Date: 21st May 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
The second Katha session was held on 21st May 2025 at 5 PM. The event was titled – โEchoes of Indian Storytelling Traditions : Edu-tainment 101โ. This event was an interactive storytelling experience that delved into Indian mythology and folkloreโranging from the playful exploits of Paramananda Shishyula Katha to the tale of the dwarf demon Apasmara, and the fierce saga of Rakta Beeja Asura. Each story was brought to life by the master storyteller, Ms. Deepa Kiran, founder of the Story Arts Foundation and an internationally acclaimed performer and educator.
Ms. Kiran, a multilingual storyteller, TEDx speaker, independent research scholar, voice-over artist, and writer, is widely recognized for her innovative storytelling that seamlessly blends music, movement, rhythm, and drama.
The first tale of the evening was that of Apasmara, the dwarf demon who symbolizes ignorance in Hindu mythology. Here, Ms. Kiranโs storytelling gained a meditative depth. She narrated how Apasmara was subdued by Lord Natarajaโs cosmic danceโa metaphor for the victory of wisdom over spiritual amnesia. The tale, though mythological in origin, was presented with modern relevance, prompting the audience to reflect on their own distractions and ignorance in todayโs fast-paced world. With the soft beats of her various musical instruments, delicate hand movements, and gentle tonality, Ms. Kiran evoked a powerful emotional response.
The second story introduced us to Rakta Beeja Asura, a fierce demon of mythology who posed an invincible challenge to the gods. As she narrated how every drop of Rakta Beejaโs blood gave rise to a clone of himself, Ms. Kiran skillfully tied the tale to larger metaphorsโof unchecked power, relentless anger, and the need for transformative energy. The story reached its peak with the arrival of Goddess Kali, whose divine rage brought an end to the demonic cycle. The intensity of Ms. Kiranโs voice, the dramatic flourishes in her expressions, and her rhythmic foot-tapping echoed the fury of the goddess and had the audience completely mesmerised. After each story, Ms. Kiran gave the audience the opportunity to reflect on the narrative and write down their thoughts.
The last tale of the evening was that of Paramananda Shishyula Katha, which took the audience into the heart of mischief and wisdom. The playful narrative, rich with local idioms and philosophical undertones, depicted the timeless relationship between guru and shishya, evoking both laughter and introspection. Ms. Kiranโs expressive voice, rhythmic chants, and accompanying gestures transformed the tale into a vibrant performance. Her ability to bring characters alive on stage ensured that every listenerโyoung or oldโwas fully engaged.
After the final story, Ms. Kiran invited the audience to draw a scene from the stories that had really stuck with them. The audience responded enthusiastically, coming up with various sketches.
Behind each story shared by Ms. Deepa Kiran lay a deeper messageโone of wisdom, courage, and the eternal struggle between knowledge and ignorance. Her ability to uncover these themes and convey them with both subtlety and impact is a testament to her vast experience and creative sensibility. Before departing, the audience had the opportunity to interact with Ms. Deepa Maโam one-on-one, making the experience even more personal and memorable.
