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Key Points

IGNOU has made history by launching the first-ever online courses on sand art in collaboration with renowned artist Sudarsan Pattnaik. The courses aim to promote Indian creativity globally while making learning accessible to all. Pattnaik shared his excitement about turning sand art into a recognized educational discipline. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy’s goal of integrating traditional art forms into modern education.

Key Points: IGNOU and Sudarsan Pattnaik Launch First Online Sand Art Courses

  • First-ever online sand art courses in India
  • Designed by Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik
  • Free enrollment on SWAYAM platform
  • Aligns with NEP 2020’s focus on Indian knowledge systems
3 min read

First in India: IGNOU launches online courses on Sand Art

IGNOU introduces pioneering SWAYAM courses on sand art with Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik, blending Indian heritage with digital learning.

"It’s a celebration of India’s heritage and storytelling through sand. – Sudarsan Pattnaik"

New Delhi, July 15

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), in collaboration with internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik, has launched two pioneering SWAYAM online courses on Sand Art, marking a historic step in integrating India's rich cultural heritage into digital learning.

According to an official release, these two courses - titled "Introduction to Sand Art" and "Principles and Formats of Sand Art" have been specially curated and delivered by Sudarsan Pattnaik, who brings decades of experience and global recognition in this unique art form from Odisha.

Designed for learners across all age groups and backgrounds, the courses aim to nurture creativity, promote Indian art on a global platform, and provide structured learning pathways in the field of visual arts.

The launch event held jointly by IGNOU and Pattnaik at the IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi, in the presence of Professor Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU and other officials of IGNOU.

Speaking at the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, said, "This collaboration embodies the vision of NEP 2020 to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems and art forms into mainstream education. Through SWAYAM, we are proud to bring sand art to the fingertips of learners across the country and the world This is the first of its kind of initiative to offer courses on Sand Art."

Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It is my dream to make Sand Art a global symbol of Indian creativity. With IGNOU and SWAYAM, we are now empowering thousands to learn this art from anywhere. This is not just a course-it's a celebration of India's heritage and storytelling through sand. Thanks to Ministry of Education and IGNOU for making my dream a reality for making Sand Art a vocational and skill based education form."

Each course is structured into video lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on assignments, and offers a certificate upon successful completion. The Introduction course introduces learners to basic tools, techniques, and creative expression, while the other course dives deeper into large-scale sculptures, thematic compositions, and the cultural narratives behind sand art.

These courses are now available for free enrollment on the https://onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in/nou25_as02/preview and https://onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in/nou25_as03/preview.

This initiative aligns with IGNOU's ongoing mission to democratize education, foster inclusive learning, and showcase India's traditional and contemporary art forms on digital platform.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the effort, I wonder how practical online sand art courses will be. The tactile experience is everything in this art form. Hope they've included proper kits for hands-on practice.
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Arjun K
This is exactly what NEP 2020 envisioned! Taking our traditional arts to digital platforms. My kids are already excited to enroll. Great job by IGNOU in preserving our heritage while making it future-ready.
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Sarah B
As an art teacher from Canada, I'm thrilled to see India leading in such innovative art education! Will definitely recommend these courses to my students. The cultural narratives aspect sounds particularly fascinating.
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Vikram M
Finally some recognition for our traditional art forms! But hope IGNOU ensures quality implementation. Many SWAYAM courses just feel like recorded lectures without proper engagement. Fingers crossed this will be different.
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Kavya N
My grandmother used to make beautiful kolams with rice flour - similar to sand art. So happy to see these dying art forms getting a new lease of life! 👏 Will enroll with my daughter for some mother-daughter bonding time.
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Michael C
Visited Puri last year and was mesmerized by Sudarsan Pattnaik's work. That such masters are now teaching online is incredible! India's digital

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