Bhubaneswar: In a landmark initiative to integrate traditional Indian art with modern education, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in collaboration with Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik and other leading global sand artists, has launched two new online courses on the SWAYAM platform — “Introduction to Sand Art” and “Principles and Formats of Sand Art.”
These courses mark a historic step in digitising India’s cultural heritage and aim to make the traditional art of sand sculpture accessible to learners across the world. Drawing on Pattnaik’s international experience and artistic excellence, the curriculum is designed to nurture creativity and promote Indian visual arts on a global scale.
The official launch took place at IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi, inaugurated by Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor (I/C), along with associate professors and academic coordinators.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Kanjilal said, “This initiative brings a unique and ancient Indian art form into the fold of modern digital education, in alignment with the vision of NEP 2020. It is a significant step towards making indigenous knowledge systems accessible worldwide.”
Sudarsan Pattnaik, addressing the gathering, shared, “It has long been my dream for sand art to gain recognition as a global symbol of Indian creativity and cleanliness. Thanks to IGNOU and SWAYAM, this dream is now a reality.”
Each course includes video lectures, live demonstrations, and interactive assignments. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a certificate. The Introduction to Sand Art course begins with the basics — tools, techniques, and creative concepts — while also incorporating storytelling elements rooted in Indian cultural heritage.
