In this episode of The Storied Way Perspective, host Rituparna Ghosh is joined by Nitika Arora, co-founder of Darwesh Heritage Walks, to unpack the power of storytelling in reimagining and reclaiming heritage.

Through a compelling conversation, they explore how heritage goes beyond bricks and buildings to include oral histories, local cultures, and lived traditions. Nikita shares the journey of Darwesh and its use of performative storytelling to breathe life into overlooked histories, especially in urban settings where heritage often hides in plain sight.

Together, they discuss:

• How storytelling can bridge the gap between people and the past
• The role of community voices in shaping authentic narratives
• Challenges of engaging audiences with history in a fast-paced digital world
• The importance of educating youth and rethinking how schools approach heritage
• The potential of digital platforms to make cultural narratives more accessible and inclusive

This episode reflects on why history needs storytellers—to make it personal, participatory, and powerful.

Takeaways

Heritage lives in stories—not just monuments, but traditions, voices, and memory.

Darwesh blends tangible and intangible heritage through immersive, performative storytelling.

Storytelling makes history accessible by turning facts into emotional, human narratives.

Innovative themes and formats help engage modern, diverse, and younger audiences.

Audience participation is key—listeners aren’t passive; they shape the story too.

Urbanisation and time pressures pose challenges, but storytelling adapts to remain relevant.

Digital platforms offer scale, helping heritage stories reach wider, global audiences.

Sustaining storytelling efforts requires collaboration, funding, and community ownership.

Darwesh Heritage Walks, founded in 2013, brings Delhi’s hidden stories to life through immersive walks, intimate baithaks, and creative trails. Blending history, performance, and community voices, Darwesh offers a unique way to experience the city beyond its monuments.

In this episode, Nikita Arora—actor, theatre artist, and Darwesh's chief curator—joins us to discuss the power of performative storytelling and how the Discover–Design–Embellish–Perform approach helps reimagine heritage for modern audiences.

Connect with Darwesh | YouTube | Instagram

Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Season 1 of ⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective

In this episode of The Storied Way Perspective, host Rituparna Ghosh is joined by Dr. Shweta Verma, co-founder of Ginny’s Planet, for a powerful conversation on the role of storytelling, empathy, and inclusion in children’s lives.

Together, they explore the journey of Ginny—a doll and lead character designed to help children understand diversity, disability, and acceptance in a fun, relatable way. The conversation delves into how experiential learning, storytelling, and play can create safe, engaging spaces for children to explore complex ideas around identity, difference, and empathy.

Dr. Verma shares her insights on the responsibility of adults—parents, educators, and caregivers—in shaping inclusive mindsets early on, and the creative strategies she uses to make conversations about disability and diversityaccessible and joyful.

The episode also highlights the challenges of scaling inclusion initiatives, the importance of community collaboration, and how storytellers and organizations can come together to amplify messages of empathy in meaningful ways.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or changemaker, this episode offers practical ideas and deep reflections on building a more inclusive world—one story at a time.

Takeaways:

• The story of Ginny illustrates the importance of identity in play.
• Empathy can be nurtured through storytelling and play.
• Children are naturally curious and seek to understand differences.
• Workshops can create safe spaces for discussing diversity.
• Storytelling can be a powerful tool for social change.
• Adults play a crucial role in modeling acceptance for children.
• Experiential learning helps children internalize concepts of diversity.
• Creating characters with relatable stories fosters connection.
• Community engagement is essential for promoting inclusion.
• Collaboration among storytellers can amplify the message of empathy.

About Dr Shweta Verma

Dr. Shweta Verma, co-founder of Ginny’s Planet and the Ginny Ki Duniya Foundation. A passionate social entrepreneur and seasoned social work professional, Shweta brings over 22 years of experience working across mental health, disability rights, gender, and child protection. Through her innovative approach, she’s changing the way we talk to children about diversity, empathy, and inclusion—not with jargon, but with stories, play, art, and imagination.

About Ginny’s Planet

Through Ginny’s Planet, a social enterprise, Shweta and her team design workshops, storybooks, games, and activity zones that engage kids in fun yet powerful experiences. From summer camps at Rashtrapati Bhavan to storybooks being considered for school libraries, Ginny’s world is growing—and so is its impact.

Ginny ki Duniya Foundation- is hoping to start a library cum Activity center in Delhi. They are looking for passionate and interested partners for this (for space, running, design, and financial support)

Connect with Dr Shweta Verma | LinkedIn | Instagram

Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Season 1 of ⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective

This conversation explores the transformative power of storytelling in media, particularly focusing on the role of women in rural journalism through Khabar Lahariya, India’s first Rural Media Network. The discussion highlights personal journeys, the importance of amplifying rural voices, and the impact of female journalists on society and future generations. The conversation emphasizes the need for diverse narratives in media and the challenges faced in sustaining feminist media organizations. Join Rituparna, in conversation with Kavita Bundelkhandi & Priya Thuvassery from Chambal Media.

Listen in, to our first bi-lingual episode!

Disclaimer: There are a few audio jumps and translation errors in the captions. Listen in to the stories. It’s easy to fill-in the blanks!

About Chambal Media

Chambal Media, India’s first Rural Media Network, is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and marginalized communities in rural India. With a mission to create meaningful media from rural India, Chambal Media blends journalism, storytelling, and technology to challenge mainstream narratives and make local stories visible.

About the speakers

Kavita Devi is the CEO of Chambal Media & Co-Founder of Khabar Lahariya. A trailblazing journalist from Banda, she is the first Dalit woman anchor to host her own news show, The Kavita Show. With years of field reporting experience, she continues to report on special stories while leading a team of women journalists. The only Dalit member of the Editor’s Guild of India, Kavita is a TED speaker and a powerful advocate for independent rural journalism.

Priya Thuvassery is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and Co-CEO of Chambal Media. Her work focuses on gender, community, and environmental narratives, amplifying women’s voices through impactful storytelling. With over 15 years of experience, she has collaborated with leading media houses and directed acclaimed films like Coral Woman and City Girls. A Global Ford Fellow and Canon Cinema EOS Ambassador, Priya continues to push boundaries in independent filmmaking and media leadership.

Takeaways

• Storytelling is a powerful currency that can shape society.
• Khabar Lahariya has empowered women through journalism.
• Rural voices are crucial for authentic storytelling.
• Women journalists break stereotypes and redefine narratives.
• The impact of women in media extends to future generations.
• Trust and relationships are essential in journalism.
• Women tell stories differently, bringing compassion and depth.
• Sustainability in media requires innovative approaches.
• Collaborative efforts can bridge rural and mainstream media.
• Empowering women to share their stories is vital for change.

Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | Substack

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Season 1 of ⁠The Storied Way Perspective

In this episode of The Storied Way Perspective, host Rituparna Ghosh introduces two new podcasters, Shubha Das and Thankam Kuttikat, who share their journeys into storytelling and podcasting. They discuss their backgrounds, the power of listening, and the impact of storytelling on their lives. Both storytellers reveal the essence of their upcoming podcasts, which aim to connect with listeners through personal and cultural narratives. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping identities and fostering connections, especially in a podcasting format. The episode concludes with sneak peeks of their stories and reflections on their experiences in a podcasting bootcamp designed by Rituparna Ghosh.

About Shubha Das | Podcast | Kinkini Cheppu

From the clatter and clink of the banking industry to the giggles and guffaws of children and children at heart. Shubha's journey spans 17 years across diverse industries. This professional detour evolved into a passion for crafting unique experiences through a vibrant blend of storytelling, movement, music, art, origami, guided imagery and workshop facilitation.

A proud Malayalee born and raised in Bengaluru, Shubha has always been drawn to the rich storytelling traditions of Kerala. While she specializes in retelling folktales, she also weaves original narratives inspired by the customs and practices deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural fabric. This love for stories has now taken on a new dimension, evolving into a podcast that brings these narratives to life for a wider audience.

She considers herself a “story under construction”- always evolving, always discovering, and now, adding ‘podcaster’ to the ever-growing chapters of her storytelling journey.

About Thankam Kutticat | Podcast | Voyage with Thankam

Thankam is a Jolly Phonics and Grammar trainer by profession and a Storyteller by passion.

The name of her podcast is "Voyage With Thankam", where she hopes to continue the journey with her listeners, forever. It's for anyone who prefers listening to stories than reading and also each of you who just cannot find the time to pick up a book and read.

Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Season 1 of ⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective

In this episode of The Storied Way Perspective, host Rituparna Ghosh engages in a deep conversation with Roshni Baronia about the transformative power of storytelling through podcasting. They explore how podcasts serve as a modern storytelling tool, the importance of strategic planning in podcasting, and the emotional intimacy that audio storytelling can create. Roshni shares insights on common pitfalls in podcasting, the future of the medium with AI advancements, and the significance of authenticity in connecting with audiences. The discussion emphasizes the potential of podcasts for personal branding, business growth, and community engagement.

Takeaways

• Podcasting is a powerful tool for storytelling.
• Conversations can inspire action and change perspectives.
• Knowledge sharing through podcasts is essential for growth.
• Strategic podcasting requires clear objectives and planning.
• Intimacy in podcasting fosters deeper connections with audiences.
• Authenticity is crucial for building trust in podcasting.
• Vernacular podcasts are gaining popularity and reach.
• AI is shaping the future of podcasting and storytelling.
• Everyone has a unique story to tell through podcasts.
• Podcasts can serve as a platform for personal branding and business growth.

About Roshni Baronia

Roshni Baronia is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, certified Strategic Sales Expert, Author, TEDx Speaker, and host of the award winning podcast Ace the Sales.

With her passion for entrepreneurship, strategy, and audio content, she leads Done For You Podcasts at the sweet spot of podcasts being a tool for self-expression, business growth, and paying it forward.

As a full-service podcast production company, DFYP creates podcasts that empower listeners with Knowledge, Learning and Insights. Their purpose is to enable the founders, and thought leaders  share their insights, and wisdom, so that they can amplify their impact and provide value to their audience through podcasts.

Connect with Roshni Baronia | LinkedIn | Instagram | Done for You Podcasts | Ace the Sales Podcast | Indian Podcasting Revolution Podcast | Indian Podcast List

Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Season 1 of ⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective

In this engaging conversation, Rituparna Ghosh and Janaki Sabesh explore the multifaceted world of storytelling, delving into Janaki's personal journey from media and cinema to becoming a renowned storyteller and children's author. They discuss the importance of authenticity in storytelling, the lessons learned from children, and the evolving role of storytelling in a digital age. The conversation also touches on the ethics of storytelling, the significance of folk tales, and the impact of AI on the art of storytelling. Janaki shares her insights on engaging young audiences and the importance of listening in the storytelling process, emphasizing that every individual has a story to tell.

Takeaways

• Storytelling is a powerful currency in communication.
• Authenticity is key to connecting with audiences.
• Children's reactions provide instant feedback for storytellers.
• Storytelling can bridge gaps in corporate communication.
• Folk tales are a rich resource for new storytellers.
• AI can assist but cannot replace the human touch in storytelling.
• Listening is as important as telling in storytelling.
• Engaging with children requires understanding their perspective.
• Every experience can be a story waiting to be told.
• Storytelling is an art that requires practice and reflection.

About Janaki Sabesh

Janaki Sabesh is an Indian media professional, actor, model, storyteller, author of children's book, theatre and voiceover artist.

Connect withJanaki | Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | Substack

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Season 1 of ⁠The Storied Way Perspective

In this engaging conversation,Rituparna GhoshandSinjini Sengupta explore the transformative power of storytelling in personal and professional contexts. Sinjini shares her journey from a career in numbers to becoming a storytelling coach, emphasizing the healing aspects of narratives. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, the role of storytelling in empowering women, and the need to redefine power dynamics in workplaces. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating safe spaces for storytelling and the impact of personal stories in leadership and branding.

Takeaways

• Storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation.
• Personal experiences often lead to the most impactful stories.
• Women leaders need to redefine power and agency in their narratives.
• The system, not the women, is often broken in workplace dynamics.
• Creating safe spaces for storytelling fosters understanding and connection.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
• Stories help build character and connect people on a deeper level.
• Leaders should focus on their personal stories to enhance relatability.
• Artistic expression is essential for effective storytelling.
• Storytelling can bridge cultural and generational gaps in understanding.

About Sinjini Sengupta

Sinjini Sengupta is an alumnus of the Indian Statistical Institute and an erstwhile Actuarial leader turned international Keynote Speaker, Storytelling Coach & Leadership Development faculty who is transforming leaders and corporate teams with the power of storytelling. She is a 4 times TEDx speaker, an award-winning author and screenplay writer, a columnist, and a Distinguished Toastmaster.

She founded“Lighthouse” to serve her mission to bring hearts to work, using the power of business and leadership storytelling. Lighthouse was incubated by Goldman Sachs 10K Women ISB, NSRCEL IIM Bangalore, and I-Venture ISB.

Ms. Sengupta specialises in leadership transformation, women leadership development, data storytelling, brand and business storytelling.

Connect with Sinjini Sengupta |LinkedIn |Lighthouse

Connect with Rituparna |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Write to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Season 1 of⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective

In this engaging conversation, Rituparna Ghosh and Shalini Bansal explore the transformative power of storytelling in early childhood education. They discuss the importance of creating a safe and inviting space for children, the role of parents in fostering a love for stories, and the impact of structured storytelling programs. Shalini shares her journey of establishing 'The Magic Tree', a storytelling and early learning centre in Noida. She emphasizes the need for passion and patience in storytelling. The discussion also touches on the future of storytelling and the growing community of storytellers, highlighting the essential role stories play in children's emotional and cognitive development.

Takeaways

Storytelling is essential for children's emotional development.

About Shalini Bansal

Having gained exposure and experience in the US and India, she brings her deep passion and innovative style to make learning an enjoyable experience for children. As a consultant, Shalini has worked with leading schools to develop programs and curriculum for early childhood learning.

Shalini is also the founder of “The Magic Tree”, a unique parent-child center and reading space in Noida, which offers various early childhood development programs and emphasizes the importance of reading through storytelling. As a storyteller, Shalini is one of the founding members of the Delhi Storytellers’ Tribe and has performed at various eminent schools and literature festivals like the Gurgaon Literature Festival, Kukdookoo Literature Festival, Bookaroo Literature Festival, Kanpur Literature Festival to name a few.

Connect with Shalini Bansal | Instagram | LinkedIn

Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Season 1 of ⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective

In this episode, Rituparna Ghosh speaks to Natasha Badhwar and Raju Tai, co-anchors of the Ochre Sky Memoir Workshops, to explore the transformative power of storytelling and personal writing. They discuss the essence of memoir, the creative pathways to storytelling, and the importance of community in the writing process. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of writing, the role of readers, and the future plans for Ochre Sky, emphasizing the journey of self-discovery through writing.

During the episode, Rituparna introduces listeners to 365 Days 365 Stories, a series that gives you an intimate story prompt everyday.

Subscribe to the Substack Newsletter if you want to work on your personal stories.

Takeaways

The Ochre Sky Memoir workshop with Natasha Badhwar and Raju Tai offers an empathetic space for writers to practice their unique voice and craft personal narratives that are resonant and evocative.

Collectively we speed-write as well as slow-write to prompts that evoke compelling essays that are intimate, thought-provoking and deeply honest. As one sifts through memories, emotions and personal experience to connect the personal to the universal, writing about one's life can be a healing, joyful and transformative journey, both for the writer as well as readers.

Register for the Ochre Sky Memoir Workshop

Register for the Rhythm of our Stories Workshop

Read Ochre Sky Stories

Natasha Badhwar is a writer, teacher and film-maker. She is the author of My Daughters' Mum and Immortal For A Moment and teaches Media Studies and Creative Writing courses at Ashoka University.

natashabadhwar.substack.com

Raju Tai is a writer, facilitator, and creativity coach. Her poems and essays have been published in various platforms and anthologies.

rajutai.substack.com

Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | Substack

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Season 1 of ⁠The Storied Way Perspective⁠

In this episode of The Storied Way Perspective, host Rituparna Ghosh welcomes marketing, branding and communications expert Asif Shakeel to discuss the vital role of storytelling in shaping brand identity, particularly for small businesses and entrepreneurs. They explore the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and understanding audience needs in crafting compelling narratives. Asif shares insights on common mistakes entrepreneurs make in branding and the significance of investing in storytelling as a long-term strategy. The conversation highlights the journey of entrepreneurship and the power of personal stories in connecting with consumers.

Takeaways

Connect with Asif Shakeel | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | Kickhead

Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Season 1 of ⁠The Storied Way Perspective