The Heart of En Madtidiya: My Nature-First Philosophy

When you join me for a session, you won't be sitting through a formal lecture. My process is tactile and intentionally messy—whether it is indigo staining your palms or the smell of marigolds as you pound them onto paper, we learn by doing, not by watching from the sidelines. This approach creates a space where mistakes are just part of the science.

How En Madtidiya Began

People often ask me, "Why that name?" It comes from my mother tongue, Kannada. When I started experimenting with natural dyes, I would constantly raid my mother’s kitchen for vessels and ingredients. She would walk in, see the chaos, and ask, "En madtidiya?"—which simply means, "What are you doing?"

The name stuck because it captures the playful, inquisitive spirit that drives my work. It is an acknowledgement that we don't always need a perfect plan. Sometimes, the best learning happens when we are just curious and willing to get our hands dirty.

Learning by Doing

I believe nature is our best teacher and a gentle healer. In my workshops, I move away from textbooks and screens. Instead, we use what the earth gives us. We extract colors from petals, turn waste into handmade paper, and explore the science behind these transformations. Whether we are hosting a 5-day summer camp for children or a one-off workshop for adults, the goal is the same: to foster a sensory connection with the environment.

Recognition and Craft

I am deeply honored to have been recognized with the MSME Handcrafters Award as a Woman of Inspiration. While the trophy sits on my shelf, the real reward for me is the community that has grown around this platform. It reminds me that handmade is more than a process; it is a way to handle, present, and create things with genuine love and dedication. I am not here to make little scientists memorize facts. I am here to help you ask, "What are we doing?" and discover that you have the power to change things.