Sudarsan Patnaik Pays Tribute to Air India Crash Victims with Sand Art at Puri Beach

PURI, June 14 : Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik has created a poignant and powerful sand sculpture at Odisha’s Puri Beach to pay tribute to the victims of the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The artwork, bearing the heartfelt message “Never Again”, stands as a symbol of collective grief and a plea for safer skies.

The sculpture features symbolic representations of flight and human loss, capturing the emotional weight of the tragedy. Tourists, locals, and passersby gathered at the beach on Friday to witness the memorial and pay their respects. Many were seen offering silent prayers and flowers at the site.

“This is not just a tribute,” said Padma Shri awardee Patnaik. “It is a call to action. Such tragic loss must never be repeated. Art can speak when words fail — and today, it speaks for all of us mourning this terrible incident.”

The Air India crash in Ahmedabad claimed several lives and shook the nation, prompting discussions around air safety and accountability. Patnaik’s artwork has since drawn widespread attention on social media and in the press, serving both as a memorial and a powerful reminder of the human cost of aviation disasters.

Observers noted the emotional resonance of the piece, which urges reflection and compassion in times of national tragedy. As Patnaik concluded, “Through this art, we remember the victims, support their families, and renew our hope for a future where such incidents are never repeated.”

The sculpture will remain on display for the next few days, inviting continued public engagement and remembrance.