Madhurendra Kumar-Indian Sand Artist

Madhurendra Kumar
Indian Sand Artist, Sculptor & Multi-Media Artist
Born	5 September 1994
Birth Place	Barwakala (maternal village), Ghodasahan, Bankatwa, East Champaran, Bihar, India
Ancestral Village	Bijbani, Bankatwa, East Champaran, Bihar
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Sand Artist, Sculptor, Painter, Multi-Media Artist
Known for	Sand Art, Leaf Carving, Fruit & Vegetable Carving, Multiple World Records
Education	BFA & MFA (Sculpture), Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi
Spouse	Married

Madhurendra Kumar (born 5 September 1994) is a world-renowned Indian sand artist known for highlighting global and social issues through his amazing and intricate large-scale artworks, recognized as one of the world's celebrated artists. Born in the Champaran district of Bihar, Madhurendra, without any formal training, turned the sand of a riverbank into his canvas and gave this art form a new identity at the international level.

Early Life and Background

Madhurendra Kumar is a well-recognized and famous Indian sand artist worldwide, who was born in September 1994 in Barwakala (his maternal village), Bijbani Ghodasahan, Bankatwa, District Champaran (Bihar), in the karmabhoomi (land of action) of Mahatma Gandhi, the pioneer of the Satyagraha movement, into a poor family. His childhood dream of education was beyond his reach, but destiny had reserved for him the opportunity to leave his mark on the sand along the banks of a quiet river for a while.

Biography

• Full Name: Madhurendra Kumar – Indian Sand Artist
• Date of Birth: 5 September 1994
• Birthplace: Village Barwakala (maternal village), Ghodasahan, a small ancestral village Bijbani, Bankatwa, situated on the banks of the Aruna river (a tributary of the Bagmati), District East Champaran, Bihar
• Parents: Mother – Gena Devi (homemaker); Father – Shri Shiv Kumar Sah (an ordinary farmer)
• Identity: Madhurendra Kumar is a young sand artist, sculptor, and pioneer of social consciousness in the contemporary art of modern India, who has given global recognition to extremely large and intricate carvings in sand art, as well as extremely fine and minute imagery on leaves, green vegetables, and fruits.

Education

• Early Education: Madhurendra's early education took place in his ancestral village in East Champaran itself. Due to financial hardship, his school education was extremely difficult.
• Higher Education: He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA in Sculpture) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA in Sculpture) from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith (MGKV), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

(A detailed, chronological account of his complete educational qualifications is provided in the section "Birthplace and Education" below.)

Family Background and Economic Condition

• Father and Mother: Madhurendra was born into a family facing severe financial hardship. His father, Shiv Kumar Sah, is an ordinary farmer who supported the family through farming.
• Childhood Struggle: Due to poverty, his early life passed through great difficulties. At the mere age of 5, he had to go herd goats to help the family. Later, to fund his education and art, he even sold curd door-to-door and wove bamboo baskets.
• Artistic Traits from Birth (Grandfather's Prophecy): When Madhurendra was just 3 years old, his grandfather (late Ramchandra Sah) used to make him sit at home to study. But Madhurendra's mind was more engrossed in art than studies, and he would make flocks of swans and ducks from clay on the slate or ground. Seeing this talent, his grandfather had prophesied in his childhood that "this child will grow up to become a great artist one day."
• Beginning of Art by the Riverside: When he went to graze goats by the riverbank, he began making houses and idols from the natural sand found there. It was here that the 'sand artist' within him was unknowingly born, which later became his global identity.

Early Career and Struggles

Childhood Poverty: Born into an extremely poor farming family, Madhurendra's childhood passed amid deprivation. Due to lack of resources caused by financial hardship, his education was not regular. At the mere age of 5, he used to go herd goats to help the family.

Sold Curd for Education: To cover his education expenses, he sold curd door-to-door, wove bamboo baskets and trays, sold green vegetables in markets, worked in hotels, sold jhaal-muri at local festivals and fairs, and also did sign-board style lettering and painting on houses and shops. He even worked as a night guard at times. He worked for months as an employee of various private limited companies directed by the Central and State Governments, conducting door-to-door surveys.

Nights on the College Verandah: During his college days, unable to pay hostel fees, he had to spend 6 months sleeping on the college verandah at night.

Beginning of Art: At the mere age of 3, he made the first-ever figure of a swan from clay on the ground, seeing which his grandfather Ramchandra had prophesied that he would become a great artist. Madhurendra's fortune changed when knowledge of his unique sand art reached the then President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. In 2012, Dr. Abdul Kalam not only greatly appreciated Madhurendra Kumar's art but also honoured him. This praise and encouragement from a great personality like Dr. Kalam gave Madhurendra new energy. When society, relatives, and family were against him, Dr. Kalam's words gave him the courage to stay in this field and move forward. Madhurendra himself has admitted in several interviews that Dr. Abdul Kalam's encouragement was the biggest help in overcoming this difficult period and reaching the international stage. Due to extreme poverty, he did not have money to buy colours and brushes. He then began creating artworks from sand on the banks of the Aruna river, a tributary of the Bagmati. He currently conducts his artistic activities on the banks of the Ganga in Munger, Bihar.

National Awards, Honours and Achievements

For his outstanding contribution in the field of art and culture, Madhurendra Kumar has been honoured by various prestigious organisations and state governments of India.

Major National Honours

• Presidential Appreciation (2012): Former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam appreciated his art and honoured him, which remained the biggest turning point of his career.
• Indian Lalit Kala Akademi Award 2014
• The Gold Sand Art Award 2014: Presented by The Art organisation for significant contribution in the field of art.
• Madhurendra Kumar was chosen as the Brand Ambassador of the Election Commission of India for the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in India.
• Madhurendra Kumar was chosen as the Brand Ambassador of the Election Commission of India for the 2020 Bihar Assembly Elections.
• Raja Ravi Varma National Award (2020): A national-level honour for artistic excellence.
• Indian Constitution Honour (2022): A national-level honour for artistic excellence.
• Tilka Manjhi National Honour (2023): In recognition of his excellent social artworks.
• Bihar Gaurav Award (2024): Honoured by the Government of Bihar and various state platforms for bringing glory to his home state on the global stage.
• Bharat Gaurav Samman (2025): Presented by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for invaluable contribution in the field of art.
• Rashtriya Gaurav Samman (2025): Presented by NITI Aayog, Government of India, for invaluable contribution in the field of art.
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharat Ratna Samman (2025): Presented for invaluable contribution in the field of art.
• Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar National Honour (2025): Honoured by Global Icon of India for art and social consciousness.
• Danveer Karna National Award (2026): Given for spreading a positive message in society through art.
• Rashtriya Kala Ratna Samman (2026): Given for his outstanding and magical skill in the field of art.
• Rabindranath Tagore National Honour (2026): A national-level honour for artistic excellence.

Other Major Regional and National Honours

Madhurendra Kumar has received hundreds of other honours, including: Art and Craft Competition Award 2011; Harihar Kshetra Sonepur Mela Honour 2014; Shaheed Samman 2015; Freedom Fighter Raj Bahadur Singh Memorial Award 2016; Amrapali Samman 2017; Nai Rahen Certificate of Honour 2017; Bihar Darpan Samman 2017; Excellent Sand Art Award 2017; Distinguished Talent Certificate of Honour 2017; Champaran Gaurav Award 2018; Distinguished Talent Honour 2017; Vaishali Ganrajya Samman 2017; State Level Youth Award 2018; Mr. Champaran Award 2018; Sand Art Inspiration Award 2019; Proud of Bihar Award 2019; Global Peace Ambassador Award 2019; Konark Festival Award 2019; Dr. Kalam Youth Leadership Conference Award 2019; Global Bihar Excellence Award 2019; Magadh Ratna Youth Icon Award 2019; Champaran Ratna 2020; Young India Change Maker Award 2020; Emerging Star Award 2022; Raju Shrivastava Comedy Award 2023; Dr. Kalam Youth Ratna Award 2024; Lok Shikhar Samman 2025; Kavya Kiran Certificate of Honour 2025; Karna Award 2025; and the Rajgir Mahotsav Samman, among more than a hundred additional honours.

National Honours and Awards (2025–2026)

• Tilka Manjhi National Honour, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2023)
• National Horticulture Festival Honour, Patna, Bihar (2025)
• Bharat Gaurav Samman, New Delhi (2025)
• Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar National Honour, New Delhi (2025)
• Indian Icon Award, Chandigarh (2025)
• Rashtriya Gaurav Puraskar, New Delhi (2025)
• Danveer Karna National Honour, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2026)
• Bharatiya Gaurav Samman, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (2026)
• Rashtriya Kala Ratna Samman, New Delhi (2026)

Major Honours, Awards and Achievements (Chronological, 2000–2026)

• First Prize in Children's Medha Pratibha Khoj, Ghodasahan, Bihar (2000)
• Moldren Children Academy Art Honour, Ghodasahan, Bihar (2001)
• First Prize in Art and Craft Competition, Ghodasahan, Bihar (2002)
• First Prize in Medha Khoj, Ghodasahan, Bihar (2003)
• Kala Yatra Samman, Bankatwa, Bihar (2004)
• Gold Medal in Art Talent Competition, Ghodasahan, Bihar (2005)
• Former President's Appreciation Honour for "Sarvadharma Shahadat" sand artwork, Bihar (2005)
• Kala Prerna Certificate of Honour, Motihari, Bihar (2006)
• Kala Jagriti Yatra Samman, Motihari, Bihar (2007)
• Kala Yoddha Samman, East Champaran, Bihar (2008)
• Gold Medal for outstanding art display at Gandhi Museum, Motihari, Bihar (2009)
• Kala Samrat Samman, Ghodasahan, Bihar (2010)
• First Prize in Art and Craft Competition, Patna, Bihar (2011)
• Vikasit Desh Bharat Artwork Honour, Bihar (2011)
• Mega Science Fair Honour, Darbhanga, Bihar (2012)
• Former President's Appreciation Honour for "Vikasit Desh Bharat" canvas painting, Bihar (2012)
• Environmental Protection Awareness Honour, Patna, Bihar (2012)
• De-addiction Awareness Award, Ghodasahan, Bihar (2013)
• Former President's appreciation for "Stop World Population" sand art, New Delhi (2013)
• Sand Art Mahanayak Samman, Patna, Bihar (2013)
• Sand Wizard Award, The Art, Patna, Bihar (2014)
• Indian Lalit Kala Akademi Award, Patna, Bihar (2014)
• Gold Medal in 'The Art' Championship, Patna, Bihar (2014)
• Children's Kilkari Samman, Kilkari Patna, Bihar (2015)
• Outstanding Art Award in Mega Painting Competition, Patna, Bihar (2015)
• Excellent Sand Art Competition Award, Harihar Kshetra Sonepur Mela, Bihar (2014)
• Bihar's famous Khagra Mela Honour, Kishanganj, Bihar (2015)
• World-famous Shrawani Mela Honour, Deoghar, Jharkhand (2015)
• Freedom Fighter Raj Bahadur Singh Memorial Award, Bankatwa, Bihar (2016)
• Saras Mela Outstanding Art Award, Bathinda, Punjab (2016)
• Great Sand Art Award, Punjab (2016)
• Mahakavi Jai Shankar Prasad Memorial Honour, Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
• Gold Medal in The Art Competition, Patna, Bihar (2016)
• Bihar Gaurav Award, Patna, Bihar (2016)
• Bihar Ratna Samman, Patna, Bihar (2016)
• Shaheed Samman, Gayaji, Bihar (2016)
• Amrapali Award, Vaishali, Bihar (2017)
• Champaran Ratna Samman, Motihari, Bihar (2017)
• Bihar Darpan Kala Samman, Hajipur, Bihar (2017)
• Distinguished Talent Honour, Rajgir, Bihar (2017)
• Nai Rahen Kala Samman Certificate, East Champaran, Bihar (2017)
• Vaishali Ganrajya Samman, Hajipur, Bihar (2017)
• Winner of Mandar Mahotsav Honour, Banka, Bihar (2018)
• Thawe Mahotsav Award, Gopalganj, Bihar (2018)
• Kesariya Mahotsav Honour, East Champaran, Bihar (2018)
• Mr. Champaran Award, Motihari, Bihar (2018)
• Konark Festival Competition Honour, Konark, Odisha (2018)
• Champaran Gaurav Award, East Champaran, Bihar (2018)
• State Level Youth Award, East Champaran, Bihar (2019)
• Sweep Icon of Champaran Award, East Champaran, Bihar (2019)
• Sand Art Inspiration Award, Champaran, Bihar (2019)
• Shri Sitaram Singh Memorial Award, Motihari, Bihar (2019)
• Proud of Bihar Award, Patna, Bihar (2019)
• Global Peace Ambassador Award, Mumbai, Maharashtra (2019)
• Dr. Kalam Youth Leadership Conference Award, Motihari, Bihar (2019)
• Global Bihar Excellence Award, New Delhi (2019)
• Konark Festival Award, Konark, Odisha (2019)
• Magadh Ratna Youth Icon Award, Gayaji, Bihar (2019)
• Proud of Bihar Samman, Patna, Bihar (2019)
• Icon of Champaran Award, Motihari, Bihar (2019)
• Young India Change Maker Award, Mumbai, Maharashtra (2020)
• Covid Warrior Honour, Hajipur, Bihar (2020)
• Konark Festival Competition Honour, Konark, Odisha (2020)
• Young India Changemaker Award, Patna, Bihar (2020)
• Kala Bhoomi Award, Sahibganj, Jharkhand (2021)
• Konark Festival Competition Honour, Konark, Odisha (2021)
• Rashtriya Lok Shikhar Samman, Indore, Madhya Pradesh (2021)
• Namami Gange Project Award, Sahibganj, Jharkhand (2021)
• Bihar Mahotsav Honour, Patna, Bihar (2022)
• Emerging Star Award, Dhaka, Bihar (2022)
• Swachh Ganga Utsav Honour, Sahibganj, Jharkhand (2022)
• Jai Maa Durga Puja Samiti Honour, Mathabhanga, West Bengal (2022)
• Educationist Mahendra Prasad Memorial Honour, East Champaran, Bihar (2022)
• Konark Festival Competition Honour, Konark, Odisha (2022)
• Dekho Apna Desh Honour, Saran Chapra, Bihar (2022)
• Bihar Diwas Honour, Patna, Bihar (2023)
• Bihar Horticulture Festival Honour, Patna, Bihar (2023)
• Kala Sadhana Samman, Patna, Bihar (2023)
• Amrit Purush Amrendra Samman, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2023)
• Acharya Pramukh Sagar Samman, Munger, Bihar (2023)
• Raju Shrivastava Comedy Award, Patna, Bihar (2023)
• Special Achievement Award, Patna, Bihar (2023)
• Konark Festival Competition Honour, Konark, Odisha (2023)
• Harihar Kshetra Sonepur Mela Honour, Saran Chapra, Bihar (2023)
• Son-Sangam Kala Samman, Shaktinagar, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh (2024)
• Shreshtha Kala Purush Samman, MGKV Shaktinagar, Uttar Pradesh (2024)
• Swachhata Pakhwada Samman, Shaktinagar NTPC, Uttar Pradesh (2024)
• Gold Medal in Art and Craft Competition, NTPC Shaktinagar, Uttar Pradesh (2024)
• "Election Festival, Nation's Pride" Honour, Shaktinagar NTPC, Uttar Pradesh (2024)
• Idea Greater Summit Honour, Gayaji, Bihar (2024)
• Dr. Kalam Youth Ratna Award, Kolkata, West Bengal (2024)
• "Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi" Kala Samman, Dhaka, Bihar (2024)
• Chitransh Maha Sammelan Honour, Motihari, Bihar (2024)
• Kavya Kiran Kala Certificate of Honour, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2025)
• Dr. Kalam Youth Leadership Conference Award, Jaipur, Rajasthan (2025)
• Danveer Karna Award, Ang Pradesh, Bihar (2025)
• Lok Shikhar Samman, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2025)
• Danveer Karna Welfare Foundation, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2025)
• Rajgir Mahotsav Honour, Rajgir, Bihar (2005–2025)
• Bharat Gaurav Samman, New Delhi, India (2025)
• Gurudev Shri Shri Ravi Shankar ji Honour, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2025)
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharat Ratna Samman, Tamil Nadu (2025)
• The Art of Living Honour, Bengaluru, Karnataka (2025)
• Lok Kala Samman, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (2025)
• Ang Gaurav Samman, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2026)

Appreciation Honours and Awards from National and International Dignitaries and Institutions

• Appreciation and honour for the sand artwork "Sarvadharma Ki Shahadat Dedicated to the Nation," based on martyrs' sacrifice, by President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Bathinda, Punjab (2005)
• "Bharat Nepal Maitri Samman" by Shri Gadhimai Temple Management and Development Committee, Bariyarpur Bara, Nepal (2009)
• Appreciation honour for the "Harmful Effects of Addiction" artwork, by former Bihar Education Minister Virendra Kushwaha, East Champaran, Bihar (2010)
• First position in the entrance examination at the College of Arts and Crafts, Patna University, Patna, Bihar (2011)
• Appreciation honour for the "Vikasit Desh Bharat" canvas painting depicting the importance of science in India's development, by former President and Missile Man Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam at a Science Fair, Bihar (2012)
• Appreciation honour for the "Vikasit Desh Bharat" canvas painting, by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Bihar (2012)
• Appreciation honour for the sand artwork "Friendship Relation of India and America" in USA (2013)
• Appreciation honour by former President and Missile Man Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam for sand art conveying the message "Stop World Population" at an international competition in Myanmar, New Delhi (2013)
• Gold Medal in The Art Competition, by Bihar Lalit Kala Akademi President Anandi Prasad Badal, Patna, Bihar (2014)
• "Bharat Nepal Atoot Va Madhur Samman," by Shri Gadhimai Temple Management and Development Committee, Bariyarpur Bara, Nepal (2014)
• First prize for outstanding artistic performance with the message "International Green and Clean Sonepur" at the world-famous Harihar Kshetra Sonepur Mela, Patna, Bihar (2014)
• Appreciation and honour for sand art by Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi at the International Rajgir Mahotsav, Nalanda, Bihar (2014)
• Appreciation and honour for art by Bihar Tourism Minister Dr. Javed Iqbal Ansari at Buddha Mahotsav, Bodh Gaya, Bihar (2015)
• Appreciation and honour for sand art by Bihar Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Vinay Bihari, West Champaran, Bihar (2015)
• Appreciation honour for the grand sand art of Lord Mahadev at the world-famous Shrawani Mela, Deoghar, Sarasani, Jharkhand (2015)
• Appreciation honour for the sand artwork of Khagra Nawab Syed Mirza Ata Hussain's old grand mansion (built in 1742 AD), at the famous Khagra Mela of Bihar, Kishanganj, Bihar (2015)
• Freedom Fighter Raj Bahadur Singh Memorial Award, by Bettiah MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Bankatwa, Bihar (2016)
• "No Tobacco" sand art appreciation honour, by the Nepal Cancer Relief Society, Makwanpur (Hetauda), at a World Anti-Smoking Day programme, Nepal (2016)
• Appreciation honour for sand artwork based on the theme "Saat Nishchay Yojana and Complete Prohibition in Bihar," by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at the inauguration of Rajgir Mahotsav, Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
• Appreciation honour for the same theme, by Bihar Rural Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shravan Kumar at the inauguration of Rajgir Mahotsav, Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
• Vaishali Ganrajya Samman, by former Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Water Resources, and Small Industries, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. C.P. Thakur (Chandeshwar Prasad Thakur), Vaishali, Bihar (2017)
• Amrapali Award and Honour, by Jehanabad MP Dr. Arun Kumar, Hajipur, Vaishali, Bihar (2017)
• Vaishali Diary Award and Honour, by Madhepura MP Pappu Yadav, Hajipur, Vaishali, Bihar (2017)
• Bihar Darpan Award and Honour, by former Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda Open University Dr. Ramesh Prakash Upadhyay, Hajipur, Vaishali, Bihar (2017)
• Appreciation honour for the sand artwork of Lord Krishna performing cow service at an agricultural fair, by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh, East Champaran, Bihar (2017)
• Appreciation honour for the "Nari Shakti" sand artwork under Motihari Municipal Corporation, by Bihar Tourism Minister Pramod Kumar, East Champaran, Bihar (2017)
• Nai Rahen Kala Samman Certificate, by Bihar Cooperatives Minister Rana Randhir, East Champaran, Bihar (2017)
• Appreciation honour for "Bihar Heritage Golghar" sand art on the initiative of Dainik Jagran, by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, Bodh Gaya, Bihar (2023)
• "Champaran Gaurav Award," by former Bihar minister and prominent Gandhian leader Brajkishore Singh, East Champaran, Bihar (2018)
• Appreciation honour for the grand sand art of Lord Mahavir "Jiyo Aur Jeene Do" at Pawapuri Mahotsav, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2018)
• Appreciation honour for "Vikasit Bihar Ke Saat Sutra" sand artwork at Rajgir Mahotsav, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2018)
• Late Sitaram Singh Memorial Award, presented by Sikkim Governor Ganga Prasad in memory of former Bihar cabinet minister, Motihari, Bihar (2019)
• Prerna-Patra honour in memory of late Sitaram Singh, by Bihar Agriculture Minister Dr. Prem Kumar, Motihari, Bihar (2019)
• Prerna-Patra honour in memory of late Sitaram Singh, by Bihar Cooperatives Minister Rana Randhir, Motihari, Bihar (2019)
• Sand art appreciation honour, by Bihar Cooperatives Minister Rana Randhir, Motihari, Bihar (2019)
• Sand art appreciation honour, by Bihar Agriculture Minister Dr. Prem Kumar, Motihari, Bihar (2019)
• Sand art appreciation honour at the State Level Youth Festival, by Bihar Tourism Minister Pramod Kumar, Motihari, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for the grand sand art of Lord Mahavir "Ahimsa Parmo Dharma" at Pawapuri Mahotsav, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for "Complete Prohibition in Bihar" sand artwork at Rajgir Mahotsav, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2019)
• Proud of Bihar Samman, by Union Law and Justice Minister and Electronics & IT Minister Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Patna, Bihar (2019)
• "Proud of Bihar" honour, by Bihar Road Construction Minister Nand Kishore Yadav, Patna, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for "Jal Bachao" sand artwork, by Bihar Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Pramod Kumar, East Champaran, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for "Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat" sand artwork on Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary at Charkha Park, Motihari, by Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan, East Champaran, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Pramod Kumar, East Champaran, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for sand art at Pawapuri Mahotsav held on the 2545th Nirvana Day of Lord Mahavir, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for the same occasion, by Bihar Tourism Minister Krishna Kumar Rishi, Nalanda, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for the same occasion, by Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for "Bihar Tourism" sand artwork at Rajgir Mahotsav, by Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Pramod Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2019)
• Appreciation honour for sand artwork based on the theme "Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali," by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Sitamarhi, Bihar (2020)
• Appreciation certificate honour for voter awareness, by Election Commission Bihar during the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2020 Assembly Elections, Bihar (2020)
• Appreciation certificate, by Padma Shri Sudarshan Patnaik at the 10th International Sand Art Festival competition at Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark, Odisha (2020)
• Appreciation honour for "Swachh Nagar, Swasth Champaran" sand artwork under Motihari Municipal Corporation, by Bihar Sugarcane Industries Minister Pramod Kumar, East Champaran, Bihar (2021)
• Appreciation honour for sand artwork on "Complete Prohibition and Social Reform" under the 'Samaj Sudhar Abhiyan' at the MIT (Muzaffarpur Institute of Technology) campus, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Muzaffarpur, Bihar (2021)
• Appreciation honour for the intricate and grand sand art of "Lord Bhaskar" (Sun God) on the occasion of Chhath Mahaparv at Koilwar Son riverbank, by former Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Patliputra MP Ram Kripal Yadav, Patna, Bihar (2021)
• Sculpture appreciation honour, by Bihar Sugarcane Industries Minister Dr. Shamim Ahmed, East Champaran, Bihar (2022)
• Appreciation honour for sand art at Pawapuri Mahotsav held on the 2548th Nirvana Day of Lord Mahavir, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2022)
• Appreciation honour for the same occasion, by Bihar Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Nalanda, Bihar (2022)
• Appreciation honour for the same occasion, by Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2022)
• "Late Mahendra Prasad Chaudhary Memorial Award" in memory of the retired teacher and father of Dhaka MLA Pawan Jaiswal, by Bihar's 5th Deputy Chief Minister Tarkeshwar Prasad, East Champaran, Bihar (2022)
• The same memorial award and art appreciation honour, by Bihar Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha, East Champaran, Bihar (2022)
• The same memorial award and sand art appreciation honour, by former Bihar BJP President and Bettiah MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, East Champaran, Bihar (2022)
• The same memorial award and sand art appreciation honour, by Bihar Science and Technology Minister Sumit Kumar Singh, East Champaran, Bihar (2022)
• Appreciation honour for "World Peace" sand art at the inauguration of Buddha Mahotsav, by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, Bodh Gaya, Bihar (2023)
• Art appreciation honour, by Acharya Shri 108 Pramukh Sagar Ji Maharaj, a prominent and respected Rashtrasant of the Digambar Jain faith and propagator of religion, spirituality, and Indian culture, Munger, Bihar (2023)
• Appreciation honour for sand art at Pawapuri Mahotsav held on the 2549th Nirvana Day of Lord Mahavir, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2023)
• Appreciation honour for the same occasion, by Bihar Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Nalanda, Bihar (2023)
• Appreciation honour for the same occasion, by Bihar Rural Development and Transport Minister Shravan Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2023)
• Appreciation honour on the occasion of the launch of the book "Great Personalities of Bihar," by Padma Shri Acharya Kishore Kunal, Secretary of Patna's world-famous Mahavir Temple and associated with the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Gandhi Maidan, Patna, Bihar (2023)
• Appreciation honour for "Gi-Tag" sand art at the Agricultural Fair at the inauguration of Bihar Diwas, by Bihar Agriculture Minister Kumar Sarvajeet, Gandhi Maidan, Patna, Bihar (2024)
• Sand art appreciation honour, by Bihar Law Minister Dr. Shamim Ahmed, Patna, Bihar (2024)
• Appreciation honour for the grand sand art of Lord Mahavir "Ahimsa Parmo Dharma" at the inauguration of Kundalpur Mahotsav, by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Nalanda, Bihar (2024)
• Sand art appreciation honour at the Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir, Cultural Complex, by Padma Shri Professor Shyam Sharma, Bihar's famous printmaking artist, Patna, Bihar (2024)
• Appreciation honour for "Gi-Tag" sand art at the inauguration of Baagwani Mahotsav, by Bihar Agriculture Minister Mangal Pandey, Gandhi Maidan, Patna, Bihar (2024)
• Appreciation honour for extremely fine and delicate leaf art on his birthday, by Bihar Minister for SC/ST Welfare Janak Chamar, Munger, Bihar (2024)
• "International Dr. Kalam Youth Ratna Samman," National Mime Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal (2024)
• Appreciation honour for sand art at Pawapuri Mahotsav held on the 2550th Nirvana Day of Lord Mahavir, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2024)
• Appreciation honour for the same occasion, by Bihar Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Nalanda, Bihar (2024)
• Appreciation honour for the same occasion, by Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2024)
• Appreciation honour for "Pragati Purush Va Vikas Purush" sand artwork on the theme "Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali" on the Koshi riverbank under Pragati Yatra, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Supaul, Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Energy and Prohibition, Excise & Registration Minister Vijendra Prasad Yadav, Supaul, Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for "Pragati Ke Path Par Badhta Bihar" sand artwork at Bharkhar Panchayat, Mohania block, under Pragati Yatra, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Kaimur (Bhabhua), Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Kaimur (Bhabhua), Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Water Resources, Parliamentary Affairs, and Information & Public Relations Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Kaimur (Bhabhua), Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan, Kaimur (Bhabhua), Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for "Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali" and "Vikasit Bihar Ke Saat Sutra" sand artwork at Nanand village, Silao block, under Pragati Yatra, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Water Resources, Parliamentary Affairs, and Information & Public Relations Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Nalanda, Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Rural Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shravan Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar (2025)
• Bihar Gaurav Asmita Award in memory of former Union Minister late Ram Vilas Paswan, by Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan, Parliament House, New Delhi (2025)
• Appreciation honour for Gi-Tag sand art at Sabour Agricultural University campus, by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2025)
• Leaf art honour on his birthday, by Bihar Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation for the London Book of World Record honour, by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, New Delhi (2025)
• Sand art appreciation honour, by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji, founder of The Art of Living, yoga and spiritual guru, and pioneer of the humanitarian perspective, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for "Pragati Ke Path Par Badhte Bihar" sand artwork at the Mithila Sanskrit Research Institute campus at Kabra Ghat, Darbhanga, under Mahila Samvad Yatra, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Darbhanga, Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Darbhanga, Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Health and Law Minister Mangal Pandey, Darbhanga, Bihar (2025)
• Sand art appreciation honour at Golf Club premises, by Bihar Rural Works Minister Ashok Chaudhary, Patna, Bihar (2025)
• Sand art appreciation honour at the same venue, by Bihar Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, Patna, Bihar (2025)
• Sand art appreciation honour at the same venue, by Bihar Science and Technology Minister Sumit Kumar Singh, Patna, Bihar (2025)
• Sand art appreciation honour at the same venue, by Bihar's famous female physician Padma Shri Dr. Shanti Rai, Patna, Bihar (2025)
• Sand art appreciation honour at the same venue, by Faisal Khan alias Khan Sir, director of Khan Global Studies coaching institute, Patna, Bihar (2025)
• Appreciation honour for "Saat Nishchay-3" sand artwork at Araria Sangram, Jhanjharpur block, under Mukhyamantri Samriddhi Yatra, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Madhubani, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Madhubani, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Finance, Commercial Taxes, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Madhubani, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by JD(U) National Working President and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha, Madhubani, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Food and Consumer Protection Minister Leshi Singh, Madhubani, Bihar (2026)
• Extremely fine and delicate leaf art appreciation honour on his birthday, by Nagaland's 23rd Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, Patna, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation honour for "Saat Nishchay-3" sand artwork at the sports ground of Nirmali subdivision under Mukhyamantri Samriddhi Yatra, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Supaul, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation honour for "Saat Nishchay-3" sand artwork at Nigam Park premises, Shahpur, under Mukhyamantri Samriddhi Yatra, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Saharsa, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation honour for "Saat Nishchay-3" sand artwork at the pond bank of Baijni Gram Panchayat, Jagdishpur block, under Samriddhi Yatra, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Bhagalpur, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation honour for "Samriddhi Ke Path Par Badhte Bihar" sand artwork at Navinagar Son riverbank under Samriddhi Yatra, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Aurangabad, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation honour for the same artwork, by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Aurangabad, Bihar (2026)
• Extremely fine and delicate leaf art appreciation honour on his birthday, by Nitin Nabin, 16th National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rajya Sabha MP since April 2026, Munger, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation honour for leaf art of Swami Satyananda Saraswati, by Paramhansa Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, Paramacharya of the world-famous Bihar School of Yoga and renowned spiritual guru, Munger, Bihar (2026)
• Appreciation and award for the Forbes Book of World Record honour, by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, New Delhi (2026)
• Appreciation award for the Forbes Book of World Record honour, by former Bihar Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha member Nitish Kumar, Patna (2026)

International Awards, Honours and Achievements

Madhurendra Kumar has won more than 70 national and international awards to date. Apart from global records and international awards and national honours, Madhurendra Kumar has established several milestones at the global level that have become possible for the first time for any Indian sand artist.

Major International Achievements

• Indo-Nepal Friendship Relations Honour 2014: Received for outstanding performance in the sand art championship organised by Shri Gadhimai Temple Management and Development Committee, Bariyarpur Bara, Nepal.
• Indo-Nepal International Golden Sand Master Award 2016: Received for excellent performance in the sand art championship organised by the Nepal Cancer Relief Society.
• Global Peace Ambassador Award 2019: Received for outstanding artistic performance in the sand art championship organised by the Global Gandhi Peace Conference in Sri Lanka.
• First winner of the International Sand Art Festival Championship 2019.
• International Konark Festival Award 2019: India's famous sand artist Padma Shri Sudarshan Patnaik appreciated Madhurendra's artworks and honoured him with a bouquet, a shawl (angvastra), and a citation, and also took a selfie with him.
• Honoured with the Indian Gold Sand Art Award at the International Children's Film Festival 2020.
• London Book of World Records (2025): His name was registered in this prestigious record for spreading a positive message in society through more than 5000 unique sand artworks. He became the first sand artist in the world to achieve this honour. For this, he was honoured with a medal and citation at the British Parliament (London).
• Asian Book of World Records (2025): A world record was registered for creating 50 unique sand statues based on the mythological 'Gaj-Graha Yuddha' (elephant-crocodile battle) at Sonepur Mela.
• Best Sand Sculpture Artist of the Year (Bhutan): He was honoured with this prestigious title at the International Art Festival 2025 held in Bhutan.
• U-N (United Nations) Book of World Records (2026): Madhurendra has created 50 different sand sculptures over the past 26 years depicting various stages of the life of Siddhartha Gautama (Lord Buddha), including his Mahaparinirvana. For this unique achievement, he was honoured with a certificate, memento, and medal from the UN Book of World Records (United Nations).
• USA Book of World Records (2026): His name was registered in this prestigious record for spreading a positive message in society through more than 21,000 unique leaf artworks. He became the first leaf artist in the world to achieve this honour. For this, he was honoured with a medal and citation in Sheridan, USA.
• Indo-Nepal International Honour 2024: Presented by the National Union of Journalists India for invaluable contribution in the field of art.

International Honours, Awards and Major Achievements (Chronological)

• World-famous Sonepur Mela Honour, Bihar, India (2008)
• Shri Gadhimai Temple Management and Development Committee Honour, Bariyarpur Bara, Nepal (2009)
• Nepal Cancer Relief Society Honour, Hetauda, Nepal (2010)
• International Green and Clean Sonepur, India (2011)
• Indo-Nepal Friendship Relations Honour, Nepal (2012)
• Represented India at Sand Pagoda Festival, Myanmar (2013)
• Friendship Relation of India and America Award, USA (2013)
• Consolation Prize in South Asian Contemporary Art, Bangladesh (2014)
• International Gold Sand Art Award, Bhutan (2014)
• World Sand Sculpture Championship, France (2014)
• International Sand Sculpture Festival Honour, Germany (2014)
• World-famous Shrawani Mela Honour, Deoghar, India (2015)
• International Sand Sculpturing Championship, China (2015)
• International Sand Sculpture Festival Honour – Glasgow, United Kingdom (2015)
• International Sand Animation Competition Medal, Singapore (2016)
• Represented India at Sand Sculpture Festival, Japan (2016)
• Indo-Nepal International Golden Sand Master Award – Kathmandu, Nepal (2016)
• Represented India at International Sand Sculpture Festival, Malaysia (2017)
• International Sand Sculpture Festival Honour – Blokhus, Denmark (2017)
• International Sand Sculpture Festival Award – Berlin, Germany (2017)
• Represented India at International Sand Art Festival Tottori, Japan (2018)
• International Sand Sculpture Festival Award, Moscow (2018)
• USF World Championship Title, Berlin, Germany (2018)
• World Master Sand Sculpture Championship, Italy (2018)
• International Sand Sculpture Competition Medal at Scheveningen, Netherlands (2018)
• 8th International Sand Art Festival Competition Honour, Odisha, India (2018)
• World Sand Sculpture Championship, Moscow (2019)
• Korea Sand Sculpture Award – Busan, South Korea (2019)
• Global Gandhi Peace Conference Honour, New Delhi, India (2019)
• Winner of Global Peace Ambassador Award, India (2019)
• Germany's USF World Championship, Berlin (2019)
• International Sand Statue Competition Medal, Japan (2019)
• Winner of the 9th International Sand Art Festival Competition, Odisha, India (2019)
• Sand Master Award at International Online Art Exhibition, Bihar, India (2020)
• Sand Magician Award – Hetauda, Nepal (2020)
• Senior Artist Gold Award at Online International Art Exhibition, Uttar Pradesh, India (2020)
• Global Gandhi Peace Conference Award – Sri Lanka (2020)
• International Children's Film Festival Art Award, India (2020)
• 10th International Sand Art Festival Competition Honour, Odisha, India (2020)
• International Sand Sculpture Festival Honour – Blankenberge, Belgium (2021)
• World Sand Art Festival Honour, Japan (2021)
• Senior Artist Gold Award at International Online Art Exhibition, Uttar Pradesh, India (2021)
• Sand Lake International Sand Sculpture Competition, China (2021)
• 11th International Sand Art Festival Competition Honour, Odisha, India (2021)
• Dutch Sand Sculpture Festival Thorn, Netherlands (2022)
• 12th International Sand Art Festival Competition Honour, Odisha, India (2022)
• Indo-Nepal International Honour – Birgunj, Nepal (2023)
• International Sand Sculpture Competition Award, China (2023)
• World Peace Honour, Gayaji, India (2023)
• International Sand Sculpture Championship Award – Valdoli, Spain (2023)
• International Sand Sculpture Championship, Denmark (2023)
• 13th International Sand Art Festival Competition Honour, Odisha, India (2023)
• World Sand Art Championship Award – Moscow, Russia (2023)
• Sand World Festival Award – Travemünde, Germany (2024)
• International Indo-Nepal Beti-Roti Relations Honour – Raxaul, India (2024)
• Sand Sculpture Honour at Muscat Festival, Oman (2024)
• Melbourne International Sand Sculpting Competition Honour, Australia (2024)
• International Dr. Kalam Youth Ratna Samman, Kolkata, India (2024)
• Championship at International Sand Sculpture Competition, Germany (2025)
• Solo Sand Sculpture Championship Medal, United States of America (2025)
• 2nd International Art Exhibition Championship – Kathmandu, Nepal (2025)
• International Sand Sculpture Festival Honour, Turkey (2025)
• Best Sand Sculpture Artist of the Year title – Thimphu, Bhutan (2025)
• Global Icon of India Honour, Award (2025)

Art: Technique, Principles, Themes and Mediums

Madhurendra Kumar, a resident of East Champaran district of Bihar, is a world-famous Indian sand artist, sculptor, painter, and multi-media artist. Through his original thinking, technical proficiency, and creative works inspired by social concerns, he has established a distinct identity at the national and international level. For him, art is not merely a display of beauty but an impactful medium for social change, public awareness, and service to humanity.

Technique and Principles of Art

Madhurendra Kumar is among the select few artists of Indian contemporary art who have achieved excellence in various mediums and techniques. His art is based on Realism, fine craftsmanship, innovation, recycling, and social messages.

He creates artworks in numerous mediums including sand, clay, coal ash (chhayi), cement, fibre, Plaster of Paris (POP), wax, copper, brass, aluminium, plywood, thermocol, grains, green leaves, and fine carving on fruits and vegetables (Leaf & Fruit Carving).

He has created thousands of permanent and temporary statues of great personalities, martyrs, deities, saints, ancestors, scientists, actors, politicians, and historical figures. His established statues in mediums such as copper, brass, aluminium, fibre, cement, and Plaster of Paris are dedicated to society.

The main principle of his art is "Art for Society," which reflects a combination of beauty, culture, environmental protection, and public awareness.

Major Themes of Art

Madhurendra Kumar's artworks are not limited to artistic excellence alone but effectively present diverse themes related to society and humanity.

Social Awareness

• Environmental protection
• Climate change and global warming
• Plastic pollution and ban on single-use plastic
• Water conservation and Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali
• Cleanliness campaigns and Swachh Survekshan
• De-addiction campaigns
• Harmful effects of smoking, alcohol, gutkha, and other intoxicants
• Road safety and voter awareness
• Public awareness against natural disasters
• Doctors' Day and Nurses' Day
• HIV/AIDS awareness
• Population control
• Message against obscenity
• Women's and human rights
• Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao
• Women's empowerment
• Prevention of female foeticide
• Message against harassment of women
• Elimination of child labour
• Ganga and dolphin conservation
• Awareness against violence, exploitation, and social evils

National and Global Issues

• Patriotism
• Tribute to martyrs
• Communal harmony
• Anti-terrorism
• World peace
• Indian scientific achievements
• Promotion of Indian tourism and cultural heritage

Religious and Cultural Themes

• Lord Buddha
• Various avatars of Lord Vishnu
• Lord Shiva
• Goddess Durga
• Goddess Kali
• The battle of Bhima and Jarasandha
• The battle of the elephant and the crocodile
• Mahavir Jayanti
• Statues of deities
• Bharatanatyam
• Indian classical dance and culture
• Religious faith and spiritual themes

Freedom Fighters and Politicians

• Mahatma Gandhi (Bapu): Led India to independence from the British through the path of non-violence.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Iron Man): Unified more than 500 princely states into India after independence, binding the nation together.
• Bhagat Singh: The great revolutionary who sacrificed his life for the country's independence.
• Subhas Chandra Bose (Netaji): Formed the 'Azad Hind Fauj' and fought for India's independence.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: The first Prime Minister of independent India and 'Chacha Nehru'.

Scientists and Educationists

• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Missile Man): Former President of India and renowned scientist, who took the country's space and defence programme to new heights.
• Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: The first Vice President of India and a great philosopher. His birthday is celebrated as 'Teachers' Day'.
• Dr. Verghese Kurien: Known as the "Father of the White Revolution" and "Milkman of India" in India. He started 'Operation Flood', which made India the world's largest milk producer.

Social Reformers and Litterateurs

• Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar: The chief architect of the Indian Constitution and pioneer of social justice.
• Rabindranath Tagore (Gurudev): Nobel laureate and composer of India's national anthem.

Art and Sports World

• Lata Mangeshkar: India's 'Nightingale of Melody' and famous singer.
• Major Dhyan Chand: The wizard of hockey.
• Sachin Tendulkar: Cricket's 'Master Blaster'.

Historical and Inspirational Personalities

• Mahatma Gandhi
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Ratan Tata
• Other national and international great personalities

Nature and Wildlife Conservation

• Ganga conservation
• Dolphin conservation
• Conservation of animals, birds, and endangered wildlife
• Control of water, air, and soil pollution

Major Mediums of Art

Madhurendra Kumar creates art in numerous traditional and modern mediums, chiefly including:

• Sand Art
• Clay Sculpture
• Sculpture from coal ash (chhayi)
• Cement sculpture
• Fibre sculpture
• Plaster of Paris Sculpture (POP Sculpture)
• Wax Sculpture
• Copper, brass, and aluminium sculpture
• Plywood painting
• Thermocol sculpture
• Art from grains
• Leaf Carving
• Fruit and Vegetable Carving
• Painting and portrait art

Recycling-based Art

Madhurendra Kumar gives waste materials artistic form to deliver a unique message of environmental protection and social awareness. He creates impactful artworks from empty liquor bottles, liquor pouches, gutkha and tobacco wrappers, cigarettes, Sunfix, and other waste items. This art of his encourages the spirit of cleanliness, recycling, and sustainable development.

Conclusion: Madhurendra Kumar's art is a wonderful confluence of technical excellence, innovation, social responsibility, and cultural values. Each of his artworks is not just an artistic creation but a powerful expression giving society a positive direction, conveying environmental protection, national consciousness, cultural heritage, and a message of global humanity. This quality gives him a distinguished place among the leading multi-media artists of the Indian contemporary art world.

National Participation

• Sonepur Mela: In this largest fair of Asia, he has displayed giant (20-feet-high and 50-feet-long) sand artworks on several occasions.
• Major Festivals of Bihar: Continuous outstanding performances at the invitation of Bihar Government's Tourism Department and district administration at the world-famous Harihar Kshetra Sonepur Mela, Buddha Mahotsav, Rajgir Mahotsav, Vaishali Mahotsav, Thawe Mahotsav, Mandar Mahotsav, Kesariya Mahotsav, Pawapuri Mahotsav, Kundalpur Mahotsav, Mithila Mahotsav, and Madhubani Mahotsav.
• National Sand Art Festival: Represented India at various Indian states including the International Sand Art Festival held at Chandrabhaga Beach, Odisha.
• Brand Ambassador of the Election Commission: The Election Commission of India appointed him as the district Brand Ambassador to raise voter awareness (SVEEP programme).
• Organised training and workshops to promote and popularise this art form and performed the art form at various fairs and festivals in neighbouring countries.

International Participation

Madhurendra has performed his art in more than 25 countries so far and has represented India in more than 75 international sand art festivals/competitions. He has raised the flag of Indian art in major countries including the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), the United Nations (UN), the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Canada, Dubai, New Zealand, Switzerland, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Belgium, Oman, Australia, and China.

• Became the first-prize winner of the Mega Painting Competition Award Show organised by The Global Institute of Fashion Technology in 2012.
• France: World Sand Sculpture Championship in France, 2013.
• China: International Sand Sculpting Championship in China, 2014.
• United Kingdom: International Sand Sculpture Festival in Glasgow, 2015.
• USA (Sheridan): "Friendship Relation of India and America" Championship, 2015.
• Singapore: Participated in Sand Animation, 2016.
• Japan: Represented India at the Sand Sculpture Festival, 2016.
• Malaysia: Represented India at the first International Sand Sculpture Festival, 2017.
• Denmark: International Sand Sculpture Festival at Blokhus, 2017.
• Germany: Berlin International Sand Sculpture Festival Award, 2017.
• Germany: International Sand Sculpture Festival Honour, 2017.
• In 2018, Madhurendra represented India with his skill in the International Sand Art Festival among SAARC countries including Sri Lanka, USA, Bhutan, Russia, Japan, Thailand, and the Netherlands.
• Japan: Represented India at the Tottori Sand Art Festival, 2018.
• Moscow: International Sand Sculpture Festival Award, 2018.
• Berlin: Won the USF World Championship title in Germany, 2018.
• Italy: World Master Sculpture Championship, 2018.
• Netherlands: Solo International Sand Sculpture Competition at Scheveningen, 2018.
• Continuous participant in the International Sand Art Festival held in Odisha, India, from 2018 for 6 consecutive years until 2023.
• Moscow: World Sand Sculpture Championship, 2019.
• South Korea: Korea Sand Sculpture Award in Busan, 2019.
• Berlin: Germany's USF World Championship, 2019.
• Myanmar: First-prize winner of the International Art Exhibition Award Show, 2020.
• Nepal: Gold Award at the 2nd International Art Exhibition Award Show, 2021.
• Japan: International Sand Statue Competition Medal, 2019.
• Belgium: Participated in the Blankenberge Sand Sculpture Festival, 2021.
• Japan: Participated in the World Sand Art Festival, 2021.
• China: Participant in the Sand Lake International Sand Sculpture Event, 2021.
• Bhutan: First-prize winner of Best Artist Award at the 3rd International Art Exhibition Award Show, 2022.
• Netherlands: Dutch Sand Sculpture Festival, Thorn, 2022.
• China: International Sand Sculpture Competition Award, 2023.
• Spain: International Sand Sculpture Championship in Valdoli, 2023.
• Denmark: International Sand Sculpture Championship, 2023.
• Russia: Won the Moscow World Sand Art Championship Award, 2023.
• Germany: Participated in the Sand World Festival in Travemünde, 2024.
• Oman: Sand sculpture performance at Muscat Festival, 2024.
• Australia: Participated in Sand Sculpting Australia in Melbourne, 2024.
• Germany: Championship at the International Sand Sculpture Competition, 2025.
• United States of America: Won medals at the Solo Sand Sculpture Championship, 2025.
• Turkey: Represented India at the International Sand Sculpture Festival, 2025.
• Canada: Represented India at the Sand Sculpture Tournament, 2026.

Besides these, he is creating national and international social awareness on world peace, global warming, terrorism, and HIV/AIDS through his sand art to save endangered wildlife species, for which he is always featured in global media. His work is highly recommended for promoting Indian tourism on global forums through his artistic talent in various countries including Belgium, the United States of America, the Netherlands, and London.

International Recognition

• Top of the Global Artist List: In June 2025, Madhurendra received a 95% approval rating in a global survey conducted by the London Book of World Records across dozens of countries around the world.
• He achieved the top position in the list of global artists, surpassing renowned artists from countries such as America, China, Russia, and Canada.
• He won the titles of 'Indo-Nepal International Golden Sand Master Award' in Nepal and 'Best Sand Sculpture Artist of the Year' in Bhutan.

Media and Recognition

• The success story of Madhurendra Kumar has been prominently featured in leading newspapers of India and abroad (such as The Times of India, The Hindu, The Telegraph, Dainik Bhaskar, Hindustan, Dainik Jagran, Prabhat Khabar) and news channels (such as News18, ETV Bharat, Doordarshan, Zee News, ABP News, Aaj Tak, News Nation, TV9).
• Madhurendra Kumar's life and art have been given special place on page number 190 (serial number 17) of the book "Great Personalities of Bihar," based on great personalities of Bihar, which is a matter of great honour for him and the state.

Personal Life

• Family Estrangement: Madhurendra's personal life has been quite emotional. Due to his intense passion for art, his parents (who wanted their son to take up farming or a traditional occupation) became upset, and he had to leave home at the mere age of 13. He remained separated from his family for a long time and managed himself through labour work.
• Married Life: Madhurendra is married. During his difficult times and this long journey of art, his wife always fully supported him and kept his passion alive.

Sculpture Technique and Principles

Thousands of solid, established statues of great personalities, martyrs, saints, deities, ancestors, actors, and politicians made by Madhurendra Kumar using metals such as copper, brass, aluminium, fibre, cement, and Plaster of Paris are dedicated to society.

Future Plans

• Establishment of a Sand Art Academy: Madhurendra's main goal is to open a free art academy for children from rural and poor backgrounds who are interested in art but struggle due to lack of resources, so that no other child has to sleep on a verandah due to lack of hostel accommodation.
• Global Expansion of Indian Culture: In the coming time, he wants to further strengthen Indian folk arts and mythological history on the global stage using new modern techniques (such as the fusion of 3D sand art and leaf art).
• Art for the Environment: Spreading the message of global warming and saving the earth through art to the beaches of every country is among his priorities.
• Preparing a syllabus/technique course for children to learn sand art, leaf art, and fruit art.
• Publishing a book on sand art.

Special Activities

• Provides training to artists through the Madhurendra Sand Art Institute in Bihar. He started this in 2015 with the objective of enabling students to learn and develop sand art as a professional art form. Students from India and abroad are enrolled for projects, regular, and short-term courses. His objective is to prepare professional artists through regular courses at this School of Art and Culture, in the concept of a Gurukul.
• Organised training and workshops to promote and popularise this art form and performed the art form at various fairs and festivals in neighbouring countries.
• In 2012, in Punjab, he created a massive 45-foot-high and 200-foot-wide sand statue with intricate carving in honour of martyrs, which was appreciated and honoured by former President APJ Abdul Kalam.
• In 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, a world record in sand sculpture was created at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers on the occasion of Bihar's Sonepur Mela, which was recorded in the Asian Book of World Records.
• Continuous championships at the Buddha Mahotsav held at Kalchakra Maidan in Bodh Gaya in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
• In 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, a record-setting performance through sand art conveying a message to the world at the Vaishali Mahotsav, the mother of democracy.
• A tourism award from the Bihar Government for record-breaking amazing artistic performances at the Asia-famous Sonepur Mela in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.
• In 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, an outstanding artistic performance at the International Rajgir Mahotsav held in Nalanda, Bihar, setting the world's best record. The then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar appreciated it.
• In 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, a record for the best performance of sand art at the Kesariya Mahotsav, the world's tallest Buddhist stupa.
• Display of giant artwork at the famous Shakti Peeth Thawe Mahotsav in Gopalganj district of Bihar in 2016, 2017, 2018.
• International Sand Art Festival Championship in 2019.
• On the occasion of the 2020 Lok Sabha Elections in India, appointed Brand Ambassador by the Election Commission of India for creating a 35-foot-high giant intricate sand artwork raising voter awareness.
• In 2020, to protect against the COVID pandemic, created a giant and amazing 30-foot-high and 40-foot-wide sand artwork of Goddess Durga with intricate carving on the northward-flowing Ganga bank in Munger, raising awareness among the people of Bihar.
• In 2021, 2022, appointed Brand Ambassador of the Government of India's Swachh Survekshan for constructing a 25-foot-high giant intricate sand artwork of "Clean City, Clean Village" to raise cleanliness awareness.
• Championship in 2016 for creating a 40-foot-high giant image of Punjabi culture in sand on the occasion of Saras Mela.
• On Bihar Foundation Day, in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, continuous championship award from the Bihar Government's Ministry of Agriculture for sand art work raising awareness about farmers' produce receiving GI tags.
• In 2022, championship for creating sand sculptures for 10 consecutive times at the world-famous Sonepur Mela.
• On New Year 2023, created a giant and amazing 20-foot-high and 40-foot-wide sand artwork with intricate carving of Munger Fort on the northward-flowing Ganga bank, raising awareness of tourism in Bihar.
• In 2023, championship for a message of World Peace through intricate carving of a giant 40-foot-high statue of Lord Buddha on the Falgu riverbank in Bodh Gaya.
• Name registered in the book "Great Personalities of Bihar" in 2023.
• In 2026, on the occasion of Buddha Mahotsav, created 50 sand sculptures based on the life of Lord Buddha, from Siddhartha to becoming Mahatma Buddha to Mahaparinirvana, setting a world record recorded in the U-N Book of World Records.
• Leaf Art Animation Show at the inauguration ceremony of the India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi.
• Honoured by the Lalit Kala Akademi for outstanding artistic performance at Bihar government programmes, Department of Art and Culture, Bihar.
• Brand Ambassador for Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation Limited (COMFED).
• Brand Ambassador for the National Sand Art Festival of Bihar.

World Record Holder

Madhurendra Kumar holds the following World Record titles:

• SUPREME WORLD RECORD TITLE – 2012
• UNITED STATES GLOBAL MERIT RECORD – 2014
• PRESTIGIOUS BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2019
• ORIENT BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2022
• ASIAN BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2022
• EUROPEAN BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2023
• GREAT PERSONALITIES OF BIHAR (Name registered in the book) – 2023
• LONDON BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2025
• ASIAN BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2025
• U-N BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2026
• USA BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2026
• FORBES BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2026

SUPREME WORLD RECORD TITLE – 2012

In December 2005, in Bathinda, Punjab, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created a large sand statue, 45 feet high and 100 feet long, dedicated to national unity and religious harmony. Using more than 200 tonnes of sand and the help of 50 labourers over 15 days, this magnificent statue, honouring national unity and religious harmony, became the world's largest sand sculpture and first received recognition as a world record in October 2012, certified as a world record by the 'Supreme World Record Title'. This is the world's first sand sculpture to achieve the honour of a world record.

UNITED STATES GLOBAL MERIT RECORD – 2014

In January 2014, during the Kite Festival at Patna Ganga Diara, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created the world's largest "Save Dolphin" sand sculpture, 20 feet high and 50 metres long, to promote the conservation of the endangered Ganges dolphin. This new environmental awareness artwork set a spectacular world record, certified as a world record by the 'United States Global Merit Record'.

PRESTIGIOUS BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2019

During India's 2019 General Election, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created the world's largest voter awareness sand sculpture, 35 feet high and 55 feet long, in Champaran, promoting democratic participation and public awareness through art, gaining national recognition and world record status, certified as a world record by the 'Prestigious Book of World Record'.

ORIENT BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2022

In October 2022, during Chhath Mahaparv, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created the world's largest sand sculpture of Lord Surya (Sun God) riding seven horses, 38 feet high and 55 feet long, at Patna Marine Drive, recognised as a record-setting cultural sand art creation. This sand sculpture of the Chhath festival was certified as a world record by the 'Orient Book of World Record'.

ASIAN BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2022

In November 2022, at the historic Sonepur Mela, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created a 40-foot-high and 60-foot-long sand statue depicting the famous Gaj-Graha Yuddha (battle of the elephant and crocodile). This masterpiece was considered one of the largest sand statues in Asia and was recorded in the 'Asian Book of World Records'. Madhurendra is the first sand artist in the world to achieve such a world record in the history of Sonepur Mela.

EUROPEAN BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2023

In January 2023, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created the world's largest 42-foot-high and 80-foot-long sand statue of Buddha on the banks of the Falgu river in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, promoting peace, non-violence, harmony, and cultural heritage in the world. This masterpiece was considered one of the largest sand statues in the world and was recorded in the 'European Book of World Records'. Madhurendra is the first sand artist in the world to create such an intricate and giant sand statue of Lord Buddha, a world record never before achieved in the history of Buddha Mahotsav.

LONDON BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2025

In August 2025, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar became the first Indian artist whose name was registered in this prestigious world record for spreading a positive message in society through more than 5000 unique sand artworks. He became the first sand artist in the world to achieve the honour of the London Book of World Records. For this, he was honoured with a medal and citation at the British Parliament (London).

ASIAN BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2025

In November 2025, at Bihar's Sonepur Mela, famous as Asia's largest animal fair, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar received a world record for creating 50 unique sand statues based on the mythological 'Gaj-Graha Yuddha', depicting Lord Vishnu slaying the crocodile with the Sudarshan Chakra, certified as a world record by the 'Asian Book of World Records'. Madhurendra is the first sand artist in the world to achieve such a world record in the history of Sonepur Mela.

U-N BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2026

In January 2026, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created 50 different sand statues over the past 26 years depicting various stages of the life of Siddhartha Gautama (Lord Buddha), including his Mahaparinirvana. For this unique achievement, he was honoured with a certificate, memento, and medal from the UN Book of World Records (United Nations), becoming the first sand artist in the world to achieve the honour of the U-N (United Nations) Book of World Records.

USA BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2026

His name was registered in this prestigious record for spreading a positive message in society through more than 21,000 unique leaf artworks. He became the first leaf artist in the world to achieve this honour. For this, he was honoured with a medal and citation in Sheridan, USA.

FORBES BOOK OF WORLD RECORD – 2026

In June 2026, Madhurendra Kumar became Bihar's first world-renowned sand artist whose art mainly focuses on raising public awareness about government policies and welfare initiatives. He has set a world record by creating more than 100 sand artworks across all districts of Bihar. Through these artworks, he has spread awareness about various welfare programmes and political-administrative campaigns run by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar since 2005, including Nyay Yatra, Nishchay Yatra, Samadhan Yatra, Pragati Yatra, and Samriddhi Yatra. Through his artworks, Madhurendra Kumar has also presented attractive sand statues of Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi to the public. Both the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister have appreciated his amazing art. In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contribution, Madhurendra Kumar's name has been registered in the Forbes Book of World Records.

National Book of Record

Great Personalities of Bihar (Name Registered in the Book) – 2023

On 12 December 2023, to honour Bihar by giving society a positive message through unique artworks on the global stage in the field of art, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar's name was registered at serial number 17 and page number 199 in the prestigious book "Great Personalities of Bihar – 2023," written by senior author Lalit Kumar and published by the Indian publication Prabhat Publication. On the occasion, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar was honoured on the main stage with a shawl (angvastra), a memento, and a bouquet, as part of being featured in the "Great Personalities of Bihar – 2023" book.

Brand Ambassador

Brand Ambassador for Lok Sabha Elections (2020)

During the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, world-renowned sand artist Madhurendra Kumar was honoured and appointed as Brand Ambassador by the Election Commission of India for spreading the message of voter awareness across India and inspiring citizens to actively participate in the great festival of democracy through his unique, giant, and attractive sand artworks.

Brand Ambassador for Dainik Bhaskar (2019)

On the occasion of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar was appointed Brand Ambassador by Dainik Bhaskar to strengthen the voter awareness campaign in Bihar and inspire citizens to vote, through his giant and intricate sand artworks.

Brand Ambassador for Bihar Assembly Elections (2020)

On the occasion of the 2020 Bihar Assembly Elections, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar was appointed Brand Ambassador by the Election Commission of India to strengthen the voter awareness campaign in Bihar and inspire citizens to vote, through his giant and intricate sand artworks.

Brand Ambassador for Dhaka Assembly Constituency (2020)

On the occasion of the 2020 Assembly Elections, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar was appointed Brand Ambassador by the Election Commission of India to strengthen the voter awareness campaign in the Dhaka Assembly Constituency and inspire citizens to vote, through his giant and intricate sand artworks.

Brand Ambassador for Swachh Survekshan (2021–22)

In 2021–22, for his notable contribution through his intricate and giant sand artwork on the theme 'Swachh Shahar–Swachh Gaon' (Clean City–Clean Village), to promote public awareness about cleanliness, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar was appointed Brand Ambassador for the Government of India's 'Swachh Survekshan' campaign.

Brand Ambassador for Sudha Dairy (COMFED) (2024)

On the occasion of the National Farmers Fair 2024, to empower rural milk-producing farmers in Bihar and inspire consumers towards getting pure products, through his giant and intricate sand artworks, international sand artist Madhurendra Kumar was appointed Brand Ambassador by the Bihar State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited (COMFED) Vikramshila Milk Producers' Union (VIMUL).

Star Campaigner for the Bihar Government's Public Welfare Schemes (2005–25)

For the effective promotion and public awareness of the Bihar Government's public welfare schemes, world-famous sand artist Madhurendra Kumar has spread awareness through his giant and attractive sand artworks about various public welfare programmes and political-administrative campaigns run by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar from 2005 to 2025, such as Nyay Yatra, Vikas Yatra, Pravas Yatra, Nishchay Yatra, Pragati Yatra, and Samriddhi Yatra. These included the Saat Nishchay (Seven Resolves): 1. Aarthik Hal, Yuvaon Ko Bal (student credit card and stipend), 2. Aarakshit Rozgar, Mahilaon Ko Adhikar (reservation for women in jobs), 3. Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal (piped water to every home), 4. Har Ghar Tak Pakki Gali Aur Naliyan (paved lanes and drains to every home), 5. Sauchalaya Nirman, Ghar Ka Samman (toilet construction, dignity of the home), 6. Har Ghar Bijli Lagatar (continuous electricity to every home), 7. Sabke Liye Atirikt Swasthya Suvidha Aur Sinchai Ke Liye Pani (additional health facilities and irrigation water for all); complete prohibition, the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign, eradication of the dowry system, prohibition of child marriage; and Saat Nishchay-3 (1. Dogunaa Rozgar – Dogunee Aay (double employment – double income), 2. Samriddh Udyog – Sashakt Bihar (prosperous industry – empowered Bihar), 3. Krishi Mein Pragati – Pradesh Ki Samriddhi (progress in agriculture – state prosperity), 4. Unnat Shiksha – Ujjwal Bhavishya (advanced education – bright future), 5. Sulabh Swasthya – Surakshit Jeevan (accessible health – safe life), 6. Majboot Aadhar – Aadhunik Vistar (strong foundation – modern expansion), 7. Sabke Liye Samman – Jeevan Mein Aasani (respect for all – ease of life)); as well as Har Ghar Ganga Jal, dam projects, and environmental protection – all important social campaigns brought to the public. In recognition of the impact of his outstanding artistic presentations and social messages, he was honoured as a "Star Campaigner" for these public welfare schemes. His sand artworks have played an important role in spreading awareness and bringing about positive change in society.

Birthplace and Education (Detailed)

Date of Birth: 5 September 1994

Birthplace: Village Barwakala (maternal village), Ghodasahan, East Champaran, Bihar.

Ancestral Village: Bijbani, Bankatwa, District East Champaran, Bihar.

He was born on 5 September 1994 into a poor farming family in the maternal village of Barwakala, located 182 km from Bihar's capital Patliputra (Patna), 48 km from East Champaran district, and 3 km west of the Ghodasahan block office. Born into a rural environment, Madhurendra's ancestral home is 6 km from his maternal village, 6 km from Ghodasahan block office, and 7 km from Bankatwa block office, situated at Bijbani village on the banks of the Aruna river connecting Ghodasahan and Bankatwa blocks, located right on the India–Nepal border.

Educational Qualification

• Early Education: Madhurendra's early education took place at the government school in his ancestral village of Bijbani. Due to extreme poverty and financial hardship, his school education was extremely difficult.
• Secondary (Matriculation) Education: Successfully passed in Second Division with 54.2% marks in 2009 from Gandhi Uchcha Vidyalaya, Bhelawa Circle, East Champaran, under the Bihar School Examination Board, Patna.
• Higher Secondary Education: Successfully passed in First Division with 66.2% marks in 2009–11 from Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial College (J.L.N.M. College), Ghodasahan, East Champaran, under the Bihar School Examination Committee (BSEB), Patna.
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree: Successfully passed in Second Division with 54% marks in Hindi in the 2013–16 session from Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial College (J.L.N.M. College), Ghodasahan, East Champaran, affiliated with Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University (B.R.A. Bihar University), Muzaffarpur.
• Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA in Sculpture): Graduate degree in Sculpture from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith University (MGKVU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• Master of Fine Art (MFA in Sculpture): Postgraduate degree in Sculpture from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith University (MGKVU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Additional Educational Qualification

Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh, is one of India's oldest and leading cultural institutions, dedicated to the promotion of Indian classical music, dance, and fine arts.

• Intermediate of Fine Art (IFA in Painting): Successfully passed the 'Higher Secondary' degree in the 2011–14 session in the "Chitra Bhushan Final 3rd Year Painting" subject with First Division 61.5% marks from Mahila Kala Prashikshan Kendra, Motihari, East Champaran, affiliated with UGC-recognised cultural institution Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh.
• Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA in Painting): Successfully passed the 'Graduate' degree in the 2014–17 session in the "Chitra Visharad Final 5th Year Painting" subject with First Division 78.6% marks from Mahila Kala Prashikshan Kendra, Motihari, East Champaran, affiliated with UGC-recognised cultural institution Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh.
• Master of Fine Art (MFA in Painting): Successfully passed the 'Postgraduate' degree in the 2021–22 session in the "Chitra Bhaskar Final 7th Year Painting" subject with First Division 67% marks from Aarti Kalyan Seva Sansthan, Patna, affiliated with UGC-recognised cultural institution Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh.
• Intermediate Grade Drawing Examination: Successfully passed with Grade 'A' Award in the 2022–23 session from the Government of Maharashtra Drawing Grade Examination.

Technical Skill Development

• Advanced Diploma in Computer Application (ADCA): Successfully passed with First Division Grade 'A' 60% marks in 2011 under Division Computer Training from New Friends Commercial Institute, Patna.
• Land Surveyor (Ameen) Training Programme: Successfully passed with First Division 78% marks in 2012 under Etep Welfare Society, Begusarai, from Government Middle School Block Campus, Ghodasahan.

Professional Certifications

• All India Karate-Do Federation Training: Successfully passed with a "Brown Belt" award in 2013 from Shito Ryu Seiko Kai Karate Do – India, Hari Nagar, New Delhi.

Honorary Doctorate from AIU Hollywood (2026)

Honorary Doctorate (2026): In 2026, world-famous Indian sand artist Madhurendra Kumar was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate (Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Sand Art) by the America International University (AIU), Hollywood, California, United States of America, for his exceptional and global contribution in the field of Sand Art.

Notable Works — Detailed Biography

Madhurendra Kumar, a resident of East Champaran, Bihar, is a world-famous Indian sand artist. He is internationally known for creating spectacular artworks using clay, sand, metal sculptures (copper, brass, aluminium), cement, fibre, Plaster of Paris, wax, thermocol, grains, and waste materials such as empty liquor bottles and pouches, gutkha pouches, cigarettes, Sunfix, plywood painting, and carving on green leaves, fruits, and vegetables, spreading awareness at the international level.

The World's Wonder Thermocol Painting Conveying the Message of De-addiction (2004)

On 4 February 2004, on the occasion of International De-addiction Day, world-famous artist Madhurendra Kumar carried out a public awareness campaign in the Dalit and Mahadalit settlements of Ghodasahan and Bankatwa blocks in the India–Nepal border region. He created a unique wonder thermocol painting by drawing a human skeleton figure in blue on a 2-foot-wide and 3-foot-high thermocol sheet, and sticking empty pouches of solution, cigarettes, Shikhar (tobacco), gutkha, and liquor onto it. This artwork became a powerful symbol of the harmful effects of addiction, through which Madhurendra Kumar gave people the message to give up addiction and build a de-addicted society. During the campaign, he also made people take a pledge to give up intoxicants, making art an effective medium for social change and public awareness.

Social Awareness Campaign for De-addiction (2005)

On 26 June 2005, on the occasion of World Anti-Drug Day, the world-renowned artist Madhurendra Kumar delivered the message of de-addiction through his unique art at Shiv Guru discussion programmes organised in various states of the country. He created a grand painting of Lord Shiva on a 5-foot-high thermocol sheet, and placed beedis, cigarettes, khaini, tobacco, solution, and other intoxicants below it, making people take the pledge "Donate your addiction, and rebuild your family." Through this artwork, using the episode of Lord Shiva's Neelkanth (consuming poison) as a symbol, he gave the message that just as Lord Shiva held the poison in his throat to protect the world, every person should resolve to give up addiction for the bright future of their family, society, and nation.

15 Days of Hard Work and Kalam's Praise

In December 2005, with the help of 50 labourers, Madhurendra used 200 tonnes of sand over 15 days to create an amazing 40-foot-high and 100-foot-long artwork. Based on the theme "Sarvadharma Ki Shahadat Dedicated to the Nation," this artwork was a unique tribute to martyrs. Seeing this artwork, President of India Dr. Kalam was moved and, patting Madhurendra's back, said – "Madhurendra, your art is amazing; one day the whole world will surely know your artistic talent."

First Display of Indian Wax Art in Nepal (2006)

In March 2006, world-renowned sand and wax artist Madhurendra Kumar became the first Indian artist to display wax art in Nepal. His home is in the village of Bijbani in the India–Nepal border region of East Champaran district, Bihar. In 2007, he created and displayed the world's smallest famous 'Maa Kankali' wax statue, weighing about 500 grams and measuring 6 inches x 3 inches, at the historic Maa Kankali Temple premises in Simraungadh, Nepal, giving Indian art a new identity at the international level. This unique artwork became a symbol of the India–Nepal cultural heritage, religious faith, and artistic excellence, and remained a centre of attraction for millions of devotees and art lovers coming from both sides of the border.

The World's Unique Gandhi Jayanti Thermocol–Plywood Statue (2007)

On 2 October 2007, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, at Ghodasahan Gandhi Chowk, the world-renowned artist Madhurendra Kumar presented a unique socially-themed artwork using plywood and thermocol. It featured a 5-foot-tall Mahatma Gandhi on plywood, his three monkeys (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil), a picture of Gandhi made from hundreds of replicas of 500-rupee notes, and a 3-foot-tall thermocol statue of a police officer giving a salute. Most people were seen garlanding only the note-covered Gandhi picture, while the police were also seen saluting it. Through this artwork, Madhurendra sharply satirised the growing importance of money in society and the neglect of Gandhiji's ideals. Due to its unique concept and impactful message, this work became a subject of widespread discussion in India and abroad.

The World's Smallest Sculpture of Goddess Durga Made from Grains (2008)

In April 2008, at the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony held at the Durga Temple near Jaimurti Nagar Railway Station in Bankatwa block, East Champaran district, Bihar, world-famous sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created a unique micro-artwork. On merely 350 grams of wax, using about 25,000 grains of raw rice and 20,500 grains of lentils, he created an extremely fine 5-inch-tall statue of Goddess Durga Bhavani seated on Nagraj (the serpent king). This creation is considered one of the world's smallest sculptures made from grains. Due to its extraordinary fineness, artistic skill, and combination of religious sentiment, this work became an inspiring symbol of devotion, faith, and Indian folk art in the region.

Unique Public Awareness Art for Healthy Eyes (2009)

On 31 May 2009, on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, world-famous multi-media artist Madhurendra Kumar, who continuously innovates in his art for social awareness, created a giant 20-metre-long and 10-foot-high pair of spectacles from thermocol to raise awareness about healthy eyes. In one frame of the spectacles, he created an image of a healthy eye using 21 kilograms of green and colourful fruits and vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, fenugreek, carrots, papaya, mango, orange, and amla, while in the other frame, he symbolically depicted a damaged eye using beedis, khaini, cigarettes, gutkha, tobacco, liquor bottles, and wrappers. Through this unique artwork, Madhurendra conveyed the message that green leafy vegetables and colourful fruits rich in Vitamin A, C, E, and antioxidants are extremely beneficial for eyesight and health, while intoxicating habits such as tobacco, gutkha, smoking, and alcohol can damage the optic nerves and permanently affect vision. He urged people to adopt a nutritious diet and stay away from addiction. This artistic message for public awareness by Madhurendra was considered the world's first-ever unique experiment of its kind.

The World's Largest Plywood Painting (2010)

In November 2010, world-famous artist Madhurendra Kumar set a record for creating the world's largest plywood painting by making a 100-metre-wide and 40-foot-high multi-coloured plywood painting of Lord Bhaskar (Sun God) at Bijbani Jagirha Chhath Ghat on the banks of the Aruna river, which connects Ghodasahan and Bankatwa blocks in the India–Nepal border region, on the occasion of the great folk festival of Chhath. Through this unique artwork, he prayed to Lord Bhaskar for control over inflation and delivered an impactful message of public awareness against the rising prices of potatoes and onions. In this artwork, people were seen keeping their distance from potatoes and onions.

Social Artwork from Waste Materials for De-addiction Public Awareness (2011)

In June 2011, sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created a unique social artwork using waste materials with the objective of building a de-addicted society. In this artwork, he used 70 kilograms of clay, 300 empty liquor pouches, 1,050 empty gutkha (Shikhar) pouches, 95 cigarettes, and 16 Sunfix packets, which were collected from roads and public places and, after about a month of hard work, given the strange artistic form of a terrifying human skeleton. Through this creation, he effectively presented the harmful effects of gutkha, alcohol, smoking, solution, and other intoxicants, giving young people the message to stay away from addiction and adopt a healthy life. This artwork became a subject of widespread discussion in the region and is considered an early example of his significant contribution to social awareness and de-addiction campaigns.

Canvas Painting Depicting the Importance of Science in India's Development (2012)

In December 2012, at the inauguration of the Bihar Science Fair, former President and 'Missile Man' Dr. Kalam once again appreciated Madhurendra's talent. At the science fair, Madhurendra created a magnificent canvas painting on the theme "Vikasit Desh Bharat" (Developed Nation India), which depicted the importance of science in India's development from the research of ancient sages to today's scientific era. Dr. Kalam specially honoured him for this excellent artwork.

Appreciation of Art by Former President APJ Abdul Kalam (2013)

Year 2013 (International Recognition): Madhurendra's art also gained fame beyond borders. At an international competition held in Myanmar, he created an extremely sensitive sand artwork on "Stop World Population" (world population control), which received widespread appreciation on the global stage. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam gave the highest praise for this artwork.

Public Awareness Against Obscenity and for a De-addicted Society (2013)

In March 2013, during the grand 'Shri Shri 108 Mrinmaya Parthivachan Mahayagya' organised at Bijbani Chhath Ghat in Ghodasahan, East Champaran, Bihar, sand and sculpture artist Madhurendra Kumar created a 6-foot-tall symbolic male skeleton statue using about 80 kilograms of clay, 1,000 empty liquor pouches, 1,250 empty gutkha (Shikhar) pouches, 190 cigarettes, and 50 Sunfix packets, along with a 5-foot-tall statue of a young woman made from 50 kilograms of clay. Prepared over about 45 days, through this artwork he delivered an impactful message of de-addiction, respect and safety for women, social decorum, and Indian cultural values. This creation is considered one of his major social awareness campaigns.

Preservation of Indian Classical Dance and Culture (2015)

In April 2015, on the occasion of International Dance Day, world-famous sand and sculpture artist Madhurendra Kumar created the world's most attractive artwork of goddess figures in Bharatanatyam poses using thermocol sculpture on a 7x7-foot circular plywood board. Adorned with colours resembling the glow of gold and gems, through this work he honoured Indian classical dance and cultural heritage while creatively opposing modern vulgar dance trends, delivering an impactful message for the preservation of Indian culture, decorum, and traditional arts.

World Anti-Tobacco Campaign in Nepal (2016)

On 31 May 2016, on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, the world-renowned Indian sand artist Madhurendra Kumar created a 10-foot-high sand artwork among the settlements of backward classes in Makwanpur (Hetauda), Nepal, spreading public awareness about the harmful effects of smoking. The artwork effectively depicted the damage caused to the lungs by smoking. Large numbers of local citizens, youth, and students came to see it and were inspired to quit smoking. Through this unique art, he gave young people the message to quit smoking, avoid serious diseases like cancer, and build a healthy family and de-addicted society, and also made them take a pledge to give up smoking. Such a method had never before been adopted in the history of Nepal.

Online Presence

• Official Website (Sand Artist): International Sand Artist – Madhurendra Kumar
• Official Website (Sand Artist India): Sand Artist India
• Google Profile – International Sand Artist: International Sand Artist – Google
• Google Profile – International Leaf Artist: International Leaf Artist – Google
• Google Profile (Additional): Google Profile
• Facebook (Official Profile): Facebook Profile
• Facebook (Additional Page): Facebook Page
• X (formerly Twitter): @madhurendrsand
• Instagram: @madhurendrasandartist
• YouTube: Madhurendra Sand
• LinkedIn: Madhurendra Kumar
• WhatsApp: Contact on WhatsApp
• Pinterest: Pinterest Profile 1
• Pinterest: Pinterest Profile 2

See Also

• Sand Art
• Sonepur Mela
• Buddha Mahotsav
• Rajgir Mahotsav
• East Champaran
• Bihar
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam