When was the last time you spoke to a friend, a relative or a stranger without constantly looking at your phone? In this age of screens all around us, we often succumb to or rely on technology to fulfill our needs, but we forget that it cannot provide for you emotionally. While we have no time to listen to someone, we ourselves are dying to be heard.
Each person has a story, a story which is unique and at the same time, relatable. And these stories are not supposed to be buried deep inside of our souls, but the world needs to hear it, because stories have such power that can transform you, lighten your mood, make you cry, and encourage you. And if people stop the art of storytelling, we’re missing out on an entire life of a person.
Stories Worth Sharing is one such initiative, which strives to revive the art of storytelling. Himanshu Poswal and Mohit Munjal, two engineering graduates from Delhi, are the founders of this interesting venture. Travelling to Varanasi, they happened to witness a group of people who put the phones away and were sharing stories with each other. This image got imprinted on their minds and they realised they should rekindle this art among people. Something that started among their friend circle is now happening around the country, and they have successfully organised over 150 meet-ups.
Stories Worth Sharing made its way to Kerala on September 24, 2017, and hosted the event in Thiruvananthapuram with little hope, but it turned out to be a fantastic event. People were greatly excited about such a concept. And now, over 20 sessions are being held in nine districts of Kerala — Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kollam, Kottayam, Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad, Thrissur and Kozhikode — and they plan on extending this to many more places. To bring the state of Kerala together under one roof, they’re conducting Stories Worth Sharing – Kerala 1.0, India’s biggest ever storytelling meet-up, and the first ever state meet-up. It will take place in Thiruvananthapuram with the aim to encourage more people to share their stories with other people. “We focus on the common people to come and share their stories. People can relate to their stories which in turn will encourage more people to come and speak,” says Saroj Anilkumar, state head and the host for Kerala 1.0.
The event will take place at Kanthari International, Thiruvananthapuram, on January 12, from 3 pm to 8 pm.
Twenty featured speakers from different districts would be speaking at the event. There will also be a musical evening and many other activities. The participants can register for the event on imojo.in/kerala1
Every person who has a story worth sharing can make their way to Thiruvananthapuram and spend the evening with a bunch of storytellers for a night of music, stories and new friendships.
