Odisha artist’s appeal for Bharat Ratna for Biju

Odisha Channel Bureau Puri, Aug 11: Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand sculpture on Puri beach on Monday to appeal the Prime minister to consider the name of the legendary Biju Patnaik for Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award.Pattnaik created a 5ft high sand sculpture of Biju Patnaik with the symbol of Bharat Ratna by using about 7 tonnes of sand with a message “Bharat Ratna for Biju Patnaik”.“My humble appeal to consider Late Biju Pattnaik for the Bharat Ratna award for the year 2014 based on his historic contribution during India’s freedom struggle and early independence era,” said the Padma Shri award winner sand artist.“Biju Babu, the great leader of India, who was called as “Buccaneer of India” inside Indian Parliament by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Sarojini Naidu for his noble deeds in putting forth India’s stand by supporting pro-Indian leaders in the neighbouring countries by providing timely help.“Biju Patnaik’s brave act brought tremendous support from neighbouring countries at the time of our need,” said Pattnaik.Pattnaik has also sent an appeal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue.