Date: 30th June 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
The third session of “Katha: The Folklore Circle” took place on 30th June 2025, bringing together enthusiasts of storytelling for an evening rich in South Indian folklore and cross-cultural narratives. The session was titled “South Indian Folklore: From Coorg & In Popular Media”, and it highlighted the enduring charm of regional tales as well as their resonance in modern literature.
The evening’s master storyteller was Mr. Nitin Kushalappa, an award-winning Coorg-based author whose book Dakshin won the 2025 Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar. Mr. Kushalappa skillfully transported the audience to the verdant hills of Coorg, narrating timeless tales that had once been orally shared across generations. His storytelling weaved together elements of local culture, folklore, and moral wisdom, making each narrative immersive and memorable. Through his expressive voice, vivid imagery, and occasional humorous interludes, Mr. Kushalappa brought the landscapes, characters and traditions of Coorg to life, captivating audiences both young and old.
A special highlight of the evening was “Australian Dreamtime Stories & Other Myths” presented by Mr. Orson Passi, Second Secretary (Political) at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi. Mr. Passi shared the rich oral traditions of Indigenous Australia, emphasizing the spiritual and moral lessons embedded in these stories. His narration, complemented by reflections on the cultural context, offered a fascinating cross-cultural perspective and invited the audience to appreciate the universality of myths and storytelling.
Throughout the session, attendees were encouraged to reflect on the stories’ underlying themes of courage, morality, tradition, and the power of imagination. The interactive format, combined with the storytellers’ expertise, ensured that every listener could connect with the narratives on both an emotional and intellectual level. The audience also shared stories of their own, including a captivating account from a Coorgi attendee who spoke about the history behind the unique saree draping style of Coorgi women.
By the end of the evening, participants left with a renewed appreciation for folklore as a bridge between generations, cultures and continents. The session also provided opportunities for engaging discussions with the storytellers, making the experience personal, inspiring and memorable.
