Renowned Indian Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik Wins Prestigious Italian Golden Sand Art Award 2019

Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has been given the Italian Golden Sand Art Award 2019.

He received the award from Vito Maraschio, president of Promuovi International Scorrano Sand Nativity, at a ceremony in Rome on Friday (15 November) evening.

Neeharika Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian embassy, was present at the award ceremony.

Sudarsan has become the first Indian sand artist to receive this award for his contribution to sand art.

"I feel very glad and honoured to receive this prestigious award," the Odisha-based sand artist said.

Pattnaik represented India at the International Scorrano Sand Nativity event being held in Lecce from 13-17 November.

He created a ten feet high sand sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi with Russian artist Pavel Minilkov. There were eight sculptors from different countries who participated in this festival.

Here are some of his art works:

So far, Padma Sri awardee sand artist Sudarsan has participated in more than 60 international sand art festivals and championships around the world and won many prizes for India. He always tries to send a social message through his sand sculptures.

(With Inputs from IANS)