World Storytelling Day: Why storytelling is important

As we celebrate World Storytelling Day, we cannot help but reckon that this ancient art continues to be buzzing and relevant today. What started as a means to communicate ideas, turned into an art over the ages and continues to enchant and enthral listeners over all age groups. The art itself has evolved from being a medium to pass on folktales and ballads of valiant kings and queens to stories that connect with the common man. But one thing remains the same, the stories that are the crux of all sorts of medium continue to engage, entertain and amuse all. On the occasion of World Storytelling Day we spoke exclusively to India’s favourite storyteller Kahanikaar Sudhanshu Rai, who has not only written and told hundreds of stories but also has a Bollywood sci-fi thriller film coming up that he has written
himself.

He shared 5 reasons why storytelling still holds significance in today’s time.

Compared to other forms of entertainment like films or theatre the beauty of storytelling is that your imagination is not confined to what you see on screen. The storyteller weaves a world and transports the listeners where their imagination plays the key role. As a storyteller
describes a royal courtyard every member amongst the listeners will imagine a different courtyard. When such a storytelling session is accompanied with sound effects, background score and lights on stage, the listeners experience something immersive yet wholesome and go back home refreshed.

Today we have Live Storytelling shows at schools and colleges. It enables the students to hone their imagination, it awakens the senses and prods the students to take up more creative projects. These young minds inspired by Live storytelling can now weave their own stories and go on to inspire the future generations as well. Once the students are able to express themselves, they will be able to win any future occasion where they need to present their ideas, and life surely provides many such occasions.

Live Storytelling sessions are also organized at corporate organizations as part of employee engagement activities as an alternative to other boring activities. Now one may wonder why is that happening in a formal organization? Well, the world of stories enables the listeners to relax, calm down and take a refreshing break after a long and hectic day. As the employees immerse in the story, stress levels lower down to a great extent, providing them the much needed breather.

Another reason why storytelling is still attractive to a wide range of audience is because the top Indian storytellers have not let the art become stagnant. In fact they have taken it to it
pinnacle and the current form of storytelling is extremely interesting. With different medium to convey their stories, storytellers reach out to their listeners through YouTube channels, podcast, radio as well as live storytelling shows. Though the inherent nature of storytelling remains the same but the experience has evolved over the years.

Stories are an intrinsic part of the human race, as we always have a desire to communicate what we feel or share anecdotes that made a great impact on our lives. Laying the foundation for positive communication, stories are every where around us. Think of any thing that is being conveyed and you will realise that there is a story at the crux of it. Thus listening to stories helps one understand their own emotions, to convey them with the right words, and feel inspired to become great storytellers ourselves.