AP Sand Artist to Showcase Lord Ganesh’s Story in 15 Sculptures

Quick Summary:

• Akunuru Balaji Varaprasad, a skilled sand artist from Vijayawada, specializes in sand, ice, and wood sculptures.
• He and his team are currently working on 15 eco-friendly sand sculptures depicting Lord Ganesha’s story for Vinayaka Chavithi. The sculptures use 35 tonnes of river sand instead of beach sand.
• His artistic process involves sketching ideas first,sculpting using water,applying glue to preserve the structure for up to two years,and finaly painting the sculpture.
• Varaprasad started sketching and painting as a child and transitioned to sand sculpting during his Intermediate days. A notable breakthrough was his ‘Samudra Sundari’ sculpture at Perupalem Beach.
• Since 2006, he has created over 700 sculptures across various beaches such as Perupalem and Bapatla.
• His work gained international recognition after participating in Konark International Sand Art Festival in Odisha (2011) where he won first prizes multiple times (2018-2023). He has also competed in Qatar and Europe competitions.
• An MBA graduate who later pursued fine arts professionally due to passion for art. His accolades include records from Wonder Book of Records and Telugu Book of Records.
• Varaprasad dreams of setting up a permanent Sand Art Museum in Andhra Pradesh; his proposal received positive feedback from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu naidu.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The efforts of Akunuru Balaji Varaprasad highlight the potential for creative expression through non-traditional forms like eco-friendly sand art-a significant shift from conventional idols traditionally used during festivals like vinayaka Chavithi. This approach sets an example by promoting sustainability while preserving cultural heritage.

Varaprasad’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance as he transitioned from agricultural roots to international acclaim with over 700 creations spanning nearly two decades. His vision for a dedicated Sand Art Museum could play a vital role in spotlighting unique craftsmanship like this within Andhra Pradesh-potentially fueling tourism along with skill advancement opportunities in local communities.

Moreover, these initiatives align with India’s broader push towards environmental consciousness amidst growing concerns about ecological impact during festive celebrations. As interest grows globally through competitive platforms such as Europe contests or record achievements seen here-it further strengthens India’s soft diplomacy efforts within arts without diluting traditional symbolism linked deeply into spirituality often-respected locally worldwide alike too!”

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