Puri, Dec. 4 -- Odisha artist Manas Kumar Sahoo welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to India with a beautiful sand animation.

Over a period of two hours, in a show of talent and patience, the sand artist released a video showing the process of making the portrait, as President Putin's drawing slowly materialised along with iconic monuments of Russia.

"Welcome President Putin to India, we have presented a sand animation of him, showed the art and culture (of Russia). In the coming days, hope that both countries continue to strengthen their relations, and both countries have peace and prosperity. It took us around 2 do this animation," sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo said in the video.

Earlier on Wednesday, Union Minister Satish Chan...