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Sudarsan Pattnaik’s sand art celebrates Odisha’s heritage,vision for sustainable cities

Bhubaneswar, Oct 23 (UNI) Blending Odisha’s rich cultural heritage with its vision for modern, sustainable and well-connected cities, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a special sand art installation to mark the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition and the 2nd National Urban Conclave (NUC) 2026, being hosted in Bhubaneswar from October 23 to 25.
Bearing the evocative message “Legacy in Motion, Cities in Transition,” the artwork presents a compelling visual narrative of Odisha’s journey from its glorious past towards a future shaped by sustainable urban development, improved mobility and technological innovation.
The installation brings together the architectural splendour of Odisha’s ancient temples, the iconic Konark Wheel and a contemporary cityscape, symbolising the seamless connection between the state’s cultural legacy and its aspirations for urban transformation.
Through this artistic composition, Pattnaik highlights the importance of balancing progress with preservation, conveying the message that modernisation and development can go hand in hand with protecting cultural identity, historical landmarks and traditional values.
The artwork reflects the vision of future cities that prioritise efficient transportation, enhanced connectivity, environmental sustainability and inclusive urban planning while remaining firmly rooted in their historical and cultural foundations.
Featuring the inscriptions “Odisha OnTheMove”, “UMI2026” and “NUC2026”, the sand installation also serves as a creative welcome to delegates, policymakers, urban planners, mobility experts and visitors arriving in Bhubaneswar from across the country to participate in the national events.
The hosting of the UMI Conference and Exhibition alongside the National Urban Conclave provides an important platform for discussions on the evolving challenges of urbanisation and mobility in India. The events bring together key stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share best practices and explore innovative approaches to building efficient, accessible, inclusive and sustainable urban environments.
For Odisha, the twin events offer an opportunity to showcase not only its rich artistic traditions, architectural heritage and hospitality but also its commitment to progressive urban development and improved quality of life for citizens.
The theme reflected in Pattnaik’s creation underscores the significance of designing future-ready cities without losing sight of the cultural identities that define them.
By combining traditional symbols with the imagery of a modern urban landscape, the sand artist transforms a national urban development theme into a striking expression of Odisha’s aspirations.
Pattnaik’s creation thus captures the essence of the UMI Conference and the National Urban Conclave 2026—celebrating the state’s enduring legacy while embracing a future of smarter mobility, sustainable growth and more liveable cities.
The artwork stands as a reminder that the cities of tomorrow can move forward with innovation and ambition while continuing to draw strength from the heritage of the past.
UNI DP
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