Madhurendra Kumar
Madhurendra Kumar 
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| Born | 5 September 1994 Barwakala, East Champaran, Bihar, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | International Sand Artist, Sculptor, Leaf Artist |
| Known for | Sand Sculpture, Leaf Art, Social Awareness Campaigns |
| Education | B.A., BFA (Sculpture), MFA (Sculpture), MFA (Painting), Honorary Ph.D. (Sand Art) |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Spouse | Deepika Kumari |
Madhurendra Kumar (born 5 September 1994) is an Indian international sand artist, sculptor, leaf artist, and social awareness campaigner from Bihar. He is known for creating large-scale sand sculptures promoting environmental conservation, climate change awareness, public health, Indian culture, women's empowerment, world peace, and social responsibility. He is regarded as one of India's leading contemporary sand artists and has represented the country at numerous international sand art festivals and competitions.[1]
Early life and education
Madhurendra Kumar was born in Barwakala village, Ghorasahan, East Champaran district, Bihar, into a Kanu (Halwai) family. Raised in modest financial circumstances, he developed an interest in art during childhood while spending time on the banks of the Aruna River near the India–Nepal border.
He completed his schooling in East Champaran before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Hindi from Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial College under Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University. He later obtained Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in Sculpture from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi, and completed advanced studies in Painting through Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh. In 2026, he received an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sand Art from America International University, California.
Career
Kumar began creating sand sculptures during his childhood using natural river sand. His artistic journey gained national recognition after receiving appreciation from former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in 2012.
Over the years, he has created more than 5,000 sand sculptures and over 21,000 leaf artworks. Besides sand art, he works with bronze, brass, aluminium, cement, fibre, plaster of Paris, leaves, fruits, vegetables, and recycled materials. His artworks frequently address environmental conservation, wildlife protection, anti-tobacco campaigns, voting awareness, water conservation, public health, Indian mythology, and cultural heritage.
International participation
Madhurendra Kumar has represented India at more than 75 international sand art festivals and competitions across over 25 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
He has also participated in major cultural festivals including Rajgir Mahotsav, Sonpur Mela, Buddha Mahotsav, Vaishali Mahotsav, Kesaria Mahotsav, Mandar Mahotsav, Mithila Mahotsav, and the International Sand Art Festival in Odisha.
Public awareness work
Throughout his career, Kumar has used art as a medium for social awareness. His sculptures promote environmental protection, Swachh Bharat, anti-drug campaigns, voter awareness, sanitation, women's safety, climate action, and Indian cultural values.
He has served as Brand Ambassador for campaigns conducted by the Election Commission of India, Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections, Swachh Survekshan, Bihar Tourism, COMFED Bihar, and Dainik Bhaskar's voter awareness initiative.
Awards and recognition
Madhurendra Kumar has received numerous national and international honours for his artistic excellence and public awareness initiatives. His recognitions include the Bharat Gaurav Samman, Bihar Ratna Samman, Indian Icon Award, National Kala Ratna Samman, Tilka Manjhi National Honour, Global Peace Ambassador Award, and several International Sand Art Festival awards.
He has also earned recognition in multiple world record organisations, including the Asian Book of World Records, European Book of World Records, London Book of World Records, USA Book of World Records, UN Book of World Records, and Forbes Book of World Records.
Legacy
Madhurendra Kumar is regarded as one of India's prominent contemporary sand artists. Through thousands of sculptures, international exhibitions, and public awareness campaigns, he has demonstrated how art can be used to educate society and promote environmental conservation, peace, and cultural heritage. His work continues to inspire young artists and has contributed to the global recognition of Indian sand art.