How do you feel about being appointed the president of the prestigious Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi?
I was very happy when I got the message that I have been chosen to become president of the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi, the state’s apex body for the arts. I am thankful to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for choosing me. It will give me a platform to work for countless artists who are unable to come to the capital and raise their voice.
You already have land to set up a sand art institute and museum. How is it going so far?
It’s my dream to set up a museum for which the next generation will remember me. I will also have the satisfaction of working for the cause of the art and artists. The government has allocated an acre in Puri for the purpose. But it it is far from the sea beach. To create sand art, one needs land near the sea, where tourists flock. For a sand art park, one needs to build a small gallery and pathway. Keeping this in mind, I have already requested the government to swap the land for a place near the beach.
What is the progress on that front?
The government has agreed to the idea. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik is an art aficionado and has assured me that he will look into it. I hope that this matter is sorted out soon. Once I get the land, I will start my work. There are huge sand museums in Japan and the US. But here, we will start in a small way. I am reminded of the rock garden in Chandigarh, which began small but is now a major tourist spot.
Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has represented India at sand festivals all over the world and won 27 prizes. He was recently appointed the president of the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi. Here, he talks to us about his challenging early days, his chosen art form, the controversial idea for a second Konark temple and politics.
When did you first meet Naveen Patnaik and why?
In 1999. I had been invited to create a sand sculpture on World Cup cricket in London that year. I collected money from several people and, after great difficulty, managed to get a passport. However, my luggage was stolen in the train on my way to Delhi. I met Naveen babu there. He had heard about me earlier. He used his political connections, spoke to L.K. Advani, the then deputy prime minister, and helped me secure a passport at the eleventh hour. He also entertained me like a guest and gave me tips for safe travel.
Your appointment is seen as a political appointment. How do you react to the allegation?
I don’t see it as that. I am an artist. The selection board - comprising eminent people - has chosen me. Of course, the final decision was that of the chief minister. Naveen Patnaik appointed me purely on the basis of merit and I don’t see any political intention behind it.
You've met BJP leaders such as Dharmendra Pradhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Will you continue to meet them?
I will not have any hesitation meeting people from various spheres and political parties. I had earlier met the Prime Minister. I also wished him on his birthday and he acknowledged it. During his visit to Puri, he had invited me.
Do you have any political ambitions? If the BJD offers you a ticket to contest for the Assembly, will you accept it?
Why are you dragging me into political controversy? I am an artist and I am happy with it now. But I don’t know what will happen in the future.
The Hockey World Cup will begin in Bhubaneswar in a few days. The state has roped you in for it. What is your plan for the event?
I have planned a series on the art and culture of Odisha. I will also create some art to welcome international players and tourists. The sand art will be created on Puri beach, at the Biju Patnaik International Airport and also at the Kalinga Stadium.
I am in touch with state officials for logistical support, including large amounts of sand. Nearly 30 to 40 of my students will help me in my endeavour. As the International Sand Art Festival is going to be held around the same time - from December 1 to December 5 - many well known sand artists will get a glimpse of our work.
There is debate over a second Konark temple in the state, for which artist Raghunath Mohapatra has floated the idea. How do you react to it?
I have a different opinion on it. Can you build a second Taj Mahal ? Have you ever thought of how the Konark temple was built? How many sculptors had dedicated their lives for the cause? It is not easy to build a second Konark. Let that temple be there and let people enjoy its art and sculpture. Instead of talking of a second Konark, it is better to talk of building another temple like the hundreds coming up in various parts of the world.
Sudarsan Pattnaik's work on International Yoga Day, 2018, on Puri beach The Telegraph
What are your plans for the Akademi?
We have a Buddha art gallery. I would like to make it more popular. Also, the highest award for art and architecture - Drahamparada -has not been given out for so many years. I want to regularise it and confer it on veteran artists.
Most of activities of the Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi remain confined to the city. Is there any focus on rural talent?
Yes, I agree. Being an artist, I know how difficult it is to come to Bhubaneswar and display your talent. Sometimes, the lack of resources creates hurdles. It is hard to arrange funds to come to the capital. Many rural talents die before they get recognition. Keeping this in mind, I have a plan to reach out to rural areas to spot the talent there and encourage it. Artists from Malkangiri and Kalahandi will not have to run to the state capital. Instead officials will reach the rural pockets and give them the required support so that they blossom.
File photo: Sand Art Fest, Konark, Orissa The Telegraph
You are an artist and don’t have the requisite administrative experience. How will you manage the Akademi?
Before being chosen as president, I was working as an executive committee member of the Akademi. So, I know it’s constitution. A secretary, who is a government official, will be there to assist me. I don’t think it will be a problem for me. With the help of the Akademi’s general council, I will be able to give it direction.
