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World-renowned sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik has been conferred the Fred Darrington Sand Master Award for his contribution in the field. Patnaik set another milestone when he created a 10-feet high sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha with a message of world peace during the Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival, which began in Weymouth in Dorset county of southern England on Saturday.
He was declared the winner of this prestigious award, which is also special because the year 2025 will celebrate the centenary of renowned British sand sculptor Fred Darrington. Patnaik said, 'I am honoured to be the first Indian artist to receive the Fred Darrington British Sand Master Award at the prestigious international sand art festival Sandworld 2025 in Weymouth, UK.'
Mayor John Orrell paid tribute
He said, "This honour is a testament to my 10 feet sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha, which symbolises the universal message of world peace." Mayor of Weymouth John Orrell presented the award and medal to Patnaik at the festival. Weymouth is said to be the birthplace of British sand sculpture. Sandworld director Mark Anderson, its co-founder David Hicks and Culture Minister Naorem J Singh were present at the awards ceremony at the Indian High Commission in London. This year's special exhibition programme began this weekend and will run until November. 'This unique, all-weather attraction located at Weymouth's Lodmoor Park brings to life incredible works of art using nothing other than sand and water,' said the organisers.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated Patnaik, who hails from Puri, for the award. In a post on X on Saturday, Majhi said, "Hearty congratulations to Padma Shri awardee and eminent sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik on being conferred with the first British Sand Master Award, The Fred Darrington. His contribution has further enhanced the cultural heritage of our country and state on the global platform.
