In a stunning display of dedication and artistry, Guinness World Record holder Ravi Kumar Toleti unveiled a magnificent origami portrait of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Tirumalagiri. This extraordinary artwork, measuring 7.5 feet by 12 feet, was crafted with more than 40,500 intricate paper folds, marking a historic milestone in the field of art and devotion.
A Vision Realized After Two Decades
Ravi Kumar Toleti’s journey with this masterpiece began as an idea in 2002. However, it was in 2021 that he finally set his heart and hands to the task. Over four years, he dedicated countless hours after school, during holidays, and on leave days, meticulously working on each fold.
“My dream is to see this origami portrait installed at Lord Venkateswara’s sacred temple in Tirumala,” shared Toleti, reflecting on his remarkable journey of passion and perseverance.
Each unit of the artwork was folded with 15 precise creases, carefully interlocked without adhesives. The grand image was divided into nearly 40 sections, with each part meticulously colored using sketch pens before being mounted on paper cards. The final assembly was framed elegantly with teak wood and glass, resulting in a breathtaking depiction of Lord Venkateswara.
The Role of Origami in Modern Education and Innovation
Once seen merely as a decorative art, origami today is widely recognized for its applications in mathematics, engineering, space exploration, and medical sciences. Ravi Kumar Toleti’s work highlights how ancient techniques can blend seamlessly with modern educational and scientific practices.
To encourage learning through creativity, Toleti launched a YouTube channel during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Mathematics through Origami – Ravi Kumar Toleti
This platform offers DIY tutorials that simplify mathematical and scientific concepts using the beauty and precision of paper folding.
About Ravi Kumar Toleti: A Life Dedicated to Origami and Teaching
A respected educator at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ravi Kumar Toleti began his journey into origami in 1988, inspired by a book authored by renowned origami artist Paul Jackson. His passion soon evolved into a powerful educational tool that helped students express complex ideas creatively.
His first origami creation, a home poster crafted over 32 years ago, remains perfectly preserved, symbolizing his enduring craftsmanship.
Throughout his illustrious career, Toleti has received numerous accolades:
Innovations Award from NCERT (2002)
KVS Incentive Award (2004)
National Award for Teachers — President’s Award (2005)
KVS National Innovation Awards (2012, 2019)
Guinness World Record for the largest display of origami peacocks (2022)
In addition, he has served as a Master Resource Person for the Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi, since 1995 and contributed scholarly articles to NCERT and the Indian Science Writing Association.
A Lasting Legacy in Origami and Education
With his latest origami tribute to Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Ravi Kumar Toleti has once again proven that with passion, perseverance, and precision, ancient arts can continue to inspire the modern world. His work not only showcases artistic brilliance but also promotes origami as a powerful tool for education and innovation.
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