Latest news with #SudarsanPattnaik


Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
IGNOU launches online sand art courses on Swayam
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched two online courses on Sand Art in collaboration with renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik. The courses, titled 'Introduction to Sand Art' and 'Principles & Formats of Sand Art' will be offered through the Ministry of Education's SWAYAM platform at Interested learners can visit the SWAYAM platform to enroll in the courses before the deadline of 15 September. The course will commence on 15 July and conclude on 15 November. Course structure The two courses are designed to introduce learners to the fundamentals of sand art and provide them with practical insights into the techniques and environmental considerations involved in creating sand sculptures. The instructor for both courses is Sudarsan Pattnaik, a Padma Shri awardee and Sand Artist based in Puri, Odisha. According to the SWAYAM website, Pattnaik brings extensive global experience, having represented India in over 60 international sand art championships and festivals. Course schedule and broad overview What topics will be covered in the course? The courses will cover multiple foundational and practical aspects of sand art creation. The course layout is divided into key thematic units, including: Certification and assessment criteria To be eligible for the SWAYAM certificate, learners must complete both internal and external assessments: –Internal Assessment: 30 marks are assigned to a final quiz conducted at the end of the course. –External Assessment: 70 marks are allocated to a proctored end-term examination. Learners are required to obtain at least 40% overall marks to qualify for certification, which includes a minimum of 12 marks in the internal quiz and 28 marks in the external examination.


Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
IGNOU launches online sand art courses with Sudarsan
1 2 Bhubaneswar: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) on Tuesday launched two online courses on sand art through the SWAYAM platform. The initiative is a collaboration with Padma Shri awardee and internationally-acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik. The two courses, titled 'Introduction to Sand Art' and 'Principles and Formats of Sand Art', were designed and delivered by Pattnaik himself, bringing his decades of experience and global acclaim in sand sculpting into a structured online format. Available to learners of all age groups and backgrounds, the courses aim to nurture creativity, promote Indian art on a global scale, and provide accessible, skill-based education. Vice-chancellor of IGNOU Prof Uma Kanjilal, said, "This collaboration embodies the vision of NEP-2020 to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems and art forms into mainstream education. Through SWAYAM, we are proud to bring sand art to the fingertips of learners across the country and the world. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative to offer courses on sand art." The course was launched at the IGNOU headquarters in New Delhi. Each course consists of video lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on assignments. Learners will receive certificates upon successful completion. The introductory course focuses on basic tools, techniques, and creative expression, while the advanced course explores large-scale sand sculptures, thematic installations, and the cultural narratives behind this unique art form. Speaking at the occasion, Sudarsan Pattnaik said, "It is my dream to make sand art a global symbol of Indian creativity. With IGNOU and SWAYAM, we are now empowering thousands to learn this art from anywhere. This is not just a course but a celebration of India's heritage and storytelling through sand. I thank the Ministry of Education and IGNOU for making Sand Art a vocational and skill-based education form."


Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Learn sand art from legend? IGNOU launches free online course by Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik; Details here
In a first-of-its-kind move in India, IGNOU has joined hands with world-famous sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik to launch two free online sand art courses. These are now available on the government's SWAYAM platform . The courses, "Introduction to Sand Art" and "Principles and Formats of Sand Art", have been fully designed and taught by Pattnaik himself, IGNOU announced in an official statement on Tuesday. Open to All Ages and Backgrounds These online courses are open to learners of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. The aim is to promote Indian art globally and help people build creativity through structured digital learning. At the launch event held at IGNOU headquarters, Vice Chancellor Uma Kanjilal said, 'This is the first time structured sand art courses are being offered in India. It reflects the goals of NEP 2020 to include Indian Knowledge Systems and art forms in mainstream education.' Live Events Pattnaik's Dream Now a Reality Sudarsan Pattnaik said this launch was part of his long-time dream to make sand art a global symbol of Indian talent. 'With IGNOU and SWAYAM, thousands of learners can now learn sand art from anywhere in the world,' he said. What the Courses Include Video lectures Live demonstrations Practice-based assignments Certificates upon completion The introductory course teaches basic sand art tools and techniques, while the advanced course explores large-scale sand art, formats, and storytelling using sand. Both courses are now open for enrolment on: Bringing Indian Art to the World IGNOU said this initiative is part of its wider mission to make education more accessible and to showcase Indian traditional arts through global digital platforms.


Deccan Herald
6 days ago
- General
- Deccan Herald
July 14, 2025: Best photos from around the world
A drone view shows the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, work to extinguish a wildfire, in Latakia countryside, Syria. Credit: Reuters Photo People rest on a lawn with a backdrop of new apartment blocks under construction on a hot day in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Credit: Reuters Photo A Palestinian child, wounded in an Israeli strike that killed people, who gathered to collect water from a distribution point, according to medics, receives treatment at Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip. Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik makes a sand sculpture of Lord Shiva during the holy month of 'Shravan', at Puri beach. Credit: PTI Photo Dark clouds hover in the sky, in New Delhi.


India Gazette
26-06-2025
- India Gazette
Sand artist creates sculpture to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 26 (ANI): Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik on Thursday created a powerful sand sculpture on Puri beach in Odisha to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Below the sculpture, 'Say NO to addiction, YES to life' was written. Through his art, Pattnaik aimed to highlight the devastating effects of drugs on individuals. Pattnaik's informed that the state is running a campaign called 'Nisha Nuhin Jeevan' (Life Without Addiction), which aims to educate people about the risks associated with substance abuse. Speaking to ANI, Pattnaik said, 'We artists try to spread awareness among people through our art by creating sand sculptures. Apart from this, our state is running a 'Nisha Nuhin Jeevan' campaign. As an artist, I showed through my art how drugs and injections affect our bodies, and we can avoid it by not taking drugs and saving lives...' As the world celebrates the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, also reminded the harms of drug consumption and said that drug addiction not only affects the mental and physical condition of a person, but also hinders the progress of the families, society and the state. The Chief Minister shared his commitment to making Uttarakhand drug-free and further added that efforts are being made to make Uttarakhand drug-free, and to ensure success, the participation of all is very important. On the occasion of International Anti-Drug Day, he urged all to spread awareness in society about the harmful effects of drug addiction. June 26, observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is a United Nations International Day. This day aims to spread awareness regarding the harmful effects of drug use and to fight against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. This day has been observed since 1989. June 26 was chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu's (Chinese political philosopher and politician) dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, ending on June 25, 1839, just before the First Opium War in China. Every year, a theme is chosen, and this year's theme is 'The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.' (ANI)