A New Wave

“That trend is fading away very fast,with the break-up of joint families,both parents working,hectic lifestyle and perhaps a change in preferences,’’ says Dr Singh. Recently,she launched Ek Kahani,a show on Panjab University’s community radio ‘Jyotirgama’ with an aim “to revive the fading art of storytelling”.

As per the programme’s format,she gets children and youngsters to tell tales in a fun and absorbing way. Singh is buoyed by the fact that the last three episodes got a good response from the listeners.

She says this week’s guest,Mitali Sharma,is special. Physically challenged,the 24-year-old will tell the story of a curious elephant who wants to interfere in everybody’s business and consequently,is taught a lesson by a crocodile.

“Bedtime stories have helped me grow into a strong and positive person. They have stayed with me all these years and I now want to give back a bit of this beautiful world to today’s children,’’ says Sharma. Her narration will be accompanied by audio aids such as sounds of jungle,gushing water,falling leaves and the roar of a tiger.

“The idea is to inspire the young audience to be good listeners and storytellers,’’ says Sumedha Singh,producer of the show.

Starting with one story a day,the programme will soon become a forum for children to come up with new stories and even exchange ideas,claim its producers. “Computers and television have changed the way stories were narrated. Now,everything that has to be said can be done in less than 140 characters. We want to change that,” chips in Priya Markanda,co-producer of the show.

Humour,personal triumph,joys,sorrow and fear — each story on the show has a human angle to it,and is inspiring too. Singh says: “We’re blending the old and the new to create a perfect package.’’ She is also looking for volunteers to participate in the show. Anyone got a story to tell?

Tune in to 91.2 MHz at 11.15 am,3.15 pm,7.15 pm and 9.45pm