Government of India has appointed internationally renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik as the Brand Ambassador for Census 2027, as part of preparations for India’s 16th National Census. The appointment, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to boost public awareness and participation in the nationwide census exercise through creative outreach.
Role of Brand Ambassador
- Will use sand art as a communication tool to spread awareness
- Encourage citizen participation in Census 2027
- Promote understanding of the importance of census data in governance and planning
About Sudarsan Pattnaik
- Renowned sand artist from Odisha
- Known for combining art with social awareness campaigns
Major Achievements
- Awarded Padma Shri (2014)
- Holds Guinness World Record for tallest sandcastle (48 ft 8 in, Puri, 2017)
- Uses art for awareness on climate change, COVID-19, children’s rights
- Represented India at international art festivals
Key Features of Census 2027
- Conducted under Census Act, 1948
- Conducted by Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India
- It is the 16th Census of India and 8th after Independence.
- Last census conducted in 2011
- Official mascots: “Pragati” (female) and “Vikas” (male)
Digital Census for the First Time
- First census to use smartphone-based mobile applications
- Replaces traditional paper-based enumeration
- Enables real-time monitoring, higher accuracy, and efficiency
Self-Enumeration Facility
- Citizens can fill data online (self-enumeration)
- Available in 16 languages
- Expected to increase participation and data accuracy
Two-Phase Census Structure
Phase I: Houselisting (April–September 2026)
- Covers housing conditions, amenities, and assets
- Includes a 15-day self-enumeration window before field visits
Phase II: Population Enumeration (February 2027)
- Collects data on:
- Demographics
- Education
- Migration
- Fertility
Reference Dates
- Most of India: 1 March 2027 (00:00 hours)
- Snow-bound regions (Ladakh, J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh): 1 October 2026