The iconic Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg was the grand stage for the International Sand Sculpture Championship, held from July 4-12. The event saw the participation of 21 of the world’s greatest sculptors, showcasing their incredible talents in sand artistry. Emerging victorious was Sudarshan Pattnaik, an Indian sand artist hailing from Puri, Odisha. Born on April 15, 1977, Pattnaik has become a prominent figure in the world of sand art. His remarkable beachside creations have earned him the Padma Shri in 2014, India's fourth-highest civilian honor. Pattnaik has represented India in over 65 international sand art competitions and festivals, winning numerous accolades for his work.

Pattnaik's victory at the championship adds another prestigious title to his illustrious career. Known for his ability to transform sand into stunning visual narratives, his works often convey powerful social messages. Each sculpture tells a story, reflecting themes ranging from environmental conservation to global peace.

His Achievement and Awards Won Due To His Mystical Creation and Dedication To Art ~ 

• He was awarded Padma Shri by the Government of India, the Fourth Highest Civilian Award in India, 2014 for his contribution to Sand Arts.
• People’s Choice Award at Sand Sculpting World Cup 2014 at Atlantic City, US.
• First Indian to win the Italian Sand Art Award, 2019, at the International Scorrano Sand Nativity event held in Lecce, Italy from 13 to 17 November.
• Pattnaik had created a 12-foot sculpture depicting a chariot and Lord Jagannath with his devotee Balaram Das, the famous Odia poet of the 14th century.
• He dreamed to create a sand sculpture of Mahaprabhu Jagannath and founder of sand art Balaram Das on foreign land. 

(Source: Google Images) 

His Tale Behind Inspiration ~

It is said that he attempted to ascend Lord Jagannath's chariot once during the "Rath Yatra" to make prayers. After being turned down, Das traveled to a beach where he sculpted the images of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra into the golden sand and began to pray. He claimed that because of his intense devotion, the gods left the chariot and appeared where Das was worshiping. Meanwhile, Pattnaik received congratulations for the accomplishment from the Indian embassy in Moscow.

His Art Speaks To Many ~ 

Art is a potent tool for self-expression and communication. It has the amazing power to bring people together.'Sand art' is what stirs people's emotions in this instance. It conveys ideas that are felt and shared by groups in ways that are sometimes difficult to put into words. An artist is conveying what they have seen, even if they are attempting to capture reality precisely. However, there are a plethora of other creative forms that aim to convey to the viewer specific feelings, concepts, disagreements, or worldviews.