Sand sculpture created on Puri beach to spread swine flu awareness

Puri (Orissa), Aug 14 (ANI): Sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik created a sculpture depicting swine flu at Puri beach, to generate awareness of the disease.

Pattnaik, an international sand artist, created a ten-feet-long pig, and a face wearing a mask, with a message 'Beat the Swine Flu' on Friday.

"To create awareness about the swine flu, we have created this sand art. In the last few days many people have been affected by this disease, and more than eight people have died also, and many are admitted in the hospitals as well. Puri beach attracts a lot of tourists, so, to create awareness among them we have created this art," said Pattnaik.

Tourists are regularly treated by Pattnaik's sculptures at Puri beach, most of which carry a social message.

"This is a different kind of art. This is giving a very important message to the society. The swine flu has affected not only Orissa or West Bengal but whole of India as well. So, everybody should follow the message given by this sand artist and I really liked it," said Raju, a tourist.

Alarmed by the significant rise in fatalities due to the deadly disease, medical centres in states across the country have been organising camps, particularly in the rural areas to create awareness amongst the people.

The H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, created panic and fear worldwide in the year 2008. The virus is generally found in pigs but has the same symptoms as any seasonal flu. By Sharda Lehangir (ANI)