Bridging continents through the digital stage. I had the honor of presenting a specialized workshop on the Panchatantra for the Storytellers of Canada. Together, we deconstructed the five Tantras, tracing their journey from ancient manuscripts to the global oral tradition, and sharing insights on how to keep these "forgotten" classics vibrant for today’s listeners. 

An Award in Storytelling! Yes, you read it correctly. I(Laxmi Balaji) recently received the Emerging Storyteller Award with my mentor Mariella Bertelli from the organization of Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada (SC-CC), and I couldn't be more thrilled. This award is a recognition of my storytelling skills and potential, and it comes with an opportunity to perform a story at the annual conference of SC-CC.

This year’s conference took place in Sudbury from May 31 to June 4, and I was excited to share my story with fellow storytellers and enthusiasts. This is an opportunity to connect with others who share the passion for storytelling and learn from their experiences and perspectives.

What is Storytelling, you may ask….Storytelling is the act of sharing stories through spoken words rather than using written or visual mediums.  It is a traditional and ancient form of communication that has been used by humans for thousands and thousands of years to entertain, educate and preserve cultural heritage. 

Oral storytelling can take many forms, including personal anecdotes, rhymes, proverbs, riddles, folktales, myths, legends, and epics. Storytellers share a narrative with an audience, using their voice, gestures, and expressions to convey the story's characters, settings and emotions. The storyteller may also interact with the audience, asking questions or encouraging participation, making the experience more engaging. In recent years all around the world there has been a renewed interest in oral storytelling as a form of artistic expression, with storytelling festivals, workshops, and competitions.

One such organization is Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada (SC-CC), founded in 1993. Each year SC-CC holds a national conference across the country. The conference serves as a platform for professional storytellers and amateurs to exchange ideas, techniques and stories. SC-CC functions as the national representative for those involved in maintaining and practicing the oral tradition of storytelling in Canada. Storytellers of Canada – Conteurs du Canada is “devoted to connecting people, reflecting culture, and inspiring learning and creativity through the art of storytelling”. SC-CC encourages the participation of all people, by recognizing storytelling as a common root to all cultures, making strong, positive efforts towards regional and cultural inclusion.

I have always been fascinated by the power of storytelling. It is a way to connect with people, to share experiences, and to inspire others. Through oral storytelling, we can explore different worlds, learn about different cultures, and gain new insights into the human experience.

Sharing one's cultural heritage with others is a wonderful way to promote understanding and appreciation among different communities. As such, my future plan is to spread my culture and other cultures by telling folktales and mythological stories to the community. Through storytelling, I aim to showcase the beauty and richness of various cultures and inspire others to explore and learn more about them.

I am honored to have Mariella Bertelli as my mentor for the SC-CC Emerging Storyteller Award. She is an experienced storyteller, committed to the art, active in Canada and abroad. I feel incredibly fortunate that she accepted my offer to mentor me. Her wisdom and guidance extend far beyond the scope of this conference, as she imparts valuable life lessons about the art of storytelling.

I am grateful to the SC-CC for recognizing my work and giving me the opportunity to perform at their annual conference. This award is a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving and promoting this art form for future generations.

Clearly, storytelling is not just a hobby or a passion - it is a way of life. I am constantly looking for new stories to tell, new ways to improve my skills, and new opportunities to connect with other storytellers. The Emerging Storyteller Award is a validation of my journey so far, and it inspires me to keep exploring and growing as a storyteller. I hope some of you will join us in discovering and pursuing this enduring art form.

Article Written by: Laxmi Balaji