In celebration of World Health Day, renowned sand artist and Padma Shri recipient Sudarsan Pattnaik produced a remarkable sand sculpture at Puri Beach in Odisha on Tuesday, paying tribute to frontline workers and promoting the slogan, “Together for Health, Stand with Science. ”

Using hundreds of tons of sand, Pattnaik produced an elaborate sculpture that was about six feet tall and reflected his distinctive style of combining art with social themes. The piece, which was created with the help of pupils from his sand art school, represented human forms that stood for unity, compassion, and the essential role that science plays in maintaining global health.

World Health Day, celebrated every year on April 7, seeks to highlight urgent world health challenges and motivate group efforts to enhance the general welfare of the public. The significance of unity, scientific knowledge, and shared responsibility in creating a healthier and safer world was visually reminded by Pattnaik’s work.

Speaking at the event, Pattnaik stressed the necessity of promoting science and improving healthcare systems in a constantly changing world. He encouraged individuals to live healthier lives and support the welfare of society. In his sand art, he paid tribute to healthcare professionals and others who work nonstop around the clock to improve the human condition.

Pattnaik is a well-known figure in the art world; he has represented India in more than 65 international sand sculpture competitions and festivals, winning several honors. He is well-known for employing his art as a tool to increase public knowledge of pressing social and environmental concerns such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, global warming, terrorism, plastic pollution, and environmental preservation.

The World Health Organization’s yearlong campaign to promote the strength of scientific collaboration includes the World Health Day 2026 theme, “Together for Health, Stand with Science. ” Key goals of the program include combating disinformation, promoting scientific multilateralism through international cooperation, and emphasizing the “One Health” approach, which acknowledges the interdependent health of people, animals, and the environment.

World Health Day marks the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. Sixty-one nations ratified the WHO Constitution in 1946, and it became law on April 7, 1948. Even if the inaugural observance was in 1949, the official move to April 7 occurred in 1950 in order to coincide with the anniversary of the organization’s founding.