Reflecting on a decade of Maker’s Asylum’s journey evokes an incredible surge of memories, each a testament to our passion for making, learning, and community building. This rollercoaster of a ride has been nothing short of inspiring, brimming with moments that shaped not just our space but also countless lives touched by the spirit of creation. As we step into the reflective realm of 2023, the journey unfolds, marked by a symphony of moments that have defined, evolved, and celebrated the spirit of making at the Asylum. Wishing everyone another year of #makebreakcreate!
January’s Canvas: A Palette of Social Entrepreneurship and Making
The year unfurled with SECIP’s 5th EDITION, a collaborative credit-based course fostering social entrepreneurship and making. Makers Market brought together over 20 makers, filling the Asylum with art, workshops, and the laughter of a community. The BMW Foundation’s retreat saw 40 leaders crafting a regenerative lamp from local materials, symbolizing the fusion of creativity and sustainability.
February: A Melody of Learning and Recognition
Vaibhav and Richa graced IISC in Bangalore, presenting the M19 Initiative. The SDG School welcomed global participants, amplifying the collective effort towards Sustainable Development Goals. Maker’s Asylum found a spot in IAAC & EU Funded research on Emerging Reservist Cultures. Notably, renowned writer Neelesh Mishra found inspiration in woodworking at the Asylum.
March: A Crescendo of Collaborations and Creativity
The SDG School’s physical acceleration in Goa, hosted with UNDP, UNESCO, and The Better India, echoed with innovative solutions. Homegrown Street Festival in Mumbai witnessed Maker’s Asylum sharing a decade’s journey of community building. The Orangewood Labs team showcased their cutting-edge robots, a testament to the Asylum’s startup nurturing environment.
April: A Harmonious Blend of Leadership and Local Engagement
The leadership team of Teach for India immersed in a day of making at the Asylum. Unschool’s workshop for local Goan village kids painted smiles on young faces. Vaayu/Prana in Goa resonated with Maker’s Asylum’s journey, shared passionately by our founder. The industrious Orangewood Labs team served innovation alongside beers.
May: Sustaining the Craft of Woodworking
Woodworking cohorts left their mark in May, further enriching the Asylum’s creative landscape.
June: Nurturing Teen Talents and Unveiling River Watch
Innovation School‘s June residency saw talented teens sculpting their projects. The River Watch crowdfunding campaign embarked on a journey to combat water pollution through citizen science.
July: A Midsummer’s Dream of Innovation
July repeated the melody with another Innovation School residency, echoing with the laughter and creativity of talented young minds. Hosted SECIP 6th EDITION a credit based course in partnership with Monash, Atma Jaya, SMU, OP Jindal & TISS with 150 students from 20 nationalities focussed on social entrepreneurship and making, plus got featured in the CRED magazine – “Maker’s Asylum – Shaping Creators”.
August: Crafting Wood and Welcoming Perspectives
The echoes of woodworking continued in August, shaping ideas and perspectives. The visit of Goa’s IT & Tourism Minister, Rohan Kaunte, added a local touch to the Asylum’s diverse canvas.
September: Merging Technology, Creativity, and Honors
Maker’s Asylum mingled with hackers at NULLCON, showcasing the maker auto. The September Innovation School residency unfolded with more teen talents, while Richa’s recognition as Trailblazer among Indian School Business Alumni shone a light on the Asylum’s commitment.
October: Sculpting Minds, Drumming Beats, and a Frugal Day
Nahar International School’s students immersed in a making day. Make Break Create Jam and a frugal innovation day with Pearl Academy & Master’s Union marked an eclectic October.
November: A Decade’s Crescendo, UNDP Spotlight, and Celebrations Galore
A milestone arrived in November as Maker’s Asylum turned a glorious 10! UNDP India HQ recognized our work in social entrepreneurship. The month celebrated innovation, stories, and a decade of making.
December: A Grand Finale with Challenges, Noise, and Insights
The curtain descends with Royal Enfield Impact Challenge – working on creative solutions on Ghost Net problem in Goa, experimental noise concerts, PechaKucha on Art, Innovation school residency and insights from Niti Parikh of Cornell Tech.
In reflection, each month, each workshop, and every shared moment represent not just the passage of time but the collective heartbeat of a thriving community. The Asylum isn’t merely a space; it’s a saga—a saga of making, breaking, creating, and a commitment to continue weaving this vibrant tapestry of creation in the years to come.
#makebreakcreate continues to be our anthem, an invitation to everyone to join the symphony of making and shaping a future where creativity knows no bounds. Let’s continue the journey, one crafted moment at a time.
