Odisha sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik constructs toilets with prize money

Puri: In what could be termed as a noble gesture, internationally-acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has constructed two toilets for fishermen in Odisha’s Puri with his prize money.

The sand artist has contributed the award money he received recently for construction of two toilets at Penthakata Slum in the Pilgrim Town.

When he came to know that the slum dwellers are defecating in the open, he came forward to take the initiative for construction of the toilets where mostly fisher folks are residing.

The renowned artist constructed the toilets yesterday after he received an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week to participate in cleanliness campaign. He spent Rs 25, 000 prize money towards this.

“Lets us ensure that the coming days are about living the Mantra of Swachhata Hi Seva. Leading up to Gandhi Jayanti, we can encourage widespread support for, and participation in cleanliness initiatives across India. I personally invite you to lend your support to the Swachhata Hi Seva movement and dedicate some time for the cause of a Swachh Bharat. Your participation will further inspire others to be a part of the movement,” Narendra Modi said in his letter to Pattnaik.

Patnaik is scheduled to participate in Swachhata Hi Seva campaign at Chilika tomorrow.

It may be recalled here that Pattnaik has been involved in campaigns for cleanliness drive as a part of which he had sat on a dharna towards the second week of July for Puri beach clean up.

He launched the strike on the beach near Bankimuhan in the seaside town demanding immediate steps to make the area pollution free.

Also Read: Odisha sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik on dharna for Puri beach clean-up

After three days of hunger strike, he was hospitalised as his health condition deteriorated. He was admitted to a private hospital in the capital city.

Post this, the authorities swung into action and were engaged in beach clean up.