Bhubaneswar, June 12 -- Renowned sand artist from Odisha, Sudarsan Pattnaik, was honoured with the Russia Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture in Russia, marking a historic milestone as the first Indian sand artist to receive the award.

The award was presented in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of sand art and for his powerful sand sculpture on the theme of Global Warming. The selection was made unanimously by a special jury committee during the international festival, which began on June 11, 2026.

Known globally for his thought-provoking sand sculptures on social, environmental and humanitarian issues, Pattnaik has long used his art as a powerful tool to raise awareness ...