College of Arts and Crafts student Dhruv Kumar with one of his sand sculptures at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Thursday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Nalanda University and the Shanti Stupa of Rajgir have found their pride of place in sand.

Final-year student of College of Arts and Crafts, Patna, Dhruv Kumar was busy at work for the past 10 days to create replicas of the ancient varsity and the stupa, among other things, in sand for Bihar’s centenary celebrations that began on Thursday.

The prized creations of the 23-year-old artist can now be seen at Gandhi Maidan in the state capital.

Apart from carving out the famous Shahid Smarak and a statue of Buddha out of sand, Dhruv has also built an elephant, a deer, a monkey and a peacock. A standout creation for the centenary from the young artist is a Mithila painting in sand.

He said: “On Bihar’s centenary, I decided to contribute something to the occasion. These sculptures in sand are my token of love to the state.”

Dhruv, who considers Odisha’s sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik his inspiration, said: “It was difficult to build the artworks. They need a lot of dedication and hard work. I have been seeing the sand arts of Sudarshanji for many years. I always thought: How could anybody make sculptures with sand? But when I took admission at the College of Arts and Crafts, I slowly learned the art of sand sculpture.”

Around 140 stalls have been put up at Gandhi Maidan to celebrate Bihar Divas. Dhruv’s sand art, kept on the sprawling ground, is, however, attracting most people. Those who come by to see Dhruv’s artwork cannot leave without praises on their lips.

Basant Singh, a 60-year-old resident of Adarsh Colony, Patna, said: “I had only heard the name of Sudarshan Patnaik, but I was not aware that the youths of Bihar had so much talent. Dhruv has done an excellent job. After going around Gandhi Maidan, I found his art most amazing. He deserves the support of the state government. You never know, he may become the Sudarshan of Bihar.”

SK Puri resident Saurabh Kumar said: “It is wonderful. I can only dream of somebody sculpting with sand. Young artists like Dhruv can take this state ahead. We are proud of him. He has depicted the history of Bihar by creating these sculptures. Nothing could be better than this for Bihar Divas.”

On his work in the past 10 days, Dhruv said: “I brought four trucks loaded with sand and four water tanks to give shape to my sand sculptures. I have to keep the sand moist with water round-the-clock. Otherwise, it can lose its shape or be damaged by a strong wind.”