Storytelling in our childhood years was fun, and it was our grandmothers who were our storytellers.
They never went to school, or if they did, it was only up to the primary level. But they had heard stories of mythology from their own grandparents and passed them on to us when we visited our Nani’s house in the village. Those days were filled with fun and imagination.
Over the years, joint families began drifting apart as children moved to different cities in search of jobs. The women, mostly homemakers, were busy running households and raising children. Their style of storytelling was different from that of the earlier grandmothers. Instead of oral tales, they read from books like the Panchatantra and moral story collections.
Gentle Storytelling and Its Effects
I am a grandmother now, but I still remember the stories I heard 60 years ago from my Pattima (granny). They remain etched in my memory, and I pass them on to my grandchildren.
Those stories of kings, queens, and brave soldiers were narrated gently, without exaggeration. When I share them with my grandchildren today, they listen with awe. There is no loudness, only soft, timeless stories that they do not find in books or on screens. And they enjoy every word.
Roadside Stories
I wonder how many of you have witnessed roadside storytelling—the ropewalk and street performances.
As children, we saw ropewalkers act out tales while balancing, and college students perform street plays on social issues. This was loud storytelling, but it carried good intentions and powerful messages.
Changing Times
As life moved on, the pattern of storytelling changed. Joint families became rare, and nuclear families became the norm. Grandparents often lived in villages or other cities. Parents, busy with work, had little time for storytelling. Instead, they bought storybooks for their children to read at bedtime.
Titles like Tinkle, Panchatantra, and Phantom became childhood companions. Still, stories like those from the Panchatantra carried more impact when narrated by elders—the warmth of voice making them come alive.
The Importance of Technology
With progress and technology, storytelling moved to another level. Many teachers and women began using technology to narrate stories—through videos or live storytelling sessions.
I too have narrated stories this way at times.
Not Loud, But Reaching Further
Such storytelling, whether live or through video, does not need to be loud. The intention is to reach more children and families. Parents who once felt guilty about not having time for bedtime stories could still enjoy sharing them with their children through these new methods.
In Conclusion
Storytelling in person has a special charm. The expressions, the tone, and the shared smiles create lasting memories. Online storytelling, on the other hand, lets storytellers connect with a wider audience and read real-time feedback in comments.
It is okay to follow any method of storytelling—traditional or modern—but the important thing is to never stop reading and listening to stories.
Today, storytelling has even become a profession. Many writers and performers meet in schools, cultural spaces, and open stages to keep this art alive.
Image Courtesy: https://www.pexels.com/@mikhail-nilov/
If you liked my blog, leave your comments below and share how storytelling shaped your childhood.
– Poornima Sivaraman
About the Writer:
Poornima Sivaraman, a vibrant 75-year-young retired teacher, embodies a love for life and creativity. With a passion for connecting with people of all ages, she channels her energy into writing across various platforms, contributing to anthologies, and sharing her unique perspectives with readers.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Poornima enjoys singing and has recorded numerous songs on Star Maker, showcasing her melodious voice. A culinary enthusiast, she finds joy in cooking and believes in living a simple, meaningful life. Dedicated to helping others whenever possible, Poornima is a true advocate of kindness and positivity.
