The Great Sculptor Adwait Gadnayak

By Sanjay Bhatt 

Professor Adwait Gadnayak was born on 24th March 1963 in the remote village of Neulapoi, located in the Dhenkanal district. After completing his +2 in Science from Athagarh College, his exceptional inclination towards visual arts and an unwavering desire to become an artist led him to prioritize his artistic ambitions over conventional education. He enrolled in B.K. College of Art and Crafts, Bhubaneswar, where his mentor and head of the institution was the renowned artist Dr. Dinanath Pathy.

After graduating, Adwait pursued a postgraduate degree from the National School of Modern Art( DELHI COLLEGE OF ART) in New Delhi. He further enhanced his education at the Slade School of Fine Art in London.

One of his monumental creations is the architectural masterpiece depicting Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March at the Gandhi Museum in New Delhi. This work reflects his profound thought, creativity, and the essence of Gandhi’s persona and slogan "Do or Die." Similarly, his iconic works such as "Prayer" in Denmark and "Impression" in Sri Lanka stand as remarkable examples of his talent. His artworks have been showcased in various prestigious museums and galleries across Europe, France, and Germany.

Adwait's artistic personality is extraordinary. Immersed in dedication, his creations have become milestones in the history of art. Having traveled extensively worldwide, he has left his creative footprints in many places. Although he could have settled in any affluent nation to showcase his talent, Adwait chose Odisha as his spiritual and creative base.

Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT and KISS, played a pivotal role in Adwait's journey, appointing him as the Director of the School of Sculpture at KIIT University. With complete creative freedom under Dr. Samanta’s guidance, Adwait experimented with architectural art, and his works now adorn various locations on the KIIT campus.

Recognizing his talent, the Government of India appointed Adwait as the Director General of the National Museum of Modern Art Gallery in New Delhi. He became the first Odia and the first Indian sculptor to hold this prestigious position.

Adwait’s contributions to sculptural art have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Art Award in 1993 and the State Fellowship. His sculpture of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in black granite is an iconic creation. The granite, sourced from Khaman in Karnataka, symbolizes Netaji’s indomitable spirit and resilience.

Adwait Gadnayak’s journey exemplifies artistic excellence and a deep-rooted commitment to creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the world of modern art and sculpture.

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