The Bhopal International Storytelling Festival wrapped up its three-day run with a vibrant final day. Sessions explored personal narratives, comedy, theater, and live performances. Organizers and artists celebrated storytelling as a powerful medium for connection and transformation.
Emotional Impact Takes Center Stage
Renowned storyteller Rajiv Agarwal launched the day with a session titled The Art of Telling Great Stories. He emphasized the emotional core of storytelling. Agarwal stated that stories act as seeds of transformation. He explained that audiences often forget specific plot details. However, they always remember how a story made them feel emotionally.
Exploring Local Humor and Children's Confidence
Author and sculptor Jayant Gaur followed with a presentation on Bhopali humor. He drew examples from daily life and the city's social structure. Gaur illustrated the understated wit characteristic of Bhopal and how it resonates with local audiences.
In a dedicated children's session, Shilpa Mehta used songs, gestures, and dialogue in her performance. She aimed to foster confidence, courage, and a love for learning among the young attendees.
Open Mic Highlights Rural Life and Personal Journeys
The Open Mic event at Chaupal featured diverse voices. Storytellers from Satpura Unnati, Ranjita Kulkarni, Suteli, and Roshni Vyam's team shared their tales. Themes included rural challenges, personal relationships, and collective memories. Live drawings complemented these narratives visually.
Powerful Stories of Departure and Ascent
Poet and life coach Nidhi Kaushik presented Sons Also Depart. This piece addressed the emotional theme of sons leaving their family homes and childhood behind. Musical accompaniment by Sajal enhanced the performance.
Mountaineer Megha Parmar recounted her challenging ascent of Mount Everest. She described facing limited resources, personal fear, and societal obstacles. Parmar strongly encouraged young people, particularly girls, to embrace boldness and determination in their own lives.
Theatrical Performances and City Anecdotes
Local school students staged a play called Adventures of Tara. Festival organizers highlighted the important role theater plays in shaping young minds and encouraging creative expression.
Vijay Kakwani shared personal anecdotes about life in Bhopal. His stories included tales about his daughter Molu, his friendships, and his father's shop. Kakwani described Bhopal as a forgiving city that holds no grudges.
Grand Finale with Kathak and Valedictory Address
Performers Jyoti Pandey and Amita Prabhu concluded the festival with Suno Draupadi. This performance combined Kathak dance with narration to portray the resilience, dignity, and courage of the epic character Draupadi.
During the valedictory session, convener Aviral Pawar expressed gratitude to the entire team, artists, and partners. He stated that the Bhopal International Storytelling Festival solidifies the city's position as India's storytelling capital. Pawar called Bhopal the soul of all stories.
