ORIGAMI & IA Labor of Love by Ishan Bahl

If you love something, set it freeI would watch my cousin sit with a piece of paper

and with a few deft moves he would transform it into a bird… followed by a rabbit… then a cube! All that was needed was a square piece of colored paper for the magic to begin.

Fascinated, I asked him to teach me this amazing Japanese paper-folding technique and in no time I was hopelessly hooked to my new hobby. Learning from books and the Internet, I soon graduated to more complex models. My favorite shape is the dragon.

The word “ boredom” has been effectively struck out of my vocabulary. Photography: Shreya

Bahl

Origami has given me many hours of pleasure. I decided to share my love for this art by teaching it to children in schools run by an NGO (Non-Government Organization) in my community. I selected 6 such schools - APARNA TRUST, THE HAPPY SCHOOL, PROJECT WHY, SAMPARN SCHOOL , KHOJ & THE LEARNING CENTRE.

Teaching Origami was a rewarding and enjoyable experience. I hope I was able to give my young pupils some moments of enjoyment that they will cherish. I know I will cherish this experience for a long, long time.

Straight from the heart

THE HAPPY SCHOOL

Today is my first class. I am a little nervous as I am not sure if the children will enjoy this new experience.I see a smile on each child’s face and I know that this is going to be fun for all of us! I start by teaching them a jumping frog. They are very excited. Some even call me “Sir”, to which I am thrilled to respond. I then teach them how to make a heart and they are delighted with their work.

SAMPARN SCHOOL

Now I am much more at ease . This time I have a larger group of kids who show a lot of enthusiasm, which I find very encouraging. They are very eager to learn how to make a bird so I teach them how to make a crane. Many of them ask me for extra sheets so they can practice at home. This makes me very happy.

APARNA TRUST

Today I meet the most energetic group of kids. They are all trying to catch my attention at the same time, as they want to show me each step of their construction. I really enjoy this class, mainly because I am able to focus all my energy into instructing. I am very proud of the kids - and of myself once we complete making the boat.

THE LEARNING CENTRE

The school I visit today is located in a very remote area and there aren’t too many children. However, the size of the group does not matter as all the children work with a lot of patience. This experience is different from the others in the way that the only voice that can be heard in the room is mine. The children are quiet and engrossed in every fold that I make.

KHOJ

Today I teach children who have never had any form of education. They are a group of street children and it is very difficult to hold their attention. Many of them are restless and not very keen on learning. Instead, they run around the classroom and play amongst themselves. This is my most challenging class. A few are very interested and I am able to teach them with ease.