In a first of its kind in the country, a certificate course
on sand art is going to be launched by the Indira Gandhi National Open
University (IGNOU). The programme will be designed and developed by Sudarshan
patnaik, the famous sand artist from Odisha.
University vice chancellor, Professor Ravindra Kumar made this announcement
at the East Zone Regional Directors' Meet held on Friday. This course will be
available under the university's massive online open course (MOOC) programme.
The MOOC offers students a great opportunity to learn online.
More than 300 MOOC courses have been developed by IGNOU. Government's own
internet platform, ‘Swayam’ will host the course on sand art. Students can
access the website and learn the art by watching videos.
A presentation on sand art was also given in the meeting, by Patnaik. Following
this, the university requested him to develop a one-month sand art certificate
course for art students who are keen on learning sand art.
Vice chancellor Kumar said the institution will host this course on its online
platform. This course will initially be offered at Bhubaneswar region because
this year's enrollment of eastern zone is around 25 per cent of the total
enrolment of the university. "Later, we will introduce in other centres.
We hope it will be launched within three-month time," he added.
Kumar proclaimed that the MOOC programme can be accessed by anybody. It is
open to all. "We will video record the process of making sculpture on sand
by Patnaik at sea beach. And then we will make the videos online for the
students," he added.
Patnaik said both theory and practical model of the courses will be prepared for the programme. "In theory, we will teach the students about selection of sand, use of water, measurement of sand and use of props while making the art, carving, how to form pyramid shape and the whole process of making a sculpture on sand," he added.
He commented that art can't be taught through theories only. The major part of the course is based on practical knowledge. "We will make videos of making a sculpture on sand and put it online through IGNOU's website for students," he said, adding, "The videos will give them ample of knowledge from selecting and gathering of sand to give finishing touch to the sculpture."
Patnaik said, “Odisha has a rich history of sand art. This announcement of the university has bought honour to the art and the state. This form of art will get digitalized for the people who want to learn it,” said the sand artist.
Regional director of IGNOU Bhubaneswar, Dr Abhilash Nayak said that the university has just announced it. "We will prepare course of study and syllabus for the programme. Then we will go for its launch," he added.