On 11th November Jawaharlal Nehru University held its annual KIZUNA Cultural festival at their Convention centre. It was organized by the Centre for Japanese studies, JNU supported by Embassy of Japan. Origami Oritai which is the only registered Origami Club of Delhi was approached to conduct origami workshop for the students. Juin Chattopdhayay and Mona Bhardwaj represented the club for this workshop.
We carried origami-based models for display and sheets to teach basic folding. The corridors of the convention centre were jam-packed with students and within minutes there were enthusiastic students all around our working tables. The child in each one came out, excited to hold, play and feel the folds. We taught the traditional crane, tulip, leaf, boat, flapping bird and talked about the names of the folds.
Towards the end of the workshop, we were asked to give 45 minutes to the visually challenged students who came over as visitors. This was the most challenging part of my teaching. I was at a loss for words and had to reframe each of my sentences in my mind before I spoke. My sympathy towards them changed into admiration within ten minutes. It was amazing to see how sharp their hearing and touch skills were and within minutes we became comfortable and started folding. This was an eye opener experience for me. 11th November is celebrated as World Origami Day and there could be no better tribute towards this meditative art than to share it with everyone.
Must have been an Unbelievable experience for the teachers and the student’s
Incredible indeed!
These special children surpass our expectations!
We need to interact with them more
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures.
Wow indeed a great initiative by the Origami Oritai club ! After interacting with persons with disabilities we realise that how we are always cribbing for small things and how courageous they are overcoming their limitations !!