Sudarshan Pattnaik

You have returned land the state government had allotted to you on lease in 2011 for setting up a sand art park because it had certain restrictive clauses. Why did you wait so long to return it?

I came to know about the terms and conditions a month after the state cabinet approved the plot. Since then I wrote to the government several times seeking a change in the clauses, but did not get any response. So, I was forced to return it.

The government has given land to so many people but has it put so many restrictions for anyone else? The land is far from the beach, beyond the coastal regulatory zone.

It is actually in a residential area and I am not supposed to make any permanent construction. It is common sense that for a sand art park, one needs to build a small gallery and pathway.

There are allegations that you wanted the half-acre plot both for the park as well as personal use…

If I had any personal interest, I wouldn’t have returned the land in the first place. I gave it back because I realised that the land cannot serve the purpose of art.

Aren’t you disappointed that the land for the sand art park came with so many riders in spite of the fact that chief minister Naveen Patnaik is himself an art aficionado and is said to be very fond of you?

It was actually quite shocking. Union minister of state for tourism Chiranjeevi wants to involve me in a sand art park being planned in Vizag but our own government is not interested. I don’t blame Naveen babu at all.

It is the lookout of the tourism and culture department. But in any case, I have resolved to make the park a reality here.

When did you first meet Naveen personally and for what purpose?

In 1999. I had been invited to create a sand sculpture on World Cup cricket that year in London. I collected money from several people and after great difficulty, managed to get a passport.

However, on my way to Delhi, my luggage was stolen in the train. So, I returned home and decided to drop by (late chief minister) Biju Patnaik’s house in Bhubaneswar for help and 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.

But the same Naveen Patnaik has not entertained your plea for land to set up the sand art park. Do you feel he has changed over the years?

I don’t see any change. He is very sympathetic. When I organised an art exhibition in April last year, he encouraged and helped me a lot.

Do you think your close association with Naveen has probably worked against you?

Maybe some people cannot tolerate that Naveen babu is fond of me.

If you are so dissatisfied with the government’s attitude, why are you still acting as brand ambassador of the tourism and culture department?

I am not. After I won World Sand Sculpture Championship, former minister Prafulla Samal announced publicly that I would be the brand ambassador for Odisha tourism. A second announcement was made a few days later but till now, I have not got any contract. However, they are using my photo and name to promote tourism.

How would you respond to allegations that you don’t want to promote any other sand artist in Odisha?

It’s funny people think so. I am grooming talents at my institute and have sent many of my students for international competitions.

But the harsh reality is that many sand artists have failed to prove themselves.

Do you have any political ambitions? If the BJD offers you a ticket to contest for Assembly or Rajya Sabha elections, will you accept it?

I have not thought of politics as of now.