The Culture Working Group (CWG) under India’s G20 Presidency will highlight  ‘Culture Unites All’ in  campaign mode to bring out  India’s unwavering belief in multilateralism based on peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and communities.

Under the ‘Culture Unites All’ campaign to be held at the second Culture Working Group meet in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha from May 14 – 17, 2023  Padma Shri Sudarshan Pattnaik from Odisha will create sand art on the theme at the Puri Beach on May 14, 2023. The installation will be inaugurated at 5:30 PM by Shri G.K Reddy Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER  and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal,  Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs .

In today’s interconnected world, culture plays a crucial role in driving collaborative outcomes, and promotes inclusivity and harmonious living.

The theme ‘Culture Unites All’ recognizes that although cultural traditions and practices may vary greatly, they often share underlying values and principles. Culture, in all its manifestations, has the potential to transcend boundaries, foster connections and inspire genuine dialogue and understanding among individuals, communities, and nations.

Culture provides pathways to collaborate and develop sustainable and balanced solutions to contemporary global challenges. Encapsulating the essence of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ the message of ‘Culture Unites All’ embodies a holistic vision to work towards a collective sustainable future and universal well-being.

Credited as a pioneer of sand art in India, Shri Sudarshan Pattnaik is the recipient of third highest civilian honour, the Padam Shri, for his distinguished service. His sand art installations are world renowned and has represented India in various competitions at a global level. Shri Pattnaik believes in using his art as a means of spreading awareness about social and environmental issues, and as a catalyst to spread the message of peace and harmony while bringing people together for a shared cause.

Despite the cultural and regional differences in the practice of sand art around the world, there is a commonality that ties them all together. At its core, sand art celebrates the beauty of the natural world and its ephemeral character. This sustainable art form, created from readily available sand and water at the beach, does not add or take away from the balance of nature.

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NB/SK