Human Interest

Sudarsan Pattnaik Pays Artistic Tribute to PM Modi on His 75th Birthday at Puri Beach


Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday with a magnificent sand sculpture at Puri Beach, Odisha, complemented by an installation of 750 lotus flowers.

Titled “Bharat Ki Udaan, Modi Ke Saath”, the artwork symbolizes India’s aspirations for unity, growth, and global leadership under PM Modi’s guidance. The installation celebrates the country’s progress over the past decade, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, digital innovation, healthcare, renewable energy, defence, and space.

From landmark projects like Chandrayaan-3 and Digital India, to flagship welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala, and Jan Dhan, along with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, the sand sculpture reflects India’s rising confidence and determination.

Crafted using approximately 6 tons of sand, the 5-foot-high sculpture of PM Modi is accompanied by 750 intricately arranged lotus flowers, each representing a year of service, leadership, and dedication. Students from Pattnaik’s Sand Art Institute participated in completing the installation, demonstrating teamwork, seva, and creativity.

Commenting on the tribute, Pattnaik said:

“I wish Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji a very happy 75th birthday and pray for his continued service to the nation.”

A globally acclaimed artist, Sudarsan Pattnaik has represented India in over 65 international sand art championships and festivals, winning numerous awards and bringing global recognition to Indian sand art. Beyond celebratory installations, Pattnaik’s works have addressed important issues such as HIV/AIDS, climate change, COVID-19, plastic pollution, and peacebuilding, showcasing the power of art as a medium for awareness and change.

This installation at Puri Beach is not only a tribute to a leader but also a testament to India’s artistic excellence and the enduring impact of cultural expression in celebrating national achievements.

Health

Sudarshan Patnaik Creates Mesmerizing Sand Art at Puri Beach for International Day of Yoga 2025


Puri, Odisha | June 21, 2025 – On the serene shores of Puri Beach, the world-renowned sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik marked the International Day of Yoga 2025 with an awe-inspiring piece of sand art that drew crowds and international attention. The artwork, which seamlessly blended elements of yoga postures, the sun, and the globe, stood as a symbol of peace, health, and unity—core principles that define yoga’s global appeal.

Created with incredible precision and spiritual depth, Patnaik’s sand sculpture depicted a meditative figure seated in a lotus pose, set against the rising sun—representing enlightenment and the universal energy that yoga seeks to connect us with. The message “Yoga for Harmony and Peace” was etched alongside the artwork, capturing the essence of this year’s global celebration.

Sudarshan Patnaik, who has previously represented India in numerous international sand art festivals, has been a cultural ambassador for both the art form and for social awareness through creative expression. On this special day, his creation served not just as a tribute to yoga, but also as a reminder of the power of art in inspiring mindfulness, health, and global solidarity.

Hundreds of locals, tourists, and yoga enthusiasts gathered around the installation throughout the day, many joining yoga sessions on the beach, encouraged by the spiritual ambiance and the symbolic power of the art. Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos of the sculpture, with the hashtag #InternationalDayofYoga2025 trending across India.

Patnaik shared his thoughts with the media, saying, “Yoga is India’s priceless gift to the world, and through my sand art, I wish to spread its timeless message of peace and well-being.”

This artistic celebration on Puri’s golden sands beautifully captured the spirit of Yoga Day 2025—reminding the world once again of the deep-rooted connection between culture, creativity, and wellness.