Bhubaneswar: Padma Shri awardee and globally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a striking sand sculpture on Puri Beach to mark World Malaria Day 2026, spreading a strong message of collective action to eradicate malaria.
Using his signature medium of sand art, Pattnaik highlighted the urgent need for united efforts towards building a malaria-free world. The sculpture prominently featured the official 2026 theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”
Taking to his X handle, the artist wrote: “On World Malaria Day, I created a sand sculpture on Puri Beach with the message: ‘Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.’”
He further appealed for mass participation, stating: “Let us all work together to prevent and eradicate malaria. End Malaria Together for Health. Today is World Malaria Day, let’s come together and pledge to play our part in building a malaria-free world. My Sand Art at Puri Beach is a small effort dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring change.”
Known for using his sand art to raise awareness on social and environmental issues, Pattnaik once again transformed the golden sands of Puri Beach into a powerful medium for public health advocacy. This artistic initiative aims to inspire people across Odisha and beyond to contribute towards malaria prevention and eradication through awareness, community participation, and support for ongoing health programmes.
