Sudarsan Pattnaik Appointed Brand Ambassador for Census 2027

• 25 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

The Government of India has appointed internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik as the Brand Ambassador for Census 2027 to promote public awareness and participation in the upcoming nationwide census exercise.  

Key Points 

• Official Notification: The appointment has been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of preparations for the 16th National Census. 
• Role: As the Brand Ambassador for Census 2027, Pattnaik will use his signature sand art to educate and mobilise citizens across India about the importance of the census and encourage broader public engagement. 
• Sudarsan Pattnaik – Major Achievements: 
  • Received the Padma Shri in 2014 for his outstanding contribution to art and social awareness. 
  • Guinness Record: Holds a Guinness World Record by building the World’s tallest sand castle which is 48 feet and 8 inches at the Puri beach in Puri (2017). 
  • Social Campaigns: Uses sand art to raise awareness on issues like climate change, Covid-19, and children’s rights. 
  • Cultural Ambassador: Represented India in various international art festivals and exhibitions.  
• Census 2027:  
  • Census conducted under Census Act 1948. 
  • Conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 
  • Census 2027 is the First Census by digital means in country. 
  • Census 2027 will be the 16th Census of India and the 8th after independence. 
  • The official mascots of Census 2027 are “Pragati” (female) and “Vikas” (male).  

Read More: Census 2027, Census Act 1948