Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik appeals to save Manipur's state animal ‘Sangai’

A large sand sculpture created by International Sand Artist and Padma Shree awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik is one of the main attractions at the ongoing Sangai Festival in Imphal, Manipur.

The artist from Odisha created the sculpture which carries the message 'Go Green Save Sangai' last Saturday (November 21), on the inaugural day of the 10-day festival which is being organised at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal.

Through his art, Pattnaik is trying to appeal the people of Manipur to help conserve the environment and save Sangai, the critically-endangered species of brow-antlered deer which is found only on a floating biomass on Manipur's Loktak Lake. It is one among the three sub-species of Eld’s Deer and is the most endangered wild animal in Asia. It is also the state animal of Manipur. 

Ronibala, a visitor who was posing for a groupfie with two of her friends in front of the sand sculpture, shares, “First of all, I want to thank the artist for highlighting the plight of this endangered animal through his art. I didn’t know him till now, but I believe his sculpture would help spread the message about the rapidly deteriorating habitat of this animal and save our Sangai.”

Her friend Dana adds, “It’s beautiful. This is the first time I am seeing such piece of art. It would be nice if Manipur government invite more such talented artists from across the country in next year festival too."

Earlier, on November 20, Pattnaik had also conducted a sand art workshop for 18 students of the Shishu Nistha Niketan at the venue of the Manipur Sangai Festival as part of the annual festival. The festival will continue till November 30.

This article was first published on iamin.in. For more such hyperlocal stories, visit their website.