States » East


Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates 25-foot sand installation for PM Modi’s 76th birthday

Bhubaneswar, Sep 16 (UNI) Internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a 25-foot-long sand-art installation at Puri Beach to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday and celebrate the theme of “25 Years of Seva to the Nation.”
Titled “Aashirwad Ka Diya – 25 Years of Seva – Happy Birthday Modi Ji,” the elaborate installation features 2,500 diyas, creating a striking display of light, blessings and good wishes.
The artwork carries a distinct numerical symbolism, with the 25-foot-long installation representing 25 years of public service, while the 2,500 diyas symbolise prayers, blessings and good wishes for the Prime Minister on his birthday.
The sand artwork features a dignified portrait of Prime Minister Modi set against the backdrop of the Indian Tricolour. The diyas illuminate the installation, adding to its visual appeal and highlighting the themes of seva, light, blessings and dedication to the nation.
The special installation drew tourists, local visitors and devotees to Puri Beach, who gathered to witness the large-scale creation. Students of the Sudarsan Sand Art Institute also took part in completing the artwork.
On the occasion, Pattnaik said he prayed to Mahaprabhu Jagannath for Prime Minister Modi’s good health, happiness and long life, and for his continued service to the nation.
The sand artist said the special creation brought together sand, light and symbolism to mark the Prime Minister’s birthday, with the 25-foot artwork and 2,500 diyas serving as a distinctive tribute at Puri Beach.
UNI DP
More News

Bihar launches Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign across districts

17 Sep 2026 | 11:56 PM

Patna, Sept 17 (UNI) The ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’ campaign was launched across Bihar today, with district administrations in Gopalganj, Sheohar and Bhagalpur organising awareness programmes, rallies and community activities to promote cleanliness, waste management and public participation.

see more..

Myanmar national held with 50,500 meth tablets in Mizoram

17 Sep 2026 | 11:17 PM

Aizawl, Sep 17 (UNI) A Myanmar national was arrested with 50,500 methamphetamine tablets weighing 5.5 kg in Mizoram’s Champhai district after a joint operation by the state Excise and Narcotics department and Assam Rifles, an official said on Thursday.

see more..

Amit Shah has ‘finalised’ entry of rebel UDP MLAs of Meghalaya into BJP, says Hek

17 Sep 2026 | 11:00 PM

Shillong, Sep 17 (UNI) At least eight of the 12 United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators are set to shift allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move that will make the party, which currently has only a couple of legislators, the second-largest party in the Meghalaya Assembly.

see more..

Kolkata Municipal Corporation resumes food safety drives in the city

17 Sep 2026 | 10:44 PM

Kolkata, Sep 17 (UNI) After a hiatus of about a week, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) on Thursday resumed its intensified food safety drive, carrying out zone-wise inspections across the city.

see more..

Bengal fox added to West Bengal’s wildlife compensation list

17 Sep 2026 | 10:35 PM

Purulia, Sep 17 (UNI) In a first for West Bengal, the state government has included the Bengal fox in its wildlife compensation framework, extending financial assistance and employment support to the family of a person who dies in a fox attack.

see more..