Sakal NIE unfolded my dream

It is said that when passion meets purpose, magic happens. Today, as I sit to write this, my heart is filled with immense joy and gratitude. My 21 articles on Origami; the ancient and beautiful Japanese art of paper folding; have been published in Sakal NIE, a weekly newspaper specially curated for school students. This milestone is not just a professional achievement for me, but the realization of a personal dream I have cherished for many years.

Origami has been a part of my life for nearly four decades. What began as a curious hobby in my childhood turned into a lifelong companion that taught me patience, creativity, focus, and joy. Every fold, every crease, every transformation of a plain paper sheet into a bird, a flower, or a box felt like creating magic with my own hands. I always believed that this wonderful art form deserved a place in the lives of young minds; not just as a craft, but as a tool for developing essential life skills like concentration, imagination, and fine motor abilities.

Thanks to Mr. Samrat Phadnis, the chief editor of Sakal, Pune who offered me the opportunity to write a weekly column on Origami for children, I knew this was a golden opportunity to pass on my love for this art to the next generation. I wanted to make sure that my articles did not merely explain folding techniques, but also conveyed the joy, history, and benefits of Origami in an engaging and inspiring manner.

Each article that got published in Sakal NIE felt like planting a small seed in the fertile minds of children. I imagined curious little hands folding papers into beautiful shapes after reading my instructions; I pictured smiles lighting up their faces as they proudly displayed their creations to their parents and teachers. This thought filled me with deep satisfaction and a sense of purpose.

But this journey was not without challenges. Explaining complex folding techniques in simple Marathi words, suitable for school students, was not an easy task. I had to ensure clarity, simplicity, and correctness in every step. I also wanted to keep the tone light and fun so that children felt like they were playing, not just learning. Balancing technical precision with creative storytelling became my weekly meditation.

The response I received from teachers, students, and even parents has been overwhelming. Some teachers sent me pictures of classroom Origami activities inspired by my articles; parents shared how Origami kept their children happily engaged at home, away from mobile screens. These feedbacks have been the biggest reward of all.

And what makes this journey even more exciting is that; it’s not over yet! Seeing the positive impact and the growing interest of young readers, Sakal NIE still continues publishing more Origami articles in the coming weeks. This is truly heartwarming and motivating. The thought that I can continue to guide, inspire, and connect with thousands of young minds through this beautiful art form fills me with fresh energy and endless ideas.

Seeing my work reach thousands of students through the pages of Sakal NIE has made me realize that this art still has the power to connect hearts, shape minds, and spread happiness. I feel humbled and blessed to contribute in this small way to the creative growth of our future generation.

I hope that the seeds sown through these articles will sprout into a lifelong love for creativity and craftsmanship in the minds of young readers. And this, I believe, is just the beginning. Many more folds and many more stories are waiting to unfold.

Sakal NIE has done a commendable job by bringing the beautiful art of Origami to youngsters. I am confident that this initiative will help nurture creativity, focus, and imagination in the next generation.