Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik Marks 'World No Tobacco Day' With Powerful Sand Art At Puri Beach

Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik commemorated World No Tobacco Day 2025 with a poignant sand sculpture at Odisha’s Puri Beach, delivering a stirring message about the devastating impact of tobacco use.

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The powerful artwork portrayed a haunting image of a young human skeleton placed beside a cigarette, symbolising the lethal consequences of tobacco addiction. Adding to the emotional depth, Pattnaik included figures of a grieving woman and child, representing the sorrow and loss endured by families affected by tobacco-related deaths.

The central theme of the sculpture served as a chilling reminder: the consequences of tobacco consumption go far beyond the smoker. It’s not just an individual’s health that suffers but also the emotional and psychological well-being of their loved ones. The installation captured the urgency of quitting tobacco and the collective responsibility society holds in combating this global health crisis.

Sharing a photograph of his creation on X (formerly Twitter), Pattnaik wrote: "#WorldNoTobaccoDay: Through this installation, I hope to remind people that tobacco addiction doesn’t just harm individuals—it deeply affects families and communities. Let’s choose health over habit. #SayNoToTobacco My sand art at Puri beach."

Speaking about the motivation behind the piece, Pattnaik cited alarming statistics: around 8 million people globally and 1 million in India lose their lives each year due to tobacco-related illnesses. Through his art, he urged people to raise awareness, make informed choices, and work together towards a tobacco-free future.

About World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day, celebrated each year on May 31st, serves as a vital global health awareness occasion led by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This day acts as a strong reminder of the harmful effects of tobacco use and galvanises worldwide initiatives to decrease its use.