Making of this kind of kaleidoscope using small shreds of fabric is no less than Sewa or service. When the artisan blocks out all other distractions and carefully engages in picking each tiniest piece of fabric, it needs a concentration that comes from single minded focus. Cutting, ironing, aligning, joining, recutting, ironing, aligning, joining are just some of the steps required for each of those many boxes to appear. One must assume humility while engaging with a process like this. And this softness appears only when the doer approaches their craft with the intention of service, Sewa Bhaava.

With Sewa, we have made each kaleidoscope patchwork. It is easy to pick the textile scrap and discard it before it even registers the conscience. It is another thing to look at it, and then re-look at it with a creative eye. When the design begins to unfold, it evokes service. Do the right thing. Do not look for short cuts. Surrender to the perseverance. Hold them gently. See them with beauty. Waste has beauty.

To give homage to kaleidoscope, I finished the other side of the stole with weaves from Tai Khampti tribe that are woven on their traditional loom using cotton that I sourced from Salem, Tamil Nadu and carried it in my backpack to these villages.

The first time I made the decision to carry extra yarn in my bag, I wish to assume that it came from space of Sewa too! The repetition of this act over years took away any ego that I would have attached to this act in the beginning years.