Sudarsan Pattnaik is one of the most acclaimed names in the arena of sand art in India. Sand art is an ancient tradition of India and Sudarsan Pattnaik owes a major credit of reviving this ancient art and representing the country in the international showground of this exquisite art. Over time he has established himself as an international artist with his skill and persistence. His sand arts encompass a vast range of themes and creative designs. He has also been honoured with several national and international awards for his exceptional talent.

Early Life of Sudarsan Pattnaik
Sudarsan Pattnaik was born on 15th April 1977 in Puri in the state of Orissa. As he belonged to a poor family his childhood dream of academics was beyond his reach. However the vast and serene sea of his hometown served him with a new destiny and he aimed at leaving his everlasting imprints on the sand. He began practicing sand art from the tender age of seven, when he used to sculpture numerous images of sand. Through his magnificent creations he carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of arts.

Contribution of Sudarsan Pattnaik
Sudarsan Pattnaik not only revived the tradition of sand art in India but also aimed at promoting it as a professional art form among the people. For creating awareness and enthusiasm for sand art among people he travelled throughout the country and organized workshops for demonstrating this art form. He also imparted training at various centres. He is also the founder of "The Golden Sand Art Institute" at Puri which is the first institute of this nature in India. Prominent themes that can be witnessed among the sand sculptures of Sudarsan Pattnaik are religious tolerance, national integrity, famous festivals and environmental crisis. Sudarsan Pattnaik has also published a book on sand art.

Achievements of Sudarsan Pattnaik
In about 50 international sand sculpture championship and festivals held throughout the world, Sudarsan Pattnaik has represented India. He has been the winner of 27 championship prizes among these. He has also created the record of being the five times winner of People`s Choice Award at Berlin. He won the World Champion Title at USF World Sand Sculpture Championship, Berlin in the year 2008. In the following year he bagged the Korea Sand Sculpture Award. In 2010 he also won the Gold Medal for people`s choice award at 3rd Moscow World Sand Sculpture Championship, People`s Choice Prize in Canada and Moscow, three medals in North American Solo Sand Sculpture Championship. In the year 2011 he bagged the first as well as public prize at Denmark whereas in 2012 he won double medal at Solo International Sand Art Contest in Mervala. He won the Gold Medal in 2013 at Saint Peters Burg in 12th International Sand Sculpture Competition held at Russia. He also won Moscow Museum Mrize at Russia and Danish Grand Prizes at International Sand Competition Championship, Denmark in the same year. Sudarsan Pattnaik received world wide accolades for his sand sculpture on Black Taj Mahal. His name was also honoured five times in Limca Book of World Records. He has also been the brand ambassador of NALCO.