The Second Edition of Gaatha – Mumbai International Storytelling Festival 2024, jointly organized by Somaiya Vidyavihar University and the Mumbai Storytellers Society, successfully concluded on 20th October 2024. Held on the picturesque campus of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, with special children’s sessions hosted at Kitabkhana, this year’s festival was themed “Mukhauta – Unmasking Narratives,” paying tribute to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and traditional dance forms. Gaatha 2024 was a grand celebration of storytelling and performances featuring storytellers from diverse local, national, and international backgrounds, reaffirming a commitment to preserving this timeless tradition.
The festival showcased over 40 talented performers, including Heather Forest, Aparna Athreya, Mita Vashist, Dr. Gauri Raje, Dr. Ayswaria Wariar, Satyajit Padhye, Rosemarie Somaiah, Dr. Santushya Fernando, Aarti Jain, Usha Venkatraman, Rohini Ramanathan, and Shilpa Mudbi, Adithya Kothakota among others, across more than 25 events and performances. Highlights included sessions on Ghost Stories and the groundbreaking Queer Kahaniyas, a first-of-its-kind platform for queer voices to share their stories. Another notable addition was Gaatha-in the City, an outreach initiative that took storytelling to schools across Mumbai, broadening the festival’s reach and inspiring younger audiences. A unique art installation, designed around the festival’s theme, highlighted sustainability by using eco-friendly materials. It was created by students from several schools, showcasing their commitment to environmental responsibility.
The event was inaugurated by Heather Forest, Award-winning storyteller, Author and Musician from the US, Smt. Amrita Somaiya, Festival Chair & Trustee, Somaiya Vidyavihar, and Smt. Usha Venkatraman, Festival Director of Gaatha – Mumbai International Storytelling Festival, alongside prominent personalities like Shri Samir Somaiya, Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University; Dr. V N Rajsekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University; Dr. Urmi Thakkar, Festival Manager; Hema Subramanian, Program Curator; Shalini Bajaj Surve, Program Curator; and Dr. Yamini Shah, Program Coordinator.
A key highlight of the festival was the closing ceremony, where renowned author Amish Tripathi delivered a thought-provoking keynote address. His address captivated the audience as he emphasized the profound role of storytelling in preserving culture and history, discussing how ancient stories shape our identities and deepen our understanding of the world.
At the closing ceremony, Smt. Amrita Somaiya, Festival Chair and Trustee of Somaiya Vidyavihar, expressed her sentiments, saying, “I hope that each of us carries forward the magic of the stories we’ve heard, the lessons we’ve learned, and the connections we’ve made. Gaatha is more than just a festival—it is a celebration of human experience, culture, and the power of storytelling. I want to thank Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, for his constant support and belief in this dream of mine. Gaatha has been a vision I’ve carried with me since our trip in 1995, and seeing it flourish today is a moment of immense pride and joy for me.”
Shri Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, added, “As we look back on the legacy of Somaiya Vidyavihar and reflect on the diverse stories shared at Gaatha, we are reminded that our past shapes our present and guides our future. Our institution, founded on the values of education and cultural heritage, continues to evolve, integrating the wisdom of global excellence with the richness of India’s diversity. Storytelling, like education, bridges generations, and it is this connection that will ensure we remain rooted while reaching for new heights.”
Festival Director Usha Venkatraman, shared her thoughts, “The way to keep ancient traditions is to share it with as many people as possible. Apart from the impressive line-up of storytellers from different parts of the world, this three-day festival also featured a host of creatively designed events and workshops around the art of storytelling for everyone to engage in. The culmination of a year of curation with my team at Mumbai Storytellers Society both from a programming and participation perspective – encompassing a wealth of culture, traditions and style is heartening and a dream come true.
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