‘India strides with the stripes’: Sudarsan Pattnaik’s sand art steals show on International Tiger Day

On the occasion of International Tiger Day on Tuesday, renowned sand artist Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik marked the day with a striking sand sculpture on Puri beach. Observed across the world, Odisha celebrated the occasion with the theme 'INDIA STRIDES WITH THE STRIPES', aiming at highlighting the role of tigers in preserving ecological balance.

The sculpture, created in collaboration with WWF, featured one massive 20-foot tiger and 50 smaller tigers, symbolising the tiger’s role in sustaining biodiversity. Pattnaik used nearly 10 tonnes of sand, and the artwork took over three hours to complete.

Strong Message On Tiger Conservation

Speaking on the occasion, Sudarsan Pattnaik said, “On the occasion of World Tiger Day, in collaboration with WWF, we have created this sculpture to spread awareness. We have installed 51 tigers in the entire sculpture. The largest tiger sculpture is 20 feet long, and the rest are all small tigers. Our motive is to deliver a strong message to our society on how tigers protect and preserve our environment. Every year, WWF, in collaboration with people and organisations, observes ‘World Tiger Day’ across India and the world.”

The message conveyed through the sculpture was clear: tigers are not just symbols of strength but vital protectors of the ecosystem. The artwork called upon society to ensure their safety and conservation.

Public And Experts Drawn To The Display

The sand art attracted a large number of tourists and onlookers. Among the visitors were officials from the Puri Forest Division, including the DFO, and several environmentalists, all of whom appreciated the initiative and its message.

The impressive display served as a reminder of the importance of tiger conservation and the ongoing efforts by artists, organisations, and individuals to raise public awareness.