Sand Taj to be created in Belgium by Sudarshan

Bhubaneswar, Feb 22: Orissa-based internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik will recreate Taj Mahal, the country's 17th century's monument of love, in Belgium this month.

Sudarshan Pattnaik had been invited by the organisers of Belasia 2008 to participate in the 16th edition of the annual Asia Fair, commencing on February 23 at the community centre De Zandloper in Wemmel. Organised by Indian Embassy, two-day the event was being co-sponsored by India Tourism, Amsterdam and Jet Airways, Belgium, to promote social, cultural and economic relations between Asian countries and its inhabitants.

The sand artist said he would use two truck loads of sand to create the sculpture. He would be assisted by his co-artist Manas Kumar Sahoo.

Earlier Sudarsan had created a black Taj Mahal to fulfill the dream of Shahjahan at Agra on the 350th anniversary of the ''monument of love''.

He had sculpted more than 37 sand Taj Mahals at different places in India, the US, Doha and Berlin. Sudarsan had so far participated in more than 34 International Sand Sculpture championships across the world and won many awards for the country.

Through his art, he tried to help the tsunami victims in India, save the endangered Olive Ridley Turtles and raise awareness about HIV-AIDS and polio.

UNI