ORIGAMI

ORIGAMI, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding has

come along way and today finds its practitioners all over
the world and among all age groups. It is very true that
most people fold paper simply because it is fun, but there
is much more to this great form of paper folding. Any
Origamist will vouch for the immense pleasure and joy this
art form gives besides having a great therapeutic value.
The physically challenged have found a solace in it as have
terminally ill patients. One can also safely term it as a form
of meditation since it calms the mind and increases
concentration. It is simple in its approach and the only
medium required is paper, making it one of the most
accessible and inexpensive arts.
One cannot but wonder when one witnesses a simple
paper shape be it a square, rectangle, triangle, polygon
etc. transform itself into a symbolic bird, flower sculpture or
literally anything that exists under the sun- realistic or
abstract. The tools required are only ones hands!
This art is said to have originated in China and then
developed further in Japan. ORIGAMI the Japanese name for
the art of paper folding comes from the words oru (to fold)
and kami (paper). A finished Origami figure is called a model.
As a rule no glue or scissors are used. The method for folding
a model is called a design and drawing instructions for
folding the model is called a set of diagrams.
The technique consists of basic folds and bases developed
down the years and has now been given a standard universal
language. One can also term it as a science since principles of
mathematics are applied. The art has advanced to such an
extent that now one also hears of modular origami, 3 D
Origami where more than one sheet is used.
1

Although one looks upon it as an art one needs to know

that it is widely explored and used by mathematicians,
scientists and architects for its own beauty and for practical
applications.
For example:Parachute - they need to be creased in a particular
sequence so that they open up in the right way.
Mountaineering - The shoes of mountaineers are folded
and can be kept in their pockets so that they can be
replaced during climbing .
Landing of rover on the Mars - It is important to note that
any material sent from space to any Star it should get stuck
in the surface but they used prefolded balloons, which
were inflated at bottom. This resulted in bumping of rover
on the surface. After safe landing these balloons were
creased so that the movement of the rover was easier.
They had used the term ROBOTIC ORIGAMI.
Building Houses on Mars - Currently the research is on as
to how to carry the material on whose unfolding and
combing we can built houses and other structures on Mars.

ORIGAMI MITRA
ORIGAMI has a universal appeal. Paper folders are a diverse group of people
and their love for the art brings them together. Age is no bar anyone can
enjoy this art. Today there are many Origami groups in many countries of
the world. The groups have members from all occupations students,
housewives, scientists, architects, professors, professionals etc.
One such group here in Mumbai, India, is ORIGAMI-MITRA, founded in 1981
by the late Mrs. Indutai Tilak and Gita Kantawala. It has grown in stature and
members. The goal is to spread awareness and the simple joy of Origami to
as many people as possible. . Although it is based in Mumbai there are
affiliated members from Pune, Ahmedabad and Nagpur.
To achieve its objectives Origami Mitra has been conducting Exhibitions and
workshops down the years in Pune, Mumbai and Nagpur.
Some of the activities have been : Workshops in rural areas for underprivileged children in and around
Maharashtra
Visit by the late blind Origamist Saburo Kase from Japan in 1982 and
2002 to India
Exhibition with a special theme on Dinosaurs at Pune in 2003
Origami Peace Tree Festival 2006 in Mumbai where International
folders Tomoko Fuse ( Japan), David Brill ( UK ) and Tricia Tait ( USA )
were the Guests of Honor.
John Montroll (USA) , another famous Origamist and author too graced
our event more than once.
Several Origami courses have been held in collaboration with
Chatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya (originally Prince of Wales
Museum) , Consulate of Japan, Mumbai ,Bombay Paperie, Comet Media,
Bal Bhavan, Indo Japanese Association, Indian Institute of Technology,
Victoria Memorial School for the Blind and many more.
3

A regular feature of the group is the annual Camp wherein the

members hibernate to a place away from the city and spend time
folding with each other and sharing and teaching various techniques
and models.
Folding Sunday a new activity introduced over the last two years is
gaining immense popularity.
Our annual Exhibition is called WONDERFOLD and for this year of
2014 we are privileged to have Meenakshi Mukerji (originally from
Kolkota but now settled in the US) as our Guest of Honor. Meenakshi is
an electrical engineer and has done her MS in computer science.
She is well-known and has a respected name in the world of Origami.
She has designed several beautiful models and authored 5 books - each
a precious gem. In 2005, Origami USA presented her with the Florence
Temko award for generously sharing her work on her website.
She is also a member of Origami USA and British Origami Society and
contributes to various Origami periodicals and conventions.
This write up will not be complete without the mention of the
achievements of our Mitras.
Himanshu Agrawal
Specialises in Large Origami models and has set 3 world records for the
same.
Vishwas Deval - Creates Fabulous models especially Masks of famous
personalities.
Kamlesh Gandhi Has created the Ganesh model.

Origami Philosophy
Use no gum and use no cuts, but tuck it in or fold it out !
Oh! It is a beauty of Origami Art.
It is inexpensive , very creative,
Most innocent, q u i t e scientific.
And therapeutic, makes us purists, brings us peace.
It shows reality in delicacy, And simplicity in intricacy.
How curious i t is to a child!
And keeps us child-like t h r o u g h o u t o u r l i v e s .
Try it, become a folder,
Practice it and become h a p p i e r .
Absorb it and soon, You are a Philosopher.
Kamlesh Gandhi, Origami Mitra
So flexible ... so simple ... so humble. We are proud to be ORIGAMISTS
and to capture the spirit of origami in one line, we would just say:
"Look what two hands and a piece of paper can do!
-"~
Contact Persons:Kamlesh Gandhi
23876090
kamleshgandhi87@hotmail.com
(only between 11 am to 4 pm )
Padmaja Pradhan
24451769
(only between 11 am to 4 pm )

pvpradhan@gmail.com