Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurates Magnificent Sand Art Tribute at IFFI 2024

#IFFIWood, 22 November 2024

Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri recipient, Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik sculptured a stunning sand art installation at Miramar Beach yesterday, as part of the 55^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) celebrations. Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the sand sculpture dedicated to four legendary figures of Indian cinema and music: Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Tapan Sinha, Mohammed Rafi, and Raj Kapoor.

Dr. Pramod Sawant, extended his gratitude to NFDC and Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik for honouring the four legends of Indian cinema in such a creative and artistic manner. "This is one of the largest sand sculptures created on Miramar Beach, and it stands as a beautiful testament to the legacy of these great individuals. I congratulate Shri Pattnaik and the entire team for their remarkable efforts," Dr. Sawant remarked, adding that the sculpture is now open for the public to view and appreciate.

The installation, set against the beautiful backdrop of Miramar Beach, pays tribute to the immortal contributions of four cinema legends. Each of these icons shaped the Indian film and music industries, and this sand sculpture serves as a heartfelt homage to their timeless influence.

"This artwork took two full days to complete-one day for preparation and the second for the intricate carving," Pattnaik mentioned. Recognised globally for his pioneering contributions to sand art, is known for using his artistry to raise awareness on various social and environmental issues, promoting peace, harmony, and unity through his work. "I have presented my sand sculpture at Cannes earlier but this is the first time I have been invited to IFFI," he said.

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Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a stunning sand art installation for the 55th edition of IFFI.

This masterpiece pays tribute to four iconic legends of Indian cinema and music,… pic.twitter.com/spIvuUU2dT

- All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) November 21, 2024

Speaking about the significance of sand art, Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik emphasized Goa's potential to become a hub for sand sculpture training. "Goa, with its beautiful beaches, should have a dedicated sand art training institute where local artists and students can learn the intricacies of sand sculpture. It would be a great addition to the state's cultural landscape and a wonderful way to engage tourists visiting Goa from across the world," he said.

Reflecting on the unique coastal regions of Goa and his home state Odisha, Pattnaik shared his thoughts on the varying types of sand found at different beaches. "Every beach has its own character and type of sand. "But for an artist, every sand is the same," he remarked with a smile.

Shri Pattnaik's work has earned him worldwide acclaim, having represented India at numerous international sand art festivals, including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. His latest work at IFFI is not only a tribute to the legends of Indian cinema but also a remarkable addition to the festival's rich cultural offerings, showcasing the fusion of art and cinema.

Hon'ble CM of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant today inaugurated my sand art installation at Miramar Beach as part of the 55th #IFFI celebrations.
The artwork is a tribute to four legendary figures of Indian cinema and music- Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Tapan Sinha, Mohammed Rafi, and Raj… pic.twitter.com/GcX57LNZz9

- Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) November 22, 2024

The sand sculpture at Miramar Beach is now open to the public, allowing both IFFI attendees and the local community to experience and appreciate this extraordinary work of art.

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Rajith/Nikita/Dhanalakshmi/Darshana | IFFI 55 - 52

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