Orissa artist returns home after winning prize in Moscow

BHUBANESWAR - Sudarsan Patnaik, who won a special prize in Moscow for a sand sculpture of the Taj Mahal, was greeted by hundreds on his return Saturday to his Puri hometown in Orissa.

‘The 15-foot high Taj Mahal created by me at the Kolomenskoe Museum Reserve in Moscow won a special prize,’ Patnaik told IANS by phone from Puri, 56 km from here.

‘There were 10 participants from around the world in the World Sand Sculpture Championship Moscow, 2009 held from 30 April-May 7.’

Hundreds of people greeted the artist when he returned home.

‘I am really happy about the love and affection showed to me by the people,’ Patnaik said.

Patnaik has won several awards in India and abroad for his creations. He has created sand images of Taj Mahal 39 times including the latest one in Moscow.