As the nation mourns the devastating crash of Air India flight AI-171 near Ahmedabad, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has paid a heartfelt tribute through his signature medium — sand art — on the shores of Puri beach in Odisha.
The Padma Shri awardee created a poignant sculpture depicting the tragic aftermath of the plane crash that claimed 274 lives, including doctors, medical staff, and civilians. The powerful artwork has drawn crowds of emotional visitors, many of whom placed floral offerings at the site.
“This is my way of expressing sorrow and solidarity. So many innocent lives, including healthcare heroes, were lost. I pray to Lord Jagannath that such a tragedy never happens again,” said Pattnaik.
Among the stories emerging from the catastrophe, the miraculous survival of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11-A, has captivated public attention. He was the sole survivor of the ill-fated flight, escaping with only minor injuries.
Officials investigating the crash are looking into multiple technical factors, including whether wing flaps were correctly set, engine failure, cockpit alarms, and possible errors in recording external temperatures and fuel weight.
The tragic incident has triggered national and international grief, and Sudarsan’s sculpture now stands as a symbol of collective mourning and remembrance.
