Learn sand art from legend? IGNOU launches free online course by Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik; Details here

In a first-of-its-kind move in India, IGNOU has joined hands with world-famous sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik to launch two free online sand art courses. These are now available on the government’s SWAYAM platform.

The courses, "Introduction to Sand Art" and "Principles and Formats of Sand Art", have been fully designed and taught by Pattnaik himself, IGNOU announced in an official statement on Tuesday.

Open to All Ages and Backgrounds

These online courses are open to learners of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. The aim is to promote Indian art globally and help people build creativity through structured digital learning.


At the launch event held at IGNOU headquarters, Vice Chancellor Uma Kanjilal said,

“This is the first time structured sand art courses are being offered in India. It reflects the goals of NEP 2020 to include Indian Knowledge Systems and art forms in mainstream education.”

Pattnaik’s Dream Now a Reality

Sudarsan Pattnaik said this launch was part of his long-time dream to make sand art a global symbol of Indian talent.

“With IGNOU and SWAYAM, thousands of learners can now learn sand art from anywhere in the world,” he said.

What the Courses Include

• Video lectures
• Live demonstrations
• Practice-based assignments
• Certificates upon completion

The introductory course teaches basic sand art tools and techniques, while the advanced course explores large-scale sand art, formats, and storytelling using sand.

Both courses are now open for enrolment on: onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in

Bringing Indian Art to the World

IGNOU said this initiative is part of its wider mission to make education more accessible and to showcase Indian traditional arts through global digital platforms.

Inputs from PTI