When Errol Pires set off on a journey to revive the dying art form of ply- split braiding back in the mid 1980s, even people with a creative inclination termed it a waste of time. Now, after years of rhythmic crisscrossing of chords, the art form may just get global recognition if the co-ordinator of textiles at the National Institute of Design (NID) is successful in creating a Guinness world record.

Slightly taller than the gentle giant's 6 feet 2 inches frame, the professor is creating a container of chindi threads made from strips of fabric weighing about 100 kg.

The product which he fondly calls container of joy, love and happiness will be a first-of-its-kind under the category 'ply-split braiding.'

"No one has attempted such a feat before and I am very confident that I will be able to pull this one off. I have started working on it and should take a couple of months before the container is complete," says Pires.

Adding another jewel to his crown, the NID professor has been invited as a guest lecturer at the 2nd International Braiding Conference to be held in Manchester next year. At the conference, Pires will be showcasing some of his imaginative works and the biggest container is expected to be the centerpiece of it all.

Stitching together imagination and creativity, tradition and modernity, Pires has made numerous artistic containers, approximately 25 stunning seamless garments and numerous horse belts.

"I used the two-ply technique to make a garment. The feedback was very receptive and it boosted my confidence. Though it takes a lot of effort to make a wearable garment, the process transcends me into another world," he says.

The reference to another world has deep rooted meaning. "In 1986, I had to cope with a personal tragedy. My presence in the institute was only limited to delivering lectures. But, braiding helped me get back, so in a way it has had a healing touch," he says.

Pires plans to showcase his works of 25 years at an exhibition in August at the institute. "I will exhibit all my products but won't sell them. I plan to open a museum in Vejalpur next year after retirement and will continue braiding," he says.