Pattnaik also participated in the doubles category with an American sculptor Mathew Roy Diebert. Both created a sand sculpture of the Taj Mahal.

Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has won the People's Choice prize for his work "Save Tree, Save the Future" at the World Cup of Sand Sculpting-2014 held in the Atlantic City of the US.

"I am very happy to win this prize for our country in first sand art world cup at USA 2014 and thankful to all the people who liked my sculpture and voted for me," he said yesterday.

Pattnaik was presented with the People's Choice medal by the Mayor of Atlantic City.

Twenty internationally renowned sand artists from around the world participated in the event. Under the competition that began on June 19, every sculptor got 30 hours to create their artwork using 10 tons of sand.

Pattnaik also participated in the doubles category with an American sculptor Mathew Roy Diebert. Both created a sand sculpture of the Taj Mahal.

They were placed fifth position. Awarded with the Padmashri by India this year, Pattnaik has participated in over 50 International championships and festivals around the World and won many prizes.

He is also known for creating sand sculptures on current issues and social awareness. Born in Puri, Pattnaik (37) runs a sand art school there.

PTI