On the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, celebrated on June 21, celebrated sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik unveiled a compelling five-foot sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a yoga posture at the iconic Puri Beach.
Crafted using 4.5 tonnes of sand and shaped with the help of Pattnaik’s students from the Sudarsan Sand Art Institute, the artwork depicts PM Modi performing Ustrasana (Camel Pose). The sculpture bears the message “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflecting this year’s global Yoga Day theme.
Pattnaik, a Padma Shri recipient, praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to promoting yoga on the global stage. “Prime Minister Modi has transformed yoga into a global movement. This sculpture is my tribute to his dedication,” he stated.
The installation has quickly gained attention from visitors and online audiences, serving as both an artistic marvel and a symbolic celebration of India’s soft power through wellness.
The United Nations designated June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014 following India’s proposal, and since then, it has become a worldwide celebration of harmony, mindfulness, and physical well-being.
