Used papers turned modish ornaments when craft enthusiasts at the Institute of Palliative Medicine in Kozhikode gave a touch of creativity to it. ‘Paper ornaments out of paper,’ a three-day camp organised by Footprints, the rehabilitation programme of the Institute of Palliative Medicine for the bedridden patients, became a platform to explore the productive potential of patients.
“Here, everyone is encouraged to get involved in the creative venture and dream up bigger plans,” said coordinator of Footprints, Jose Pulimoottil. The camp was led by mural artist Radhika Ranjith. “This is my third camp here. Earlier, I conducted fabric painting and bamboo craft camps. Compared to the other camps, I found this one worthy since the raw materials are easily available and cheap,” she said.
The raw materials include gum, splinters, thread, fabric paint, chart papers, newspapers, tissue papers and whatever papers available at home. According to the trainer, who herself is a busy artist, patience and a flair for craft are needed to produce fashionable paper ornaments. Exceptionally good anklets, bracelets, long chains, rings, earrings and bangles were produced out of waste papers at the camp.
“The three-day camp helped us enjoy the pleasure of working,” said Sidhique R from Payyadi Meethal, who was one of the most soughtafter construction workers in the city till his movements were restricted to the wheelchairs after a spinal cord injury. Aysha Bi, his wife, had never thought she could learn to make trendy yet eco-friendly ornaments when she decided to accompany her husband to the Institute of Palliative Care. “It was Footprints that encouraged my husband to lead a normal life. Every camp organised under Footprints instils confidence in him that no medicine can ever offer,” she smiled.
For 54-year-old Ratnakumari, the camp is not only a platform to learn craft skills but a chance to calm herself down. “The calming effect that we got from the camps is priceless,” said Ratnakumari, who was down with depression after her husband was killed in an accident. Vasantha Sunil, who accompanied her husband to the camp, expressed her happiness to see her husband sharing quality time with others. “Here we are committed to provide opportunities to the patients,” Jose Pulimoottil added when he shared Footprints’ plan to organise another camp for the patients in connection with the Onam celebration. To appreciate and help the patients, MSW students were also present at the camp. Students from Providence Women’s College and Devagiri College are regular visitors at the centre.