Puri (Odisha) [India], August 12 : Padma Shri awardee and internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik marked World Elephant Day by creating a 12-foot-long sand sculpture of an elephant.
Pattnaik highlighted the importance of protecting the animal and its habitat with the slogan "Save our habitat" inscribed on the sculpture.

In a video, Sudarsan Pattnaik said, "On World Elephant Day, a 12-foot-long elephant sculpture was made, showing a forest being cut down. The elephant's mouth touched a tree, symbolising the need to protect elephants and their homes."
India is home to nearly 60 per cent of the world's wild elephant population, with 33 elephant reserves and 150 identified elephant corridors, as per the 2023 Report on Elephant Corridors in India.
Every year, August 12 is celebrated as World Elephant Day across the globe to reaffirm mankind's collective pledge to conserve one of the most iconic species on the planet.
In India, elephants are regarded as National Heritage animals and are deeply ingrained in our culture, a press release issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change mentioned.
Earlier on August 10, as the nation prepares to celebrate the 79th Independence Day, Padma Shri awardee and internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a stunning sand sculpture at Puri Beach, Odisha, based on the theme 'Har Ghar Tiranga', echoing the nationwide call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to celebrate the Tricolour and foster a renewed sense of unity and patriotism.
The sand art, depicting the Indian National Flag and symbolic elements of national pride, aims to encourage citizens to hoist the Tiranga at their homes and participate wholeheartedly in the Har Ghar Tiranga movement. Through this initiative, Pattnaik seeks to inspire collective participation in honouring the sacrifices of India's freedom fighters and celebrating the achievements of a sovereign nation.
"The Tiranga is not just a flag, it is a symbol of our identity, unity, and pride. Through my sand art, I want to encourage every Indian to join the Har Ghar Tiranga movement and celebrate Independence Day with a spirit of togetherness," said Sudarsan Pattnaik.