Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik wins Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival 2019 

Internationally-acclaimed sand artist, Sudarsan Pattnaik, won the People’s Choice award at the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival 2019 held at Revere Beach during July 26-28. Sudarshan, who represented India in the competition along with the Top 15 sand artists selected from across the globe. Through his sculpture he sent a very strong message on the global issue of plastic pollution and its effect on ocean lives. The message 'Stop Plastic Pollution Save Our Ocean' was inscribed on the sculpture which appeared to have been well received by the people of New England as thousands of visitors cutting across community came supported and appreciated his art work also by his peers participating at the event.

He was the sole representative from India and also Asia. “This is a very big award for me and for my country, which is doing a great deal to curb plastic pollution,” said Sudarshan.

His sculpture showed a turtle in a plastic bag and a fish with plastic trash inside. It had its tail inside a human being’s mouth. His work showed how plastic pollution is affecting the ocean and indirectly also the humans since they consume seafood. “People who voted for me and made me a winner echo my concern on plastic pollution and how our activities affect the ocean. They support every effort to stop plastic pollution. This award is for the people. This is a public awareness sculpture,” said Sudarshan while addressing the gathering.

Sudarshan is a well-known environment crusader, who had taken up hunger strike two years ago ensuring cleaning of famous Puri beach.

Mr. Pattnaik was congratulated by the Consul General of India in New York on winning the competition.

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