Odisha-born sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik needs no introduction. People across the world know him for his sand sculptures on a myriad of subjects, events and issues. Although Odisha government has not done anything so far to help him promote his part, Pattnaik can be termed as one of the top brand ambassadors of present day Odisha.

Following are excerpts from Sudarsan Pattnaik's e-mail interview with KalingaTimes.com when the artist was in Germany on Saturday (June 14) …

KT: You won the first prize in the USF World Double Championship at Berlin on Thursday for your sculpture depicting the impact of global warming. How do you react to the success?

SP: For the first time an Indian has won this world championship. It is a big honour for me and my country. I dedicate this award to the country. I have great belief in Lord Jagannath and I am sure the lord will give me enough strength in my endeavours.

KT: After highlighting issues pertaining to conservation of sea turtles and polar bear you have now taken up the issue of global warming. What motivated you to take up this burning issue?

SP: I was motivated by R.K. Pachauri and his team of TERI for their efforts and initiatives in spreading awareness about the importance of environmental issues to protect the Earth's climate. When I came to know that some of the coastal places in Orissa such as Puri, Konark and Satabhaya will be affected by global warming I decided to use my medium of sand sculpture to create awareness on global warming in an international forum like this sand art world championship event.

KT: Do you feel your art on the issue of global warming will generate enough awareness among the people at large?

SP: Yes, I am confident that through my medium of sand sculptures which is also a unique medium of art form the message will reach the masses about the impending danger of global warming.

KT: What are your plans to highlight the issue in other national and international forums?

SP: I have decided that this year in most of the places where I will participate I will be spreading more awareness about global warming. I will project the effects of global warming through different sculptures.

KT: You have won so many international prizes and received compliments from various quarters. What has been the response of the Odisha government to your success?

SP: After winning the World Championship at Berlin and the People's Choice Award in Moscow , I am still awaiting a response from the State Government. After the award in Moscow I got congratulatory messages from the Governors of Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh as well as wishers from different parts of the world.

KT: You have planned to establish a Sand Art Park in Puri. Are you getting any support from the state government?

SP: I am waiting for the last 10 years for a piece of land from the Government of Orissa to set up the Sand Art Park in Puri.

KT: What are your plans to promote sand art in India and abroad?

SP: I will be creating another sculpture at Ruhr in Germany starting tomorrow where I will be again highlighting the issue of global warming.