Celebrated sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik from Odisha has been officially appointed as the brand ambassador for the upcoming Census 2027, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to enhance public participation in the nationwide exercise. The appointment was confirmed through an official notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which has entrusted the Padma Shri awardee with the responsibility of leading awareness campaigns across the country.

Hailing from Puri, Pattnaik is globally recognised for his intricate sand sculptures and has represented India on numerous international platforms. In his new role, he will focus on educating citizens about the importance of the census and encouraging widespread participation. By incorporating his signature sand art, Pattnaik is expected to communicate key messages in a visually engaging and accessible manner, making the awareness campaign more impactful and relatable for the general public.

According to official plans, the census process in Odisha will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, which includes house listing and marking, is scheduled from April 16 to May 15, 2026. Additionally, a voluntary online self enumeration option will be available for 15 days starting April 1, 2026, allowing citizens to submit their details digitally. The second phase will take place in February 2027 and will involve a comprehensive door to door population survey.

Census 2027 is set to be a landmark exercise as it will transform the traditional headcount into a fully digital operation. It will be India’s 16th census overall and the 8th since independence. Notably, the upcoming census will include detailed data on caste and socio economic status for the first time in recent years, a move that is expected to have far reaching implications for policy making, governance and social planning.

The data collected will also play a crucial role in the delimitation of constituencies, thereby influencing representation in the Lok Sabha as well as state legislative assemblies. This makes Census 2027 a critical exercise in shaping the political and administrative landscape of the country.

The previous census was conducted in 2011, while the 2021 census had to be postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. With the appointment of Sudarsan Pattnaik as brand ambassador, authorities aim to ensure higher public engagement and awareness, making Census 2027 more inclusive, efficient and successful across India.