Celebrating the spirit of womanhood

Manama : World-famous sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik imprinted his footprints on the golden sands of Bahrain as he visited the Kingdom to train educators in intricate concepts of the unique art form. The Odisha-based global maestro who has previously been honoured by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and has received India’s fourth highest civilian award – the Padmashree – was hosted by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and Ministry of Education. Pattnaik was on his second trip to the island from the Eastern state of India and celebrated the spirit of womanhood through his sand art created on Al Jazayer beach on the occasion of the International Women’s Day. He was joined by several enthusiastic teachers of various Bahraini schools to sculpt portraits of women of the world to hammer home the message of their unified strength. “I have been called for multiple commercial programmes across the globe. But when the Kingdom of Bahrain invited me to educate its teachers who in turn can share their knowledge with million of others, I was deeply touched by the concept and accepted the invitation at once,” Pattnaik told DT News. “After sculpting with the tutors for merely two days, I noticed immense talent and a willingness to learn. The island is filled with warmth and zest,” he added. The sculptor recently beat a Guinness World Record for building the world’s tallest sandcastles on Odisha’s Puri Beach. While gaining recognition is a universally-shared dream, Pattnaik also strives to make a difference with his global presence. Through his art, he has taken a stand on multiple world issues without having uttered a word. “I have grown up in tough situations. I remember the time when I worked as a child-labour and did not even have shoes to wear. So I always base my art on the world’s sufferings. At the very least, if I can make people think, I will be contented,“ he said. “One of my personal favourite messages is my sculpture of little Alan Kurdi lying still on the coastlines. The incident was a heart-touching example of humanity being washed ashore during the ongoing refugee crisis and I had to express my concerns for the world.” Pattnaik was also felicitated by the Bahrain Odia community at Arun Kumar Praharaj’s residence in a grand ceremony for making significant contributions to the state. While the artist’s trip to the island may have come to an end, he already intends on coming back soon with bigger plans. “I am in the middle of discussions to create a sand art school in Bahrain as I truly feel this beautiful island has so much scope to grow as a nation harbouring one of the world’s best sand artists,” he added.