In the spirit of remembrance and hope, a touching initiative is taking shape in India, aimed at commemorating the legacy of a young girl whose simple act of faith resonated with people worldwide. Sadako Sasaki was just two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. A decade later, she succumbed to leukemia, a consequence of the radiation exposure, and her story has since become synonymous with the fight for peace and the message of resilience.
Sadako’s journey of hope began in a hospital room as she tenaciously crafted origami cranes, inspired by the Japanese legend that folding 1,000 cranes would grant a wish. Despite her illness, she devoted time to make as many cranes as possible, wishing for her recovery. Tragically, Sadako passed away on October 25, 1955, having completed only 644 cranes personally, with the rest finished by friends and family. Her life, however, transcended her death, symbolizing a yearning for peace and the innocence lost to war.
Honoring her enduring spirit, the Cuckoo Movement for Children and the Peace of Paper studio, led by veteran origami trainer Thiyaga Sekar, are rallying children across the vast expanse of India. They’re on a mission to fold a staggering 100,001 paper cranes, which will voyage to Hiroshima’s Children’s Peace Monument, a poignant symbol of hope and peace located within the Peace Memorial Park.
Sivaraj from Cuckoo Movement for Children passionately articulates, “A piece of paper knows no boundaries, it doesn’t distinguish between us. It can transform into myriad forms like a butterfly, a deer, a tiger, or a snake, illustrating that every life is equal and has meaning on this planet.” He emphasizes that in today’s climate, where division and hostility seem to prevail, spreading Sadako’s message of love and unity becomes essential.
Thiyaga Sekar, a maestro of origami with the ability to craft over 500 patterns, has imparted his skills to hundreds of children over a span of 15 years.
. His current endeavor takes him to various governmental schools throughout India, particularly focusing on those among tribal hamlets and hill settlements. Launching his initiative from Sathyamangalam, Erode district, he aims to enrich and inspire children through the craft of origami in tribal schools scattered throughout the region. Collaborative discussions are underway with Narmada Bachao Andolan’s Narmada Jeevan Shalas in Maharashtra, signaling a broadened scope for this mission.
This initiative coincides with the release of the second edition of Thiyaga Sekar’s cherished book, Kaagidha Kokkugal (Paper Cranes), published by Thannaram Publications. Originally launched in 2019, the book is a celebration of the art of origami, furnished with 30 sheets of chiyogami paper and detailed folding instructions in both Tamil and English. This special edition will make its debut at the Government Tribal Residential School in Solakanai, Erode district, perfectly timed for Sadako’s memorial day on October 25.
As this heartfelt expedition progresses, Thiyaga Sekar aims to amass at least one lakh cranes, although there is no cap on the enthusiasm or support for this initiative. Sivaraj notes, “We invite children and educational institutions to contribute the cranes they create. The target of 1,00,001 is but an estimate; together, we can achieve much more.”
The participating children, along with anyone interested, can send their paper cranes to the Peace of Paper Studio located at Cuckoo Forest School, Puliyanur village, Singarapettai, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu – 635307. For further inquiries and guidance, people can reach out via 9677078360.
With every crane crafted, this initiative is not simply about honoring a departed soul, but about enlightening young minds with the gift of empathy, the unyielding power of hope, and the crucial importance of peace as a universal ideal. Sadako’s story transcends a mere historical tragedy; it stands as a powerful testament to personal resilience and the enduring wish for a harmonious future for generations to come.
