Odisha artist creates sand animation to welcome Putin to India
Puri, Dec 4
Internationally acclaimed artist Manas Kumar Sahoo has created a special sand animation artwork to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin on his visit to India. The artwork was crafted on the Golden Beach in Puri, Odisha, on Thursday.
Manas Kumar Sahoo, a finalist of 'India's Got Talent' and one of the country's leading sand animation performers, completed the artwork in two hours. The creation was based on the theme, "Welcome President Putin to India".
Through flowing sand visuals, the artwork symbolises friendship, peace, and the long-standing bond between India and Russia. Speaking about his creation, Sahoo told IANS, "Art has the power to connect nations. This sand animation is my way of expressing respect and strengthening the message of peace and global harmony."
Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India begins this evening. Shortly after his arrival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host him for a private dinner, mirroring a similar gesture offered by President Putin during PM Modi's Moscow visit in July 2024. The dinner is expected to be informal, allowing both leaders to set the tone ahead of formal discussions.
On Friday morning, President Putin will begin his official engagements with a ceremonial welcome. He will then visit Rajghat to pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial -- a customary protocol for visiting heads of state.
This will be followed by the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House in the national capital. As part of the programme, PM Modi will also host a working lunch for President Putin and his delegation.
Alongside the leaders' meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov are expected to hold discussions on key military cooperation and defence technology.
President Putin's visit comes at a time when India-US relations have experienced tensions, particularly after Washington imposed 50 per cent tariffs on several Indian goods and a 25 per cent levy linked specifically to India's purchase of Russian crude oil.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the artist's talent, I'm a bit concerned. This visit is happening when our relations with the US are strained. I hope our foreign policy is balanced and we don't put all our eggs in one basket. Russia is an old friend, but we need to be pragmatic.
The defence talks are the most important part. We need to secure our S-400 systems and discuss more tech transfer. Russia has been a reliable partner for our military for decades. This summit is crucial for our national security.
The cultural aspect is lovely. Taking him to Rajghat is a meaningful gesture - introducing world leaders to Gandhian values. Hope the discussions on trade and energy are productive, especially given the US tariffs mentioned.
Russia has stood by us through thick and thin. Remember the 1971 war? Or the UN vetoes? This friendship is time-tested. The sand art is a creative tribute to a relationship that goes beyond just politics. Long live India-Russia ties!
As an Odia, I'm so proud! Puri's Golden Beach getting this recognition. Manas Sahoo is a gem. Art truly transcends borders. Hope President Putin gets to see the footage of this beautiful creation.
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