Draft:ORIGAMI IN BENGAL

Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, dating back centuries. It involves transforming a flat sheet of paper into a three-dimensional sculpture through intricate folding techniques, without the use of cutting or adhesives. Origami is often regarded as a fusion of art, geometry, and puzzle-solving, showcasing both aesthetic beauty and mathematical precision.

Journey of paper in Bengal

The history of paper in India dates back to the 12th century AD. The country's first known paper mill was established in Kashmir during the 14th century under the reign of Sultan Zayn-al-Abidin. In Bengal, the advent of machine-made paper began in 1812 with the establishment of India's first mechanized paper production facility in Serampore, West Bengal.

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Prominent Origamists of Bengal

Several individuals have played a significant role in shaping and popularizing origami in Bengal. Their contributions range from mathematical innovations to artistic creations and educational outreach.

Dwijendranath Tagore ^{(1840–1926)}

A pioneering mathematician from the renowned Tagore family of Kolkata, Dwijendranath Tagore developed a unique branch of mathematics called "Boxmetry," which focused on designing boxes from paper. He was the elder brother of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

Sailendranath Mukherjee ^{(1930–2017)}

A bookseller by profession, Sailendranath Mukherjee was a polymath with a deep passion for origami. He designed approximately 500 origami models and published a handwritten origami magazine in the 1970s. He founded The Indian Origamist, Bengal's oldest origami group. Reluctant to promote his work, his student Jayanta Barua compiled and published his creations posthumously in the book Origami Path (2019).

Samiran Acharya

A magician and ventriloquist, Samiran Acharya authored the first Bangla book on origami, Bhaj Kori Anonde ("Folding with Joy"), in 1977. He conducted numerous origami workshops, both within and outside Bengal, and was a close associate of Sailendranath Mukherjee.

Narayan Sanyal (1923–2005)

A distinguished author and engineer, Narayan Sanyal wrote extensively on various subjects, including origami. His book Origami gained widespread popularity and helped introduce the art to a broader audience in Bengal.

Pradip Datta (b. 1954)

A versatile artist, Pradip Datta co-authored the book Origami: Kagoj Bhanjer Khela ("Origami: The Game of Paper Folding") with Narayan Sanyal, furthering the documentation of origami in Bengal.

Bipradas Chatterjee (b. 1954)

An experienced origamist from Howrah, Bipradas Chatterjee has contributed significantly to origami in Bengal. His book Origami, published in 2021, showcases his original designs.

Subash Karmakar (b. 1957)

Although primarily a magician, Subash Karmakar has made notable contributions to origami. A student of Sailendranath Mukherjee, he founded the Origami Study Circle and won an international origami competition in 1988.

Biswajit Chandra (b. 1952)

A veteran origamist and disciple of Sailendranath Mukherjee, Biswajit Chandra has participated in various origami exhibitions and competitions, promoting the art form across Bengal.

Sima Mukherjee (b. 1961)

A retired government college librarian, Sima Mukherjee has been instrumental in popularizing origami. Having learned from Bipradas Chatterjee and Pradip Datta, she has actively participated in exhibitions at the Academy of Fine Arts.

Asaduzzaman Rup (b. 1984)

A visual artist and sculptor from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Asaduzzaman Rup is known for his expertise in origami installation art, blending traditional folding techniques with contemporary artistic expression.

Nahiyan Nafis (b. 2004)

A young origami artist from Bangladesh, Nahiyan Nafis has designed several original models. A junior member of OrigamiUSA, he participated in their annual examination in New York in 2017.

Monojit Chatterjee

A programming engineer and manga enthusiast, Monojit Chatterjee founded the Kolkata Origami Centre in 2012. In 2015, he participated in an origami exhibition in Tokyo, where he showcased his own models.

Chiroranjan Bose (b. 1974)

A dedicated origami artist, Chiroranjan Bose was introduced to origami through the works of Narayan Sanyal and Pradip Datta. In 2012, he further honed his skills under Sensei Kazuo Kobayashi, former chairman of the International Origami Centre. As the current coordinator of the Kolkata Origami Centre, he authored Banglar Origami in 2022, the first comprehensive documentation of Bengal's paper-folding culture.

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Books on Origami in Bangla

Several books have been written in Bangla to document and promote the art of origami in Bengal. These works have played a crucial role in popularizing paper folding among enthusiasts and learners.

• "Bhaj Kori Anonde" – Written by Samiran Acharya and published in 1977, this was the first book on origami in the Bengali language.
• "Origami" – Authored by Narayan Sanyal, this book was later revised and expanded into "Origami Kagoj Bhanjer Khela", co-authored with Pradip Datta and published in 2003.
• "Origami Kagoj Bhanjer Khela" – Written by Prabir Sen and published in 1985, this book further explored the creative aspects of origami.
• "Origami" – Authored by Bipradas Chatterjee and published in 2021, this book presents a collection of original origami models.
• "Origami Path" – A posthumous compilation of Sailendranath Mukherjee's works, published by his student Late Jayanta Barua in 2019.
• "Banglar Origami" – Written by Chiroranjan Bose and published in 2022, this book serves as the first documented study of the history and culture of origami in Bengal.

Origami Organizations in Bengal

Several organizations in Bengal have played a pivotal role in promoting origami through workshops, exhibitions, and educational initiatives.

• Indian Origamist (Founded by Sailendranath Mukherjee) – Established in the 1970s, Indian Origamist actively organized exhibitions and workshops in and around Kolkata. After a period of dormancy since 2009, the organization was revived in 2024 to resume its activities in origami education and outreach.
• Indian Origami Center (Founded by Bipradas Chatterjee) – Based in Howrah, this organization serves as a training hub for young paper folders, fostering the next generation of origami enthusiasts.
• Amra Kojon (Founded by Pradip Datta) – A creative space nurturing artists across various disciplines, including origami, providing a platform for experimentation and learning.
• Kolkata Origami Center (Founded by Monojit Chatterjee) – The youngest origami organization in Bengal, it has conducted numerous workshops in orphanages, old-age homes, schools for the visually impaired, and art galleries. It has also collaborated with the Japanese Consulate in Kolkata to promote the art of paper folding.