PUDUCHERRY: Tsunamika, a mascot created in the aftermath of the tsunami, will be celebrating her 10th birthday on January 10, 2015, at Bharat Nivas in Auroville. The doll was created by the Upasana Design Studio following the devastation caused by the tidal wave in December 2004 in the coastal areas of Auroville.
The organisation ventured into social development focusing on application of design for social welfare. The project was called Tsunamika, involving fisherwomen.
A brain-child of Uma Prajapati of Upasana, Tsunamika is a little doll made of cloth fabric by fisherwomen who were traumatised by the catastrophe.
A symbol of joy, hope and unconditional sharing for the grief-struck women, she’s a beloved friend to children and adults alike.
At present, around 100 women make the dolls and Tsunamika initiative continues to grow.
In over a decade, more than six million dolls were weaved out and distributed across 80 nations through a global network of volunteers.
The Tsunamika storybook has received UNESCO recognition and was translated into German, Russian, Danish, French, Spanish and Tamil.
The Tamil Nadu State Board has included the story in the curriculum for Class VI.
The project became a case study at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, for Design and Social Responsibility where Uma was given an award for excellence.
Photo exhibitions, workshops, art competitions, handicraft stalls, dance, storytelling, live music and many other activities have been planned on Tsunamika’s birthday. A play from the National Theatre of Finland will conclude the celebration.