A platform for activities

It is usual to join a club that promotes the hobby you are interested in. But what if you have diverse interests or want to explore a new activity? ‘Havyasa’ provides you with such an opportunity.

Started by Mahendra Pyati around 10 years back, ‘Havyasa’ initially promoted aeromodelling and ship modelling among children — among the earliest clubs in the city to conduct summer camps for these.

However, in the last 3 to4 years, the club has diversified to include any hobby that ‘gets your hands dirty’. Says Mahendra, “I was passionate about aeromodelling myself which was the inspiration behind ‘Havyasa’. But as time passed, I realised there were many more exciting activities that did not get the platform they deserved.”

This realisation led to ‘Havyasa’ opening its doors to gardening, baking, travelling, pottery, sculpture, block printing and many more.

The model works thus — an activity is decided upon, an instructor is selected and dates are finalised for the workshop. The organisers make a package detailing activities, cost and put it out on public platforms. Interested persons can register themselves and attend the workshop, the duration of which will depend upon the hobby selected. “We are introducing people to new hobbies instead of sticking to the usual ones,” says Mahendra. “If anyone wants to conduct a workshop, they are also welcome.”

Mahesh Srikantaiah, who has also been associated with the project from the start, adds, “We aim to provide a platform to any activity that will let people have fun. It is not just for children since none of our workshops have an age bar.” New pursuits, new faces, new skills learned- there is never a dull moment in ‘Havyasa’ and its members couldn’t agree more.

Says Soumya Harappanahalli, “This club is a great stress-buster for an MNC employee like me. I had always been creatively inclined and was on the lookout for some classes with flexible timings. I attended a clay modelling workshop organised by ‘Havyasa’ and it was a great experience. Since then I have attended many more events, volunteered at a painting session for children last year and am planning on conducting an Origami workshop exclusively for working women soon.”

Vinay Prabhakar, who met Mahendra on a tour, got interested in the unique concept after hearing about it and signed up as a volunteer for one workshop. “It turned out to be great fun and also a major networking exercise as I met people from all age groups and all walks of life. I continued volunteering after that and still make it a point to attend their workshops whenever I find time.”

Ankita Chamani was introduced to ‘Havyasa’ by a friend and after joining in for a group trek to a village, she was hooked.  “They showed us many things, which we would never see in usual treks. It was amazing. After that, I attended a session on terrace gardening organised in a member’s house and loved it too. Then onwards, I have made it a point to attend whatever sessions I can.”

For Ashwini Agrawal, it was the variety of hobbies that attracted her. “The activities are all very different and very unique, something that we don’t get to see on a regular basis like dance or music. Also, the people conducting the workshops are very skilled. The group has become like a huge community now.”

For Suma Vasanth, who attended a workshop with her children, the experience turned out to be as much fun for her as for the younger ones. “It was a very colourful, fun-filled event — educational yet enjoyable at the same time. On an invitation from Mahendra, I taught the children there a few songs and it made the session much more interactive.”

(The club can be contacted on 9880035516)