The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), in collaboration with renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, has launched two free online courses on sand art. This initiative, available on the SWAYAM platform, offers an excellent educational opportunity for art enthusiasts worldwide. The courses, "Introduction to Sand Art" and "Principles and Formats of Sand Art," are designed to make this unique art form accessible to a global audience.
The courses, taught by Pattnaik himself, cover a range of topics, from basic techniques to advanced concepts like large-scale art and storytelling. According to the IGNOU website, the courses are designed to be self-paced, allowing learners to study at their convenience. The launch event highlighted the importance of integrating Indian art forms into mainstream education, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP emphasizes the importance of vocational training and skill development, and these courses perfectly fit this objective.
The SWAYAM platform, which hosts these courses, is a government initiative aimed at providing quality education to all, regardless of their location or background. The platform currently offers over 2,000 courses across various disciplines. The courses on sand art are a welcome addition, offering a creative outlet and a chance to learn from a master artist. The courses are open for enrollment, and there is no age limit.