Ludhiana’s Jugaad Mela: Where rust meets reverie, metal scrap becomes sculpture

Ludhiana: An old sewing machine reborn as a sleek cruise bike. A guitar shaped from discarded bike chains. A fearsome anglerfish sculpted from scrap metal, complete with jagged teeth. These striking creations headlined the Jugaad Mela that concluded this week at Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, showcasing how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand.At the heart of this exhibition was Bathinda-based artist Kamal Kant, who transforms forgotten fragments of metal into one-of-a-kind sculptures. Kant's works stand out not just for their craftsmanship, but for their philosophy: that waste doesn't have to mean worthless. "Every piece of scrap gives off a visual clue—what it could become," Kant said. "Then comes the creative process: finding the right elements to complete that vision. That's the real art."Each sculpture is unique, dictated by the quirks and limitations of the material. "That's the beauty of it," he said. "No two pieces are ever the same." Beyond their artistic value, these metal creations are built to last. Kant has also contributed to public art, such as installing Gurmukhi letters made from scrap at a public square in Bathinda. "Scrap art can transform not just homes but entire urban spaces," he said.Kant, who holds a degree in business administration, now pursues art full-time alongside his wife, Tanushri. Passionate about passing the skill on, he teaches students—particularly those in schools and colleges—how to create art from waste. "It gives wings to their imagination and helps them see how discarded materials can be repurposed meaningfully," he said. He also trains youth in handling e-waste, though metal welding is reserved for those above 15 for safety reasons. "Art from waste is not just an aesthetic pursuit—it's a lesson in sustainability, resilience and innovation," he said.