Renowned sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo marked International Women’s Day in Puri by creating a special sand animation. The artwork, completed in about 10 minutes, conveyed messages of women’s empowerment, equality, and world peace.
Sahoo’s sand animation showcased examples of women’s strength and achievements, featuring some of India’s most revered female figures. He aimed to honor the courage, dedication, and contributions of women who have positively impacted society.
In response to the event, Sahoo highlighted personalities like President Droupadi Murmu, singer Lata Mangeshkar, athlete P.V. Sindhu, and Vyomika Singh as symbols of success, courage, and empowerment in contemporary India. He emphasized that these women, along with many others, are sources of pride and inspiration for future generations.
Through his sand animation, Sahoo paid a heartfelt tribute to women worldwide, recognizing their resilience and role in fostering a more inclusive society.
International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, commemorates women’s achievements and advocates for gender equality. The day acknowledges women’s contributions in various spheres while shedding light on the persistent challenges they confront.
The official theme for International Women’s Day 2026, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” underscores the necessity of upholding legal rights and ensuring their practical enforcement in women’s daily lives. It also underscores the need to address existing legal and social disparities and strive for equal opportunities and justice for all.
The origins of International Women’s Day trace back to the early 1900s when women in Europe and North America demanded improved working conditions, fair wages, and voting rights. The day gained momentum in 1908 with a significant march in New York City, advocating for better labor conditions and voting rights.
Activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an international day dedicated to women’s rights in 1909, which garnered widespread support and led to its observance in multiple countries. The United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1975, establishing March 8 as a global occasion to celebrate women’s rights, accomplishments, and equality.
