The second day of the KATHA National Writers’ Workshop 2024 North Regional Round 30 Nov brought a palpable energy to the halls of Shiv Nadar School, Gurugram. Following an intense first day of learning and exploration, the participants dove headfirst into refining their stories, pushing creative boundaries, and deepening their understanding of storytelling. Here’s a glimpse into the enriching sessions, collaborative spirit, and memorable conclusion of this two-day journey.
Blossoming Confidence – Swetcha Pershad
Swetcha’s once-shy students transformed into eager storytellers on Day 2! Many of her students, who had initially been hesitant, confidently came forward to present their stories, some even drawing inspiration from the workshop itself. For those still nervous, Swetcha offered a reassuring hand of support. Her mantra, “Write to learn, not to win,” created a space where students felt free to explore and experiment without the fear of judgment.
Discovering Personal Style – Sangeeta Pisharoty
Sangeeta focused on self-reflection as writers and individuals. Through exercises like “writing rewards” and breaks to “bribe” their brains, she helped participants build a healthy writing process.
A recurring challenge was that many students felt they were imitating the styles of authors they admired. Sangeeta reassured them that this was part of the process. Experimenting with different styles and genres would eventually lead to discovering one’s unique voice. She emphasized on the journey of self-discovery in writing, encouraging students to stretch their creative muscles.
The Joy of Experimentation – Anupama Jain
Anupama motivated her young writers to embrace failure. She said that artists often face more failure than success and that setbacks are part of the creative process. They form stepping stones for growth. Anupama shared her own struggles and writing process—including her habit of carrying a notebook to capture everyday observations. She encouraged her students to relax and understand the experience of storytelling as a lifelong journey.
Exploring New Worlds – Usha Chhabra
Usha encouraged students to break away from familiar narratives like the Panchatantra. They were asked to imagine unconventional settings—rooftops, jungles, even space—and experiment with genres like historical fiction, horror, and comedy. She emphasized the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to discover new creative possibilities. She motivated them to let go of external expectations and embrace the workshop as a space for exploration and growth.
A Tale of Collaboration and Celebration – Kapil Pandey
Kapil’s playful word association game encouraged quick thinking and creative connections. A highlight of the day was Kapil’s dramatic Hindi rendition of the ‘Pied Piper of Hamelin’, where he captivated the students with his storytelling prowess. The room was charged with excitement and joy as the children joined him in singing. As the day concluded, Kapil made it a point to personally appreciate each child’s unique strengths as both a writer and a person, leaving them inspired and motivated.
Building the Foundations of Story Structure – Deepa Kiran
Deepa’s workshop focused on the essential elements of storytelling—introduction, rising action, conflict, resolution, and conclusion. She also guided her students through creating vivid settings and memorable characters. Children confidently shared their ideas and drafts, discussing plots, genres, and themes with their peers. For those needing a break from writing, Deepa encouraged doodling and drawing as expressions of creativity in different forms. Her interactive approach and personalized feedback created a lively space where every student felt confident to express their unique voice.
A Shared Effort – Sonia Duggal
Sonia planned a very engaging session with the parents and teachers who had accompanied the children to the workshop. Parents and teachers enthusiastically participated in the discussion, talking about how the overuse of electronic devices are a hindrance to children’s cognitive development and that they need to engage more in reading and writing. She answered all the questions the parents and teachers had about they could do to encourage their child’s love for reading and books. Sonia also introduced them to the philosophy of KATHA’s books which follow the principles of SPICE- Social Awareness, Personal Leadership, Intellectual Growth, Cultural Literacy, and Environmental Activism.
It was heart-warming to see how much effort the parents and teachers had put into ensuring their children made it to the workshops. One parent spoke about how storytelling is an essential life skill; from a child telling their parents about their day in school to an adult giving a presentation at their job, almost everything involves storytelling in some form. A father shared how hard it was to put his child to bed after the first day because he was so excited to go back to the workshop. “It was like a creative dam had been opened!” he exclaimed.
A teacher shared how she and her students started their day at 4 am to reach the venue on time as they were staying far away. She was happy to see the children excited about learning something, which doesn’t usually happen.
One family from Nagpur had also taken a small loan to be able to ensure their child’s travel and participation in the workshops. It was clear the guardians had their child’s best interests at heart and were very excited for their child to be a part of such an opportunity.
A Workshop to Remember
The KATHA National Writers’ Workshop is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Over two days, the young participants not only honed their craft but also grew in terms of their confidence, self-expression, and collaborative skills.
This workshop wasn’t just about learning how to write—it was about discovering the joy of storytelling, finding one’s voice, and understanding the deeper purpose of art. As these budding writers return home, they carry with them not just stories but memories of an experience that will shape their creative journeys for years to come.
