Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created history by becoming the first man from the South Asian country to win the prestigious "The Fred Darrington" award for his contribution to the art form.

The first British Sand Master Award was presented during the recently held Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival in Weymouth.

After receiving the award, Sudarsan Pattnaik wrote on X: "I am honored to be the first Indian artist to receive the ‘Fred Darrington' British Sand Master Award at Sand World 2025, a prestigious international sand art festival in Weymouth, UK. This recognition is a testament to my 10-foot sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing the universal message of 'World Peace'."

On the occasion, Pattnaik created a 10-foot-high sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha with the message of spreading 'World Peace'.

Mayor of Weymouth, Jon Orell, presented the award to the Indian artist.

Pattnaik is a Padma Shri award winner.

Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, congratulated the Indian artist and wrote on X: "Huge congratulations @sudarsansand from @swarnasatpathy & myself and indeed all the team @UKinKolkata."

"No trip to Odisha is complete without a visit to see your work on Puri beach," he said.

The British High Commission also wished the Indian artist and posted on X: "Congratulations to world-renowned sand artist, @sudarsansand, on being awarded the Fred Darrington Sand Master Award at #SandWorld2025 in the UK."