of waste that manufacturing just a single garment could produce. Slivers of magnificent silks, quenching cottons in the hues of a sunset, incredible works of tapestry, embroidery, zardozi and woven emotions …all tossed aside in an ever-growing mound of waste.

Thus was born the idea of a Fashion and Recycling Workshop in the year 2003. Thirty-five designers from NIFT - one of India’s most prestigious fashion schools, were invited to attend an intensive five-day workshop at Upasana in Auroville.

Upasana provided a space that was creative, inspiring, and fun. A workshop like no other, it channeled even the thoughts, seeds and emotions of the self and propelled it to a new dawn of births. These thirty-five souls learnt to live and create with a zero-waste concept, barely glanced at before, in their world of abundance.

In a lofty room that lay witness to the silent mounds of waste on the tables, the group opened the bags with trepidation. Out of plain cotton bags came tumbling forth a chattering group of colorful rags waiting their turn on the magical carousel of creation. Needles and threads, scissors and visions flew as the designers enthusiastically breathed life into sensuous silks, cottons and woven rags of inspiration. They stared in amazement as under their nimble fingers, belts and bags, clothes and concepts were born in sheer glory. Like a weaver taking a thread and weaving a silvery moon-rise, the group watched in delight as unbelievable objects and creations slowly became a living reality. Out of cocoons of waste emerged glorious butterflies that flew into the waiting air. Tears flowed and gratitude poured as the workshop became a firehouse of ignited minds.

Living communally at the Tibetan Pavilion, eating together at the Solar Kitchen, these gifted youngsters learnt what no formal school could ever teach. Their seeds and memories germinated and carried their lives forward, something that Uma clearly observed while on a visit to a fashion show in Delhi. One of the students, who was well established in her field by then, had based her whole collection on this zero-waste concept. As she told Uma, her whole life and vision changed after those days at the workshop in Auroville.

Tsunamika, a little recycled doll was born in those five days. She is now an ambassador for a tragedy turned miracle for hundreds and hundreds of village women who have found a purpose and livelihood in creating little Tsunamikas that travel the globe. From a mere 500 they have grown to a million, symbolizing hope and awareness for our planet’s existence. In a ceremony that recognized this project, her creator broke down in tears at the sheer impact of this small effort worldwide.

Uma’s own efforts at igniting the mind, small steps that can take on the world were a resounding success. Her contribution to Auroville, reflects her desire to make a difference to the nation and the planet as a whole just by “planting a seed of inspiration” and this is what this workshop was all about and is what this workshop proved. The awareness that these thirty-five souls carried forth into their work and lives was a benchmark of what Upasana has to offer - an incredible bank of human wealth, that radiates from the self, to the nation and finally to our planet to touch us again!