Nurturing a passion is like kindling fire to the soul, replenishing lost vigour and bringing a fresh change to our monotonous lives. Whether it's meditation, the pursuit of collecting stamps or simply a game of chess – our hobbies shape and reflect the inner workings of our minds.

For Mahmud Hasan Reaz, a student of Architecture at Khulna University, origami is a source of boundless pleasure, one that keeps him busy in leisurely hours. 

"Initially, architecture seems like a romance with forms and structures, but there is more to it than that; it requires effort, study and analytical skills" he says. "And what I find most exhilarating about studying architecture is making models." 

It's no surprise that for Reaz, origami is not just a pursuit, it has more meaning to him. His introduction to origami was by accident and fuelled with a natural inclination to taking up challenges, and Reaz was hooked. 

Making boats or paper hats was a big part of growing up for most of us. Reaz believes there is basically no difference between childhood origami exercises and ones that he encountered in adult life. 

"The folds get more complex in the advanced stages of origami, but through practice everyone can be an accomplished origami artist, irrespective of age," he reiterated.

Origami is Japanese for 'folding paper' and, as the name suggests, a typical origami sculpture is built up on folds without using scissors or glue. It is different from paper craft, a technique that may require tools. 

Mahmud Hasan Reaz is also paper craft enthusiast, a medium where he can combine his admiration for architecture while toying with paper. 

Many origami books begin with a description of basic origami techniques which are used to construct the models. The internet can be very resourceful in learning the details of origami and although craft stores in Bangladesh do not stock origami paper, similar results can be achieved by using common poster paper or 60g colour offset paper. 

Reaz maintains a Facebook page (facebook.com/vaj.binnash) where he expresses his admiration for the hobby by sharing images of completed projects and anecdotes. "Seeing a piece of paper taking shape into a sculpture in my hands is rewarding enough. And when people praise you for your accomplishments, the pleasure is boundless."

Although his journey through this medium has been short, Reaz believes that it has great potential, especially in engaging children in creative pursuits. "In our culture, children are expected to be bookish and little effort is given to introducing them to pastimes. It's high time we change that view. The television can bring about this change by airing craft shows," he said. Even the internet can be used as a medium for this must needed change.  

As we move towards a more mechanical age, the fascinating world of a task as simple as paper folding can work miracles. Just give it a try!

By Mannan Mashhur Zarif
Photo: Mahmud Hasan Reaz