand sculpture in the UK.
The Sandworld 2025 festival, held at Lodmoor Park, is renowned for its intricate sand sculptures created using only sand and water. Pattnaik’s achievement has drawn widespread praise, with Odisha Chief Minister Majhi noting on X, “His contribution has enhanced India’s and Odisha’s cultural presence on the global platform.” Prior to the felicitation, both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated Pattnaik for his historic win.
Honoured to meet Her Excellency Smt. #DroupadiMurmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan, #NewDelhi. Hon President congratulated on my receiving the ‘Fred Darrington’ sand master award (as first Indian) at Sand World 2025 in Weymouth, UK. pic.twitter.com/E98DQZ6auG
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) April 17, 2025
Pattnaik’s journey in sand art has been marked by numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2014, the Italian Golden Sand Art Award in 2019, and the Golden Sand Master Award in Russia in 2024 for his depiction of Lord Jagannath and devotee Balaram Das. His work often blends spiritual themes with social messages, addressing issues like environmental conservation, global peace, and cultural heritage. As the brand ambassador for Odisha Tourism’s International Sand Art Festival and former president of the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi, Pattnaik continues to inspire and promote sand art globally.
This latest recognition not only celebrates Pattnaik’s artistic brilliance but also reinforces Odisha’s rich legacy in art and culture. Pattnaik’s sand sculptures remain a powerful medium for conveying messages of unity, peace, and pride.
