"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#craftsmanship

Positive Reads

Sole Story: Vijayapura's Skilled Artisans Keep Traditional Leather Chappals Alive

Vijayapura, a city in Karnataka known for its rich cultural heritage, is home to a dwindling community of traditional leather craftsmen who are keeping the art of handmade footwear alive. These skilled artisans, known as the Saptalkar family, are renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Basavaraj Saptalkar, a fourth-generation cobbler, passionately crafts each pair of traditional leather chappals by hand. He ensures that every step of the production process is executed with precision, resulting in identical chappals with intricate designs. The footwear is made from pure leather and features traditional patterns. These chappals, popularly known as 'Kera' or 'Mettu' in colloquial language, are highly sought after by farmers and shepherds due to their durability and ruggedness. The heavier variants, designed with thick soles and nails, are specifically tailored for traversing rough terrains. Surprisingly, these traditional chappals have also caught the attention of fashion-conscious youngsters, who find them attractive and unique. However, the Saptalkar family faces challenges due to a shortage of skilled labor. Despite growing demand, there are only a handful of craftsmen left in the district who continue this traditional occupation. The younger generation seems less inclined towards the labor-intensive work that requires patience and skill. Nevertheless, these artisans are determined to preserve their craft. With efforts from organizations like the Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Corporation, they aim to promote the local brand and provide training opportunities to interested individuals.

16 Oct 2023
Positive Reads

Majestic Marvel in the Desert: This Girl's School Redefines Architectural Brilliance

In the enchanting Thar Desert, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School stands as an amazing creation, seamlessly blending with its arid surroundings. Designed by Diana Kellogg Architects, this awe-inspiring structure symbolizes a beacon of knowledge and education in the remote Kanori community near Jaisalmer. At the heart of this architectural masterpiece lies a sanctuary for young girls to pursue their dreams. In a province like Rajasthan, where the literacy rate barely reaches 32%, this school aims to empower young girls and their mothers, providing them with a brighter future while promoting sustainability. The visionary behind this exclusive initiative is Michael Daube, the founder of CITTA, who recognized the importance of granting the girls of rural Jaisalmer their fundamental right to education. Collaborating with the iconic architect Diana Kellogg, based in the United States, Daube embarked on this challenging project, overseeing its inception and completion. Crafted to withstand the extreme desert temperatures, the school incorporates innovative technologies that automatically regulate overheating, enabling it to endure scorching temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius, while keeping the premises cool. Kellogg conceived a stunning oval arcade which symbolizes the universal emblem of femininity, representing an infinity sign giving birth to an egg-like form. Covering an area of almost 9,000 square feet, the school features a curved design crafted by local craftsmen, who happen to be the fathers of the girls themselves. The entire structure, along with its architectural elements, has been carved from locally sourced yellow sandstone. With a focus on sustainability, rainwater harvesting techniques were implemented, and a rooftop solar canopy provides electricity for the building, further enhancing its sustainability. The fort-like structure of the school amidst the barren desert encompasses three impressive elliptical elements. The massive outer wall forms the backbone of the building, while an inner wall surrounds the classrooms and other areas, enclosing a central courtyard. Perforated sandstone walls protect the school premises from the scorching sun and desert dust, creating a shaded and clean courtyard where the girls can play even during the hot summer months. The interior of the classrooms exude warmth, with beige wooden doors, chocolate brown boards, and furniture that perfectly complements the overall design. Recessed circular spaces within the walls serve as artistic architectural elements, doubling as seating areas and leisure nooks for the girls. To add a touch of elegance to the school uniforms, renowned designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee drew inspiration from the intricate and enigmatic patterns of Ajrakh woodblock prints. The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School represents a promising future for underprivileged girls and women in rural Jaisalmer. It serves as an architectural splendor in rural India, inspiring future projects aimed at empowering communities through education. 

26 Jun 2023
Positive Reads

Wanderlust

Harmony in Stone: The Mystical Musical Pillars of Vittala Temple in Hampi

Welcome to Hampi, an amazing historical site in Karnataka that captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring architecture and rich heritage. Among the numerous magnificent structures, the Vittala Temple stands as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity of the Vijayanagara Empire. Within this temple, an extraordinary marvel awaits: the musical pillars known as Sa, Re, Ga, and Ma pillars. Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the Vittala Temple beckons travelers from around the world to behold its grandeur. While Hampi boasts other remarkable stone structures, such as the stone chariot, the Goddess's shrine, and the pillared cloisters, it is the temple that remains the focal point of interest.  Stretching over 25 square kilometers, Hampi offers an unforgettable experience to history enthusiasts, archaeology buffs, architecture aficionados, and religious seekers alike. However, it is the Vittala Temple that truly steals the show with its Dravidian-style architecture and the sheer dedication of the sculptors who transformed colossal chunks of stone into masterpieces. Upon entering the temple's rectangular enclosure, one cannot miss the main attraction: the magnificent Mahamantapa, or the Great Hall. Inside the Mahamantapa, one encounters the enchanting fifty-six musical pillars, towering at a height of 3.6 meters, each meticulously carved out of solid granite.  Striking these pillars gently produces musical notes, akin to various Indian classical instruments like the mridangam, tabla, and veena. The mystery of how these pillars, made of the same material, create different sounds has perplexed scholars and scientists for centuries. Even the British, in their attempt to unravel the secret, resorted to cutting the pillars, but to no avail. The pillars remained solid rock, with no alteration in height, weight, or diameter to account for the diverse sounds they produced. The enchantment of the musical pillars continues to intrigue visitors, although tapping them is now prohibited to preserve their delicate state. In 2006–07, scientists from the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research conducted a scientific investigation into the acoustic properties of the musical columns. Their findings revealed that the pillars exhibited a typical granite microstructure and were solid shafts. The correlation of the sounds produced with various musical instruments only deepens the fascination surrounding these pillars. As you explore the Vittala Temple and its musical pillars, prepare to be transported back in time, where the wonders of art and engineering intertwine harmoniously. Hampi's timeless allure, encapsulated within the Vittala Temple, promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking a deeper connection with history and the mysteries it holds.

23 May 2023
Wanderlust

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